Team Austin Updates
August 23 at 8:55 pm
So as most of you know, it's been a while since I have updated the Team Austin page. I just want everyone to know that I have not forgotten about you and I thank God each and every day for the prayers and concerns!! I am truly blessed to have you as not only friends, but I consider all of you as family! Today was 6 months post-transplant and I went to Duke for the 6 month studies (Tests) and I am happy to say that the only thing wrong with me is that I have a sinus infection!! And my immune system is still not as high as everyone else's, but normal for a transplant patient!! All of you were a tremendous inspiration throughout my sickness, especially Ricky Ritter and the Ride Rank for a Cure foundation. Thank you for all of your help!! I will be going to Ricky's bullriding school in Kansas in November to finally meet him and I'm really looking forward to it. It's amazing to see so many people who don't even know me, give me love, support and prayers.
Last week was also my first week back to work in 10-months. Wayne Industries was generous enough to not only give me a job, but I have my own office. So thank you, Wayne Industries for looking out for me!
I was alot healthier post-transplant than the doctor's thought I was going to be, so I got to take two week-long trips to the beach. The first weekend in September, I will be taking my third beach trip with my beautiful girlfriend. I think I could live there!!! Lol
My life has changed so much since I was diagnosed for the third time in October 2009. It has made me really cherish the small everyday things that I used to would overlook and take for granted. Things like being able to go eat in public, or going to the movies on the weekend. Since the transplant, I have "rules and regulations" I have to follow to make sure I don't get sick, because if I do, I could end up right back in the hospital, and that's the last place on earth I want to be. For those of you who know my Mom and Grandma, they make sure that I stick with every rule and regulation that comes out of the doctor’s mouth. When I was first released from the hospital, I wasn’t able to do anything and everywhere I went I had to wear a mask. All I cared about was being out of the hospital and finally getting to live again, but I had to take it slow. It would’ve been so easy to break one of the rules, but you know nothing was worth being put back in the hospital. That was the last thing I wanted. I am so thankful for my Mom and Grandma, I don’t know where I would be without them.
Through all of this, I kept questioning God “why is this happening to me” and “if God loves me so much, why would he make me go through something like this”? I realized that even though it wasn’t something in “my” plan, it was in “his”, and everything happens for a reason. You know recently, 3 kids that were on the same transplant hall with me at Duke have passed away. My heart aches for their families. It makes me so thankful for my health. The small things that I used to take for granted like getting to go to the movies on the weekend, or even just breathing, are things that I will always appreciate. I am so lucky to have overcome everything I have and I thank God everyday for bringing me through it all.
To all of you who have said a prayer, attended one of my benefits, attended my bone marrow drive, or helped financially, THANK YOU. From the bottom of my heart, I truly appreciate it.
Thank You,
Austin
May 19 at 7:05pm
The pieces of my once broken heart are healing day by day as Austin cotinues to get better. He is looking so good. He took his hat off yersterday and showed us where his hair is starting to come back. He is so hoping the Dr.'s are right, about his hair coming back thick and curly. Everything checked out good in clinic Monday. He is off all IV medicines, and takes what he still needs by mouth. He has alot of medicines he has to take, but so thankful it's not IV. The doctor's also reminded Austin that he is still in very early stages after transplant, and that he still has to be so very careful. His immune system is less than that of a new born baby's. If it was up to me I would keep him in a bubble. Lol. I believe the the one thing mother's wish they could do is protect their children from any kind of hurt or danger. It's breaks your heart when you can't. In your times of helplessness all you can do is Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Trust me you learn what your knees are for.
The Lord has truely blessed me the last couple of weeks. Austin's first weekend home was on Mother's Day weekend. It was the best gift I could have ever received. Last Sunday was his first day back at church, and the timing was perfect because it was Homecoming. The only hard part was for all the ladies not being able to hug on him. He's so precious it's hard to keep from loving on him. The greatest blessing of all has been being at home and spending time together as a family. You wish you could stop time so you could always be as happy as you are at that moment.
