Get to Know Us
We are a family that has experienced and endured the journey of having a medically fragile child with a rare disease. A 9-year-old child that ultimately left this earth because of his rare disease, but not without greatly impacting our lives in so many positive ways.
We've taken the impact Austin made on our friends and family to spread the "Austin 1st Way" with those going through their own rare disease journey.
FOUNDATION OVERVIEW
MISSION STATEMENT
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Champions for Rare Diseases by raising awareness and research dollars to provide support for families in Alabama and beyond.#CareAboutRare #UBA5 #Austin1st
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Founded on April 4, 2019, we are a 501 (c) (3) non-profit public charity. Austin 1st Foundation, Inc. has no paid employees. We are a "Gold" level transparent member of Candid's GuideStar program for non-profits. Check out our profile here.
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SCOPE OF WORK
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Through Austin’s story and impact we will raise AWARENESS for those with rare diseases.
We draw on our many experiences with an ultra-rare disease to provide positive SUPPORT for others in need. We are not experts on rare diseases, our goal is to provide meaningful and helpful information to those patients and families in need.
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RESEARCH is a major component of our core mission. Austin 1st works with the Raiden Science Foundation, the UBA5 Foundation, and other partnered organizations to work towards researching specifically the UBA5 gene mutation. Research may also be in areas to support dystonia, epilepsy, and rare disease in general. Research is needed for better medicines and treatment, improved testing and coordination of getting a diagnosis, more information, clinical studies, and awareness for both patients and the medical community.
CHANGE is needed for improved medical care plans for patients with complex rare diseases, streamlining communication between the medical community and patients, and increased local home care resources for nursing, therapy, and medical supplies. Funds raised through various means will go towards supporting the four areas of our core mission.
We will serve as a RESOURCE hub sourced from public and private organizations that provide services for those with rare diseases. Too many times people don't know what disability resources are available to them and they simply don't know whom to ask or even what questions to ask.
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We love to talk about rare disease and to help those in need!
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(334) 391-2527
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Mailing Address:
Austin 1st Foundation, Inc.
300 N Dean Rd. Ste 5 #185
Auburn, AL 36830
MEET THE BOARD
ANTHONY & LINDSEY TERLING
CO-FOUNDERS
Anthony was born and raised in Montgomery, AL. He received his bachelor's degree in Sports Management from Auburn University of Montgomery and continued on to get a Master's in the same area. Anthony works at Auburn-Opelika Tourism as the Sports and Event Development Manager. He is a member of the Opelika Kiwanis Club (President 2021-2022), a volunteer in the community, and currently serves as a board/executive committee member for the Achievement Center - Easter Seals in Opelika, AL. Anthony is also a member of the Alabama Rare Disease Advisory Council and the Children's Hospital of Alabama Committee For the Future.
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Lindsey was born in Kettering, Ohio, and raised in Montgomery, AL. She is a graduate of Auburn University of Montgomery with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and has been working as a software support professional with Medisys, Inc. for over 13 years.
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Anthony and Lindsey call Auburn home with their two sons, Austin and Sullivan, their dogs, and their cat.
ANDREA WATSON HAWTHORNE
Andrea Watson Hawthorne was born and raised in Montgomery, AL., graduating from Auburn University of Montgomery with a Criminal Justice degree. Still living in the area she is an active member of Frazer UMC and enjoys spending time with her fiancé, Frank Hawthorne III, and their dogs. Andrea has worked at Aronov Reality for almost 5 years as a property coordinator. Andrea has always been involved with fundraising for our Austin and is enthusiastic about continuing to raise awareness.
CURT & PAM TERLING
Pamela Terling was born and raised in Montgomery, AL, graduating from Auburn University and gaining her master's at Auburn University of Montgomery. Pam taught 1st grade for 25 years before becoming an Education Specialist/Administrator at The Alabama State Department of Education.
"As Austin's MiMi, this Foundation is important to me because I have experienced first hand the extreme need to raise awareness and provide resources to families and children with rare genetic conditions. Through this journey, Austin has helped me to cherish the small things in life, but most of all to trust in the Lord."
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Curtis James Terling was born in Bossier City, LA, and raised in Canonsburg, PA, and Montgomery, AL. I am a graduate of Auburn University. Curt worked in the Information Technology (IT) field for over 30 years, working from the beginning in software development to an IT Director for the ALEA (formerly the Alabama Department of Public Safety), where I retired after 15 years. I believe this Foundation that Anthony and Lindsey have started is a great outreach for all of those children that are born with rare genetic diseases that need so much more research, funding, and awareness to help treat these children, and give the parents hope for their future.
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My goal as Austin’s grandfather is to provide the love, commitment, and energy to help him, his family, and all those in similar circumstances. The warm heart that Austin gives me every time I see him is my guiding light in helping as many as possible, like him.
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In September 0f 2022 Curt Terling (aka PapPap) passed away from a 20-year battle with skin cancer. He was a beloved and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. We love you and miss you, Forever and a Day!
ANDREW SCARBROUGH
Andrew Scarbrough was born and raised in Fitzpatrick, AL, graduated from Auburn University in Business Economics and Agriculture, and gained his Law Degree from Jones Law School. Andrew has been practicing law in Alabama for over 7 years.
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"As Austin's GodFather, this Foundation is very important to me and the children and families we positively impact in Austin's memory.
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He is married to his wife, Kalina Scarbrough, they reside in South Alabama. More info coming soon.
CARLTON E. HUNLEY, IV
Carlton Hunley is a lifelong resident of Opelika, AL. Carlton's family owned and operated Lambert Moving Systems since 1925 when it was founded by his great-grandfather, Mr. T.M. Lambert.
He enjoys running the business along with his brother, Brian. Together, they are taking the family business and legacy into the next generation to provide an excellent moving experience for the customers.
He enjoys being active in the community of Lee County and has served on several boards in the community including the Opelika Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club of Opelika.
Carlton is excited to work with Austin 1st to provide awareness and assistance to families who have a child who is facing the challenges of ultra-rare disease.
KELLY TERLING JARRETT
Kelly Jarrett was born and raised in Montgomery, AL. and graduated from Auburn University at Montgomery with a degree in early childhood education. She has been a teacher for 18 years with most of her experience in Kindergarten.
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She currently live in Charlotte, NC with her husband Jeff and their two daughters, Kelsey and Emma. When not teaching she enjoys watching her girls play sports, taking little trips with her husband, playing pickle ball, and creating and designing vinyl apparel and gifts. She loves anything crafty!
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"As Austin's aunt, this foundation has been amazing for me to watch grow and change over the past few years. Spreading Austin's smile one person at a time is what it is all about for me. He left this Earth way too soon, but it is our job to raise awareness, to help similar families, and to make change for Austin."
FAMILY
FOUNDING PARTNERS
CURRENT PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS
