Run for Austin's Lungs

Austin was born three months early with severe chronic lung disease. From the very beginning, he has needed intensive respiratory support, including months on a ventilator with high pressures to keep his fragile lungs working. In April 2025, after more than six months intubated, Austin received a tracheostomy to help him breathe more comfortably and to begin the long process of weaning from the ventilator.

Today, he is cared for at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, where he continues to rely on high ventilator settings while his lungs grow and strengthen. His care requires a team of specialists and around-the-clock monitoring, and once home, he will still need 24/7 trained nursing support.

Despite everything, Austin is known for his strength, determination, and his sweet-but-spicy personality. His family is deeply grateful for the excellent medical care he’s receiving and the love, prayers, and support from their community as he continues his fight toward healing and eventually coming home.

Amy and Emilio’s journey to parenthood has been filled with resilience, faith, and love. After already experiencing infertility struggles, their dream of becoming parents came true—but not without challenges. At just 17 weeks, Amy experienced PPROM (preterm premature rupture of membranes), and they were advised to terminate the pregnancy. With courage and unwavering hope, Amy and Emilio chose to continue, facing the uncertainty together and fighting to keep both Amy and their baby safe.

Today, Amy lives in family housing near the hospital, balancing part-time work while caring for Austin, while Emilio works full-time and travels back on weekends to be with his family. Though the road has been anything but easy, their dedication to each other and to their son shows what true strength looks like. Together, they continue to face each obstacle with courage—proving that love and family can endure even the hardest storms.