Austin's wish came true. All the times he wished he was at home with some of his friends hanging out at the rodeo, spending time with his beautiful girlfriend, and driving his truck became a reality. If this is not the work of God I don't know what is. We praise God and give him all the glory. He's still under restrictions as far as driving and going places, but at least he has some kind of freedom. Pretty much anything he attends has to be outdoors, and he has to have someone with him at all times even driving. The side effects of one of his medicines is that he could have a seizure at any time. We pray this wil not happen, but there is no way of knowing if it wlll or not. We've made it this far, and our faith in God we believe He will continue to watch over and bless Austin. God does answer prayers, and Austin is living proof. Thanks to all of you and your prayers, Austin is doing as well as he is. We still have a long road to go, but we will win this battle with the amazing prayer warrior's he's got on his side.
I'm asking you all to lift some very important people in my life up in prayer. One of our broard members Tanya Gibson is faced with a every mother's nightmare. Her daughter Hannah has been having some health problems and they have just found out that she has a tumor in her spine. Hannah is a beautiful young girl that means so very much to our family. Every fund raiser they had for Austin Hannah was right there with her mother doing anything she could to help. Tanya has done way more than I could have ever asked her to do with Team Austin. She's been there from the beginning, volunteeing her time to help our family. Her and her family need our prayers. I did speak to Tanya earlier and found out that Friday they will take Hannah for an MRI at Duke, and Monday they will go to clinic at Duke Children's Hosp. Hannah was born with a kidney disease so you can imagine the trials this special little girl has had to go through. Lord bless this child and her family. I pray you will give them the strength, faith, and courage you blessed us with. My aunt Annette whom is very dear to us is having some health problems. If there was ever the perfect aunt she would be it. I love this lady with all my heart. Her and my mother are my role models. (This is my mom's sister) They don't make special aunt's like her anymore. Our thoght's and prayers go out to the Cox family. Tony Cox a loving husband and devoted father who is battling Leukemia. I spoke to his wife Lori Sunday, and I could feel the heart this strong woman is going through. She said that Austin has been an inspiration for her husband and has helped him. All I could do was cry. Today I did speak to Christine, and Breanna is doing really good. She was getting another 4 hr. pass today. Breanna told her mom to tell me that she missed Austin, and wants to see him. I pray they soon will reunite for he also misses his best little girlfriend. Our love and prayers go out to each and everyone of you. God bless.
Love,
Lisa
Corinthians 10:4 refers to Jesus as the Rock. He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. You can safely put your trust in Him, and he will not change.
April 15 at 10:27pm
Austin is slowly getting better. Their was no bleeding today, but he's still in quite a bit of pain. He is gaining some of his weight back. He's still on the TPN, but I pray he will soon be able to come off of it. The doctor's are trying to get things worked out for him to get out of here next week some time.
Once we are out of the hospital, we will go to the apt. and stay for about 50 more days til we come home to Trinity. We miss our family and freinds sooooo very much!!!!!!! We continue to take things 1 day at a time, and pray to God for guidance and strength. In his loving arms we will win this battle through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. God bless and have a wonderful weekend to our Team Austin Family!!!!!
Thank you, God,
for shining your light upon us
when all we see is darkness.
Like a child, may we be open to the many ways
in which you are present in the midst
of our times of despair.
Thank you Heavenly Father for Shining your light upon Austin.
Love and Prayers,
Lisa
April 14 at 12:22am
Austin continues to be in pain from his bladder virus, but the Lord blessed him in other ways today. My mom was able to come join us for our afternoon pass. We went to the apartment and fixed Austin another home cooked meal. My mom fried the pork chops, and I cooked the potatoes and bread. I had to get mom to put her magic touch in there because there is no one that cooks as good as her. Austin and I enjoyed every bite. That makes two days of home cooked meals. Wow, I bet Austin feels like some kind of king. A special thanks to my mom for all you do for Austin and I. No matter what it is she is always there to help us in any way she can. She's an Angel in our eye's and we love her with all our hearts.
