Austin’s Story

Site created on May 20, 2020


On May 15th, 2020, Austin was  injured in a tragic swimming/diving accident. He was placed in a Neuro Trauma ICU in Greenville, SC then had surgery about seven hours later to stabilize three fractured vertebrae in his neck (C5-C7) and relieve pressure on his spinal cord. Miraculously, doctors have said he has no sign of head or brain damage and he is able to breathe on his own. We are so thankful and praising God for this!! They have declared him a quadriplegic, however, it could take at least 2 years to see what his baseline will be. We believe God is able to heal and restore Austin, according to His will and perfect plan for Austin's life! 

Our family is absolutely devastated, but we are holding onto our faith in Jesus Christ and the hope we have in Him to get us through this one moment at a time. Austin would like everyone to know that his faith in Jesus is everything to him and that he is going to fight! His desire is that others will come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior through this At the advice of many helping us through this tough time, we are setting up this page to help with his long term expenses, equipment, medications, rehab, and recovery. We were advised by the Shepherd Center in Atlanta to start a GoFundMe at this goal level. 

This will be a very long road and frequent updates will be posted. You can find updates on my Instagram (@olivia_somerville), Facebook (Austin Somerville - Spinal Cord Injury Recovery), and here. Please join us in praying and share with others so they can hear of Austin's journey and join us in prayer and support. If you can give anything at all, we appreciate every single gift, and thank you for helping Austin! 

Much love, 
Olivia (Austin's big sis) 

Newest Update

Journal entry by Olivia Somerville

PLEASE WATCH & SHARE!!!!
 
We can’t believe it has been a year already since Austin’s accident in May 2020. We praise Jesus that Austin is still here with us, that Jesus has provided so many answered prayers, and that He has strengthened Austin to fight each and every day.
 
Through this video, Austin shares a personal perspective on what he’s been going through and how Jesus has grown him through this journey so far. It is profoundly evident how Jesus has instilled such amazing wisdom and peace into Austin.
 
As you’ll see at the end of the video, we have a new website that will now be the central resource for all of Austin’s journey. The intensive therapy program, Beyond Therapy, that Austin is in currently is the best chance he has for further healing. We need the community’s help raising money for this treatment as it is not covered at all by insurance. We will be hosting a golfing fundraiser, TEE IT UP FOR AUSTIN, in July to help raise support for Beyond Therapy. Please share this with everyone and anyone you know that would like to be part of the tournament or would like to be a sponsor. We are also looking for donated items for a silent auction. You can learn more by going to https://helphopelive.org/campaign/18746/. You can also message me directly if you have any questions!
 
Thank you in advance for your generosity and for sharing the link with others! Please continue, most of all, to pray for Austin’s healing, strength, and for the Lord to receive all glory and honor!! We are humbled by what He has done and continues to do. Thank you for being a part of this journey with Austin and our family we love you all!! 1 Peter 1: 3-9
 
 
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Make your gift in honor of Austin by midnight on March 28 to be counted!

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