It is with the heaviest of hearts and the greatest of love that we share the news that Austin Freeman, 13 years old, passed away on Friday, October 14th, after roughly 3 years of fighting Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer that mostly affects children. Austin went to Walt Disney World with Bert’s Big Adventure in 2014.
The McDonough, Georgia, boy’s struggle with the disease, chronicled on the Facebook group “Praying for Austin,” inspired thousands to follow the ups and downs of his treatment and illness. He also rallied supporters across the country through his efforts to raise awareness for childhood cancer.
Austin loved animals, in particular his bearded dragon (a lizard) and his 3 dogs. He also loved old cars and locomotive steam trains, and told us he wanted to be a train engineer one day. Watching the steamboat, riding roller coasters, and eating pizza and cheeseburgers were amongst some of his favorite things about Walt Disney World. But most of all he loved spending time with his family.
“Austin was an inspiration to everybody at Bert’s Big Adventure. He was a sweet kid that fought so bravely. He genuinely touched all he came in contact with.”- Bert Weiss
Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers as they grieve the loss of this sweet and loving child.
As his family lays Austin to rest, they are asking for donations in lieu of flowers. Please consider donating to help battle Childhood Cancer with one of these great organizations chosen by Austin’s family: AFLAC Cancer Center at CHOA at Egleston, CURE Childhood Cancer, and Jay’s HOPE Foundation.