I recieved a phone call from Christine, Breanna'a mom saying that Breanna was sick on her stomach, and that they had her in room on the transplant floor. We were saddened that she was not feeling well, but at the same time anxious and excited to see her. We walked in and saw a beautiful little angel girl sleeping. She did wake up and we got the pleasure of visitin with her and her mom and grandma. They all mean so very much to us. Breanna was still tired and didn't say a whole lot except when Austin stepped out for a second and she said tell Austin to come back in here. They are so precious together. Just like they tell each other, their best friends.God thank you for your blessings today.
Love and Prayers,
Lisa
April 12 at 11:54pm
Austin is doing alot better than he was last week. His blood cultures did grow a virus called Polyoma. This virus attacks your bladder, and causes blood in your urine. We probably all carry the virus, but with Austin's immune system still low he can not fight it off without the help of antibiotics. It can be very painful because it causes bladder spacism's, and blood clots when he urinates. Praying this will soon get better. The other bump in the road is the continuing nausea and vomiting. It's frustrating, but our heart is at peace when we take it to the Lord in prayer.
Now some good news. Our God is an Awesome God. Just when you need it He's right there to give you the faith and strength you need. The Lord has blessed us in so many different ways. Austin's cells are growing!!!! His white count was 2.9 today, and his ANC was over 1800. Praise the Lord it's like we finally see a light at the end of the tunnel as far as getting out of the hospital. If all goes good possibly next week. Our battle will not be over, but at least we are moving forward. All of you on Team Austin have been the support and encouragement we needed to keep on a fighting. God heard your prayers and Austin is improving, and for that I thank you.Please remember to pray for all the children and their families. It can be some tough times here. Praying for God to watch over and be with Breanna and her family as they as they continue to fight this battle. May God bless you all tonight, and all the days that follow.
Love and Prayers,
Lisa Reddick
The Lord is my Strength and my Song, and He has become my Salvation:this is my God, and I will praise Him, my father's God,
and I will exalt Him. Exodus 15:2
April 8 at 11:48pm
It's 44 days after transplant, and the emotional rollercoaster continues. Tuesday he got his first 2 hr. pass, and Wed. he got a 3 hr. pass, and got to get out and spend it with his girlfriend, Kenzi. The two of them had such a good time. Things seemed to be going good. Today the morning started out okay, then by night he was feeling pretty bad. The usual body aches, nausea, and to top it off he has a severe headache. Bless his heart I know his body is tired, and mentally frustrated. I know I am for him. The impatient side of me wants this to be over now, and my son to be healthy again. With all my heart I believe that by the grace of God he will in time be healed, but it will be God's time not mine.
Please pray for cells to Grow,Grow,Grow. Also pray that the body aches, nausea, and headache go away and stay gone. As I sit in the chair trying to comfort him I pray the medicines will soon take effect so he may get a good nite's rest. We praise God for the strength to keep fighting. God you know our every need and prayer concern, we ask for prayer for each of them. God bless you all!!!!!!
Love and Prayers,
Lisa Reddick
April 1 at 4:23pm
The doctor's have ordered Austin to take a nap!!! He needs to relax and let his body rest. We've had some bumps in the road this week. His blood pressure has been wanting to run a little high or go down too low. Physically he has not been himself. He tries to keep going and going, but his body has zero energy. Alot of that comes from him still being nauseated and not keeping food down, and not maintaining the fluids his body needs to stay strong. We are praying this problem will be fixed, for the doctor's have ordered saline fluid bowls, and they are starting him back on his TPN tonight. Another thing their looking into is changing some of his medications.
Austin needs your prayers, as he is fighting to regain his strenghth, and also pray for cells to GROW,GROW,GROW!!!! His sad and sleepy face breaks my heart. Things may not be as we would like for them to be, but we continue to thank God each day for our life, and for all the blessings we have been given. We may be feeling tired and weak, but our faith reminds us that god will find some miraculous way to comfort us and give us the strenghth to go on. I pray to our Heavenly Father to heal our precious son, please take the sickness and pain away, for he will soon be cured. No more chemo, radiation, or hospitals. Lord as I pray for my son, I lift all the children, and adults who are faced to fight life-threatening diseases and cancers up in prayer. We can only pray that someday we may be as strong as each of them are.
