Meet CCA Hero, Austin

Move over Von Trapps—

Austin and his musical family have arrived! This talented ten-year-old boy plays trumpet, guitar, ukulele, drums, AND keyboard — many of which he learned with the help of Children’s Cancer Association’s MyMusicRx program. The MyMusicRx team frequently jams with Austin and his four siblings when Austin is in the hospital receiving treatments for his cystic fibrosis and diabetes. (His dad Joshua even joins in on trumpet sometimes.)

“Playing music really cheers me up, especially if I’m having a bad day,” said Austin. He also loves to sing, and often serenades his baby sister Genesis with “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” and his favorite song, “Amazing Grace.”

When he’s not in the hospital, Austin is an active kid who enjoys fishing and playing with his brothers and sisters. As the oldest, he often finds himself helping out his mom and dad, especially in the kitchen.

“Mac and cheese is kind of my specialty,” he said with a grin.

Austin’s Cause

Perhaps the best example of his generous nature is the charity he founded, Austin’s Cause. It assists people experiencing homelessness with donations of money, food, clothing, and other essentials. Austin was inspired to start his non-profit after he and his father stopped to give a homeless man some money one day.

“After talking to this guy, I realized I wanted to do more for the homeless,” he explained.

When Austin grows up, he plans to continue helping people by becoming a pediatric nurse and says that music will always be a big part of his life.

“It lifts up my heart,” he said — just as Austin lifts up ours.