Family, friends to host Cancer Survivor Party for Aurora man on Sunday

Steven Harmeyer
2 days ago
2 min read

(AURORA, Ind.) – A Dearborn County man will be joined by family and friends for a special celebration on Sunday.

Austin Foley was 4-years-old in 1999 when he was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer.

His family was told it was inoperable and he may have had only months to live.

“Austin's mom was told by doctors to go home and push as much life into him as possible because at best they were giving him months to live. He was thought not to make it to his 5th birthday,” said family friend Michelle Wilhelm.

He went through chemotherapy, radiation and other treatments as he fought cancer.

“But with each passing day this strong sweet boy continued to fight, and through each passing day he turned the fight to each passing year,” Wilhelm said.

However, life is far from easy for the 30-year-old as his health continues to be monitored on a regular basis.

“He has seizures, he is deaf and has multiple other health conditions as a result of not only the tumor but from the treatment received at that young age,” she said. “He lives with pain that most people would give up from if they had to endure, however he just takes it in stride and rarely complains.”

Wilhelm describes Foley as a hero who has had a big impact on her and her children.

“You quickly learn he is the most tender-hearted sweet young man you can meet. He is always worrying about others and making sure they are okay. We are talking about a kid who at 4-years-old wasn't even considered to be able to survive, and he is out here worrying about everyone around him and their happiness,” she said.

Austin will be surrounded by family and friends for a Cancer Survivor Party on Sunday.

It will be held at Gladys Russell Wildlife Refuge Shelter in Milan and attendees will celebrate 26 years since his cancer diagnosis.

“He is a walking miracle that is literally the most awesome person to know,” Wilhelm added.

One additional item to mention about Austin is that he is a huge Bengals fan!