Love and Prayers,
Lisa
Dear Father,
I know that you hold me in your loving arms whenever life seems too difficult to bear. Help me to find peace when sorrow and fear have me in their grip. Through you, I know I have the strength to come through whatever pain I will experience. Amen.
March 29 at 2:19am
Austin and his family would like to say a special thank you to Archdale Soda Shop, and every single person that came to support our son. We were disappointed that we were not able to come. We will forever be touched by the love and support that so many people have so generously showed our family. I feel God brings us all together at the perfect time. I pray he will help us to love and pray for others, and to share the word of god with one another.
I apologize for not giving updates as often as I would like, but I promise from the time we get up and the time we go to bed, Austin and I walk the halls constantly. Their are times when he looks as if he is going to fall asleep while he is walking, but he refuses to give up and take a break. I worry about him so much because he is so tired and weak looking. I pray that the reason he is so tired and weak is because his body is trying to make cells. I can't even begin to imagine how hard this is on him. It is now 32 days after transplant and there is nothing he wants more than to get out of here. You know anytime you get toward the end of something it seems like it takes forever. As always you count your blessings, and in this case, you thank God you have your family to be there and for his exceptional sweet girlfriend Kenzi Reid for always being there for him.
Smiles on children's little faces seems to take away all the hurt and saddness. For example: Friday some of the Hendrick's Race Team crew members came to visit and brought gifts. Austin got to meet the guy that is in charge of gasing up Jeff Gordon's car when he comes in for a pit stop. Austin received things like gift cards, autograph pictures of famous bullriders. One lilltle fellow that loves to take stroll's in his stroller got a car with a handle for his loved one's to push him around, and his big brother that is also a patient got new Nike shoes, and sandals. It was a celebration of pure joy for the kid's. They also took the time to hide eggs for the children so they to could have an Easter egg hunt. Austin filled Tommy's and Megan's bucket's because they were not able to particpate. He made sure he got the one's that were too high for the smaller kids.
I do want to thank God for watching over my husband and son, for they made it safely back home from their long trip to West Virginia. The trip turned out to be a blessing. Blake won 1st place, Mark and I were full of proudness, and the most priceless was the words spoken from Blake that he was not fighting to win the trophy, but fighting to win for his brother that is in the hospital.
We enjoyed our day being able to see and spend time with one another. It is truely a blessing. We keep our heads up and stay strong, but I have to be honest and say that we want to go home so very bad. There are so many little things that I took for granted. I pray that I will always look at life in a different light than I did before. I trust in the Lord with all my heart. When it seems that a door is closing in my life, help to see that you always, have another door open. Guide me to keep my focus on you and to know that you are always looking out for me.
Prayer warriors please pray Austin's counts will soon come up and he will become stronger and be healed. As we go to God in prayer please lift Katherine Nance, Brianna, and so many others that are fighting these horrible life threatening diseases and cancers. Let's keep the prayer chain going. Prayer is free and we all need it.
Love and prayers,
Lisa Reddick
March 11 @ 1:25pm
Day 16 after transplant. Austin is not feeling well at all today. The antibiotic they changed him to seems to be making him nauseaed and causes him to have a bad headache. For some reason when he sleeps his oxygen level goes down low, so therefore they had to put him back on the oxygen mask. He only wears it when he sleeps. His oxygen levels are fine when he's awake. They did the kidney test earlier, but no report on how it went. This afternoon he scheduled for his breathing treatment that he absolutely hates. I pray he will feel like getting up to walk after the treatment. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you for your continuing love and support. Thank You and God Bless.
Love and Prayers,
Lisa Reddick
March 8 @ 6:07pm
We are now day 13 after transplant and Austin is doing well. He still has some swelling in his ankles and face. His throat does look better, but continues to be painful. It will at least be another 2 weeks or so before his cells start to grow. We pray everyday for cells to grow for the patients on the 5200 transplant floor. Grow cells grow!!!!! Today we went down for a science class in the activity room. It was so funny this little boy Terry was bored with the activity so he said he would like to make a bomb so he could blow up his IV pole. He's a character, you never know what he will say next.
