Austin's Story

Meet Austin

Austin was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in the fall of 2016 at age 3.5. He lives with his family in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio with his younger sister, parents, and two mini-golden doodles, Teddy & Tucker. Austin loves to spend his time enjoying the outdoors, catching frogs in the creek behind his house, cruising the neighborhood on his motorized trike, creating art, and inventing new ways to catch frogs.

Despite Duchenne, Austin is doing very well physically. We feel he received a miracle by having the opportunity to participate in a gene therapy clinical trial at Nationwide Children's Hospital (Columbus, OH) The treatment he received should slow down his disease progression. We hope and pray this treatment is soon FDA-approved and available to all children battling this horrific, fatal disease.

One Boy. One Family.

A Community That Showed Up.

Austin’s Hope began with our son, Austin.

At 13 years old, Austin is a sports-loving kid who thrives on being part of a team. He is involved with football, basketball, and lacrosse in his own unique way, and some of his favorite moments are simply spent with his friends. Strong-minded, determined, and resilient, Austin has never let Duchenne define who he is.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a progressive muscle-wasting disease that has undoubtedly changed the path our family once imagined. But while Duchenne is part of Austin’s story, it is only one part. Austin is so much more than his diagnosis—and his story is still being written.

Like every family who hears the words, “Your child has Duchenne,” we were faced with a future filled with uncertainty.

Over the years, we have learned to navigate appointments, treatments, changing abilities, and the everyday realities that come with this disease.

But our journey has also shown us something extraordinary.

The Power of Community.

We have been incredibly fortunate to have people surround our family—people who have shown up, helped carry the weight, celebrated the good moments, and stood beside us through the difficult ones.

We know not every family has that same support system.

And we wanted to change that.

From Our Family to Yours

Austin’s Hope was created from a simple belief:

No family should have to navigate Duchenne alone.

We started this organization to help carry other families in the same way our community has carried ours.

Sometimes that means helping provide an adaptive bike that gives a child freedom and joy. Sometimes it means helping make a home more accessible. Sometimes it means providing technology that allows a teenager to stay connected with friends. And sometimes it means meeting a need a family never expected to face.

The need may look different for every family, but the message behind every gift is the same:

You are seen.

You are supported.

You are surrounded by a community that cares.

Why We Keep Moving Mountains

Our hope for Austin—and for every child and family living with Duchenne—is a future filled with more possibilities.

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We will always believe in progress. We will always hope for better treatments and a future where Duchenne no longer takes from our children.

But families are living with Duchenne right now.

They have needs today.

They deserve joy today.

They deserve freedom, connection, and support today.

That is why Austin’s Hope exists.

We provide tangible support that makes a difference in everyday life while creating something we hope stays with families long after the immediate need has been met:

The lasting reminder that they are not alone.

Tangible Support. Lasting Hope.