Meet Austin: A Man on a Mission & H.E.R.O.

While many people experience good health until late in life, Austin Lee’s life would take another path. Born with a rare birth defect (posterior urethral valves) meant dialysis treatments, two kidney transplants, and more discomfort than most people could endure.

Still, as a survivor, Austin felt blessed with the generous support of family, friends, medical staff, and his faith that God was with him through it all. He now dedicates his time and energy to being a light of hope and model of perseverance for those who face a life-threatening illness.

The Long, Difficult Road

Paths of survival always include a twist of stories, and Austin’s path certainly evokes it all. At just four years old, his mother gave him another chance at life by donating her kidney. Austin’s life would never be the same.

Even so, life began to feel normal, eventually, and in his later teen years, Austin began to only take his medicine when he was not feeling good, despite his dad reminding him. Not fully comprehending the importance of his medication, however, led to non-adherence which contributed to his kidney rejection in late 2007.

“I was devastated because I knew it would cause a major lifestyle change, and I did not want to go to dialysis.” Everything from hanging out with friends to going on vacations depended on Austin getting back to his machine. He even missed high school prom because of kidney failure.

Facing a life-threatening illness once again, Austin began to deepen his understanding of his disease. He learned as much as possible about transplant medications, watched kidney transplant videos on YouTube, and prayed to receive another kidney transplant. Moreover, he started to sense a larger purpose in his life, “I realized that I needed to follow God’s plan for me and find my purpose,” Austin recalled.

The Call

In May 2010, after nearly three years of being kept alive by a machine, Austin received “The Call” from the transplant coordinator. It would be a high-risk procedure, but even the chance of receiving this kidney filled Austin with hope. On June 8, 2010, he received his second life-saving kidney from a living donor. Once again, Austin could return to normal, whatever that meant, and he could live life to its fullest.

Gratitude in Action

Austin’s new normal is living a life of service and giving back to the community as much as he can. In the past decade since his 2nd kidney transplant, Austin has worked hundreds of hours as a patient care volunteer at Children’s National Hospital in Washington D.C. As someone who understands the path of life-threatening illness, Austin lives his purpose from God by serving others. Whether volunteering with young children battling illness or helping their families navigate the intense emotions of their child’s health journey – Austin keeps his promise to show up and live life to the fullest by honoring others. A member of the Children’s National Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC), Austin advocates for people with kidney disease and helps patients find vital resources for health, such as Rx Outreach. Austin has even testified before Congress on the importance of donor transplants.

Medication is always the Message

Austin found Rx Outreach through an internet search engine and is grateful to save money on the life-saving medication that keeps his body from rejecting his new kidney. When he speaks with young transplant patients, Austin explains the importance of taking their medication. “I have the lifestyle that I have because of my medication, the sacrifice and decisions of my mother and Ms. Stella Christian (second kidney donor) to donate a life-saving organ. Now, I want the young pediatric patients that I mentor to live out all their life dreams and goals.”

Last summer, Austin joined the Transplant Quarter Century Club since he was lived 14 years with his first transplanted kidney and 11 years with the second.

Rx Outreach is proud to recognize Austin as a Patient H.E.R.O. and thank him for his dedication to improving the health of the community!