Austin has been so strong through all this, but he doesn't always let me know how he really feels. My heart breaks for him because I know at 19 this is not where he wants to be, and even when he get's out he will still be in isolation for a long time. I know he get's sad not being able to go and hang out with his buddies. I just remind him that this is all part of God's plan. We are exactly where he wants us to be. He agrees and perks back up. Also Kenzi Reid, Austin's girlfriend seems to always put a smile on his face and gives him the encouragement he needs to stay positive. I pray the Lord will bless him. After all he has been through he deserves to ride those bulls, enjoy being young hanging with your buddies, take his girlfriend on dates, and get's the truck he's always dreamed of having.
Through Team Austin I pray that Austin can be an inspiration to others to never give up. We continue to fight each and everyday on our knees. There is so much we can do to help fight the battle. Please keep spreading the word you can make a difference, go to Be the match.org and help save the lives of others. Give your blood and platlets, their in such high demand for both.
Praying everyday for little Breanna, and all the children that have to fight life-threatening diseases. Lifting a 11 yr.old boy that was air lifted to Baptist after a horrible 4-wheeler accident. Lord we pray you will put your healing hands on these children.
Strength for the Journey,
Don't worry that you're not strong enough before you begin. It is in the journey that God makes you strong.
The Lord shall guide thee continually and satisfy thy soul. Isaiah 58:11
Love and Prayers,
Lisa Reddick
Feb 28 @ 8:18 PM I am back with Austin tonight. His strength amazes me. He makes himself get up and walk, and to do the exercise bike. Counts of course very low, he is actually getting platlets now. I think the Dr.'s have gotten his pain medication at the right level. The doctor's do what they need to but, we know the real healer is our Lord and Savior.
The Benefit for Austin went great. Blake and I were able to go. It is so very moving to see people come out to support son, and the worker's that put it together. It's very emotional. Your heart is full of tears and smiles. Our whole family would like to thank each of you for the continuing love and support. I wish we could express how thankful we are.
As I go through this I see things in such a different light. I read this today and wanted to share it. Of all the things we forget to be grateful for and most often take for granted is the simple gift of life. May you stop at frequent moments of the day simply to give glory to God for the gift of breath, of sight, of hearing, of life itself...and the privilege of enjoying it with Him.
I received a special gift from Blake at the benefit from the silent auction that he did purchase with his own money. It was Psalms twenty three framed. There were no holding the tears back. The most precious gift I've ever received. I better stop here I'll be crying all night.
Love and Prayers,
Lisa Reddick
P.S. I was so excited to see so many people at Breanna's benefit. We would not have missed it for anything. You all are in our prayers. Love ya!
Feb 28 at 1:09 PM I hope all Team Austin members are doing well. I wanted to let you know that Ken Sykes, Photographer, has some photos for sale so please check out the following link. www.pictage.com/795650 - Remember 100 percent of profits go to Team Austin.
Also, as requested by several team members I have Austin's address. He can receive cards and care packages ( magazines, easy model cars, videos (bullriding/hunting/sports ).
Duke University Hospital
5200 Peds Bone Marrow
Durham, N.C. 27710
Rm# 5207 - Austin Reddick
Tanya Safriet Gibson
Feb 25 @ 12:25 PM
Hey, this is Austin. I would like to thank everyone for your prayers and concerns. My transplant day as you all know went well. The Lord was with me the whole time watching over me. That night and Wed. morning were not good. It was like a rollercoaster ride. Lunch on I felt pretty good then I tried this type of purple ink that you paint your tongue with to help the Mucositis. Man this was the worst pain I have ever endured. I've been stepped on by 2,000 lb. bulls, and that was nothing like the pain in my mouth. I don't believe men should cry, but my mom said she did see a tear in my eye. By last night it did ease off because they increased my pain med. Oh, and my tongue will be purple for at least a week, just my luck. I'm still feel about the same today. Being able to eat any foods you wanted is something I took for granted. I would love to eat some real food right now, but that's okay I got a cheeseburger in the bag.
