In March 2003, a routine sick check up changed our lives forever. Eugene and I (who was 7 months pregnant at the time) had just arrived back from a church marriage retreat. Our then 6 year old Amber, and 5 year old Aaron, appeared to have strep throat. As I made the appointment with their pediatrician, Eugene, who was coaching their soccer team, mentioned that Amber's gait appeared different and she was not using her right arm. I mentioned both of these things to our pediatrician, Dr. Charlotte Lindler. After observing Amber, she immediately set up an appointment with a neurologist. The next day after seeing the neurologist, Amber was in for a CAT scan and we were back to the doctor with her films.

 I will never forget the moment that the doctor said that Amber's scans were highly irregular and that we should see a neurosurgeon immediately. The neurosurgeon had us complete a MRI which showed a large lesion in the center of Amber's brain and acute hydrocephalus. He explained that Amber's situation was serious and she would need immediate surgery to release the pressure on her brain. After placement of a shunt to remove the pressure from her brain and a biopsy of her tumor, it was determined that it was best to just monitor the tumor. Amber did well until September 2004 when she began to lose function on her right side. In December, it was determined that the tumor had grown and she would need surgery to reduce the size followed by intense radiation and chemotherapy. We spent two weeks at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD, followed by 30 days of daily radiation treatment and 42 days of chemotherapy at Palmetto Richland in Columbia.

We have been blessed by tremendous support from our family, friends and co-workers, and sustained through a deep faith in God. In addition, we were introduced to Children's Chance by the wonderful staff of the Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. The free counseling service helped support our entire family through one of the most stressful times in our life. It was wonderful having this resource to deal with our concerns as we face Amber's cancer treatment from many different view points.

As a mother, I am a strong advocate for Amber and my entire family. I would encourage anyone facing this situation to take advantage of as many resources as you can find. We are forever indebted to Children's Chance for this wonderful service as we continue on this journey to Amber's cure.

-Submitted by Thyra Austin, mother of Amber Austin,
 a child with cancer

Amber Austin has most likely been through more already in her life than most of us will ever experience. And for that, Amber is truly a Children’s Chance Champion!

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