Austin's Story (written by Mom)
ABOUT US
Austin Jordan Memorial Legacy, Inc was founded in memory of Austin Jordan, who lost his battle with cancer at ten years old. Our organization is run by a team of passionate volunteers who are committed to making a difference in the lives of those who are fighting cancer. We believe that every cancer fighter deserves to feel supported and loved during their battle with cancer, and we are dedicated to providing that support in any way that we can.
At Austin Jordan Memorial Legacy, Inc, we understand the challenges that cancer fighters and their families face. That's why we're committed to providing support to those who need it most. Whether it's through our Legos and stuffed animals' program or our other initiatives, we're working hard to make a difference in the lives of those who are affected by cancer. Our non-profit does not have any paid employees therefore, all profits go to the projects or families.
Austin was born in September 2008. From day one Austin was a happy content baby with beautiful piercing blue eyes. Austin lived almost five years in a suburban of St. Louis, three years in Winfield, West Virginia, two years on St. Simons Island and his final few months in a suburban of Phoenix, Arizona. Austin had dear friends in each of those cities.
Austin grew into a very caring and loving child who was extremely smart. Austin had a big heart and always wanted to help people. One time after we finished eating at Zaxby’s, Austin insisted that his Dad drive around looking for a homeless person to feed since we had a lot of untouched leftovers. One time I asked Austin why his lunch bill was so high for the month, and he responded that he had friends who needed something extra to eat at lunch. Austin would routinely give other kids at school snacks that I sent for him. Austin was a protective big brother to his younger sister Hailee, even though he was only 20 months older than Hailee. I will never forget the last Monday before Austin went into ICU for his final days. Hailee was having a bad night (she was worried about Austin but didn’t want to tell him that). When he noticed Hailee crying, he said “Baby Girl what’s wrong? You know you can tell me anything.” Then he gave her one of his forever hugs. How I miss those hugs.
Austin was a social and active child. Austin played hockey, tee-ball, coach pitch, basketball and soccer. Austin loved to swim and be outdoors. Austin adored his friends and loved playing video games. Austin always enjoyed the trips back to Kentucky to visit family.
Two days after arriving in Phoenix, Austin was diagnosed with Leukemia. Just a few days earlier Austin had been running and playing like nothing was wrong. When Austin was diagnosed, he spent one day in ICU and several days on the cancer floor at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. When one of the child life specialists gave Austin a box of Legos, he was so thrilled and thankful. We were heartbroken with the diagnosis, but Austin had a positive attitude and battled for three months. Austin had to go in for treatment every Monday. His last Monday in the clinic they gave him a duffel bag full of toys and he was very grateful but said a teddy bear would have been plenty. There were so many people across the country that sent Austin gifts and cards during his battle with cancer, and he was so humbled and thankful. During his treatment, Austin said he was going to grow up and find a cure for cancer so that people would not have to go thru what he was going thru. Austin got a bleed on the brain and never recovered after emergency brain surgery. We spent over two weeks in ICU praying and hoping but on February 12, 2019, Austin went home to be an angel.
This nonprofit is set up in memory of Austin, to help cancer fighters and supply Legos and stuffed animals to sick children in hospitals. Austin was a blessing from God and gave us ten wonderful years of memories.