I heard lots of people wore their Team Austin shirts the day of transplant to show their love and support. I would like to say that was so special and thoughtful. Thank you Wayne Industries for having prayer time when they started my transplant. I did see the pictures and you all looked great. Thanks, Hannah Payne for downloading the pictures. One more thanks to my mom and grandma for taking care of me. I'm blessed to have them both and to have a dad that takes care of things at home and my wild brother,Blake.
God Bless,
Austin Reddick
Feb 25 @ 6:15 AMPlease come and support Austin this Saturday and enjoy some great BBQ. Even though the transplant is behind him he still has another 4 months or so in Durham and lots of medical expenses to pay. He still needs our support with our fundraising attempts. We will be selling Team Austin Tshirts, bracelets and stickers.
Prospect UMC located at 5553 Prospect St Archdale, Nc 27263. Will hold a BBQ fundraiser for Austin Reddick on Feb. 27th (rain date March 6th). It will start at 11:00 am and run until. You can get a BBQ plate, hush puppies, slaw, beans, dessert, and drink. The suggested donation is $7.00. Their will also be a silent auction held. Tanya Safriet Gibson
Feb 23 @ 5:04 PMAll you need is prayer and faith in the power of the Lord above. Things went smoothly today. He had no bad reactions. He built two model cars during transplant and still working on the 3. The 3 one is harder he has to paint it. For the next 2-4 wks. are the most challenging. The white cells will become 0 and the chemo will continue to contribute to bringing down his counts. Praise the Lord we had a blessed day today. God Bless each and everyone for your love and support.
Love and Prayers,
Lisa
Feb 23 @ 1:47 PMThe transplant has completed - Austin is still on the monitors but at this time he is not having any abnormal reactions. Praise God! Tanya Safriet Gibson
Feb 23 @ 12:46 PMThe transplant is running through at this very moment. It will take about an hour. Lord bless you all for your prayer! Today is the first day of the rest of Austin's life.
Love and prayers,
Lisa
Feb 23 @ 11:53 AMWe are down on our knees praying at this moment as Austin prepares to go back for his transplant in 10 minutes at 1:00. Please join us and lift up Austin, his family, the doctors and nurses. I will update later today. Tanya Safriet Gibson
Feb 22 @ 6:44 PMAustin is resting as he has been doing most of the day. The most common complications he is having is the sores that are in his throat, esaphagus, and stomach area. Unfortunately this will last for a few weeks until his white counts start to come up. I do pray he will not get them inside his mouth. He is also dealing with the nausea, and vomiting. I know I have to prepare myself mentally and spiritually for the climb ahead. It a hard challenge to get ready for. Especially days when you want to cry every second of everyday,or when you feel so weak you don't even want to get out of the bed, you get on your knees and pray to the Lord above for guidance and strenghth.
They say his transplant wil take place tomorrow somewhere between 10 & 2. I will try to give a better exact time when I can. Wanyne Industries wants to pray around the time he is getting the transplant. To show support several people are wearing their Team Austin shirts tomorrow.
I read this today and wanted to share it with everyone. After you read it you will understand how I hold these words close to my heart. ...Fear not, for I am with you, Be Not dismayed for I am your God... I will strenghten you. Yes, I will help you...Isiah 41:10.
Blake Austin's little brother said in his prayer the other day that the world and our government would be so much better if we prayed for one another. Wow, this comes from a 10 yr.old child. Do pray even for the one's you don't know. I pray for every doctor and nurse that God's gives them the knowledge they need to help and save people.
Thanks Team Austin Family, & May God Bless You All,
Lisa Reddick
P.S. I would like to say how thankful I am to have such a special mom. She has been here for all of us, no matter what she had to give up to be there for us. My husband I would like to thank for just putting up with my emotional rollercoaster. He is my heart and soul. My boy's you are my most proudest accomplishment in life. Lisa Reddick
