Happy New Year and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2025! As 2024 comes to a close, we at the Austin 1st Foundation find ourselves reflecting on another year of what we've accomplished together to help those impacted by rare diseases.
Being champions for rare diseases has always been more than just a mission statement for us; it’s a heartfelt commitment. At times, it comes with grief-filled challenges, if we’re being honest, but we are inspired by the memory and legacy of Austin and fueled by the hope of creating a brighter future for families and the medical world navigating the uncharted waters of rare diseases.
This year, our efforts across research, awareness, change, and support have created impactful experiences and outcomes, and we are humbled to share the highlights of this journey with you.
We advocate for the rare disease community....
This year we were proud to have one of our board members selected to represent Austin 1st Foundation on the Alabama Rare Disease Advisory Council.
We also served on the Committee For The Future at Children's Hospital of Alabama, getting a behind the scenes view of what all the hospital does and how philanthropy can make a major impact on the services provided.
We were honored to tell Austin's story to the attendees of the annual UBA5 Foundation's UBA5 Walk in Topeka, Kansas.
We partnered with the Raiden Science Foundation, UBA5 Foundation, and Rare-X a Global Genes program, to drive data collection research for the UBA5 Mutation that Austin suffered from.
SUCCESS OF ANNUAL EVENTS
Awareness Through Rare Disease Day
Rare Disease Day is a worldwide event held on the last day of February each year. One of the rarest days of the year.
A1F works to educate the public on Rare Disease Day and how they can make a positive impact on those affected.
Through a social media campaign, local media, municipal proclamations, and an educational classroom-based curriculum for elementary students, we are engaging with 1,000s of people both in-person and online each year.
The color blue is worn and parking conversations and prompting many to learn more about the challenges faced by families living with rare conditions.
The impact is real when you receive messages from the teachers and family members of the students who learned about rare disease day in their classroom.
Pictured, is a journal entry from a kindergarten who participated in rare disease day and wrote about his experience. The impact and awareness we are creating is real!!
Aces Fore Austin - 2nd Annual Charity Golf Scramble
The 2nd Annual Aces Fore Austin charity golf scramble came and went with resounding success, raising over $30,000 in support of rare disease research and patient care initiatives.
This 2nd annual event, hosted by the Austin 1st Foundation, brought together over 100 golfers, generous sponsors, dedicated volunteers, and partners, all united by a common goal: to continue the legacy of Austin Terling and to make a difference in the lives of people facing rare disease medical challenges.
A Day of Golfing for Austin and a Greater Cause to Support!
$10,000 per partner was donated from the 2nd annual Aces Fore Austin charity golf scramble.
Support for rare disease medical research: Funding research initiatives like the drug repurposing study at Oregon Health & Science University, in partnership with the Raiden Science Foundation.
Assistance for Undiagnosed Patients: Partnering with UAB's Undiagnosed Disease Program
Enhancement of Pediatric Care & Resources: Donations to Children's Hospital of Alabama.
Rare Disease Game - Blue Out
Our Rare Disease Awareness Games, also known as Blue Outs, continued to bring awareness to the cause through the experience of sports. Greensboro College Women's Soccer has partnered with us since 2022 on hosting a Rare Disease Awareness - Blue Out home game.
In 2024, we held two Blue Out games, one in Montgomery, AL against Huntingdon College and another in Greensboro, NC against Carolina University. Teams wore special warm-up shirts and paused to honor Austin and other rare disease families during pregame ceremonies.
This initiative not only raised funds for research but also engaged young athletes and spectators in meaningful awareness for the many affected by various rare diseases, some even sharing their personal stories. The sight of players and fans coming together to support our mission was both heartwarming and motivating.
Austin's 1st Christmas
In December, we capped off the year with the annual Austin's 1st Christmas event, a way to spread hope and generosity to families who spend their Christmas at Children's Hospital of Alabama.
Families who have a hospitalized child get to shop for free at the Sugar Plum Shop for their entire family.
We also collaborate on a special project to support through the Children's Hospital of Alabama Foundation. This year we selected to purchase iPads for use with therapy and entertainment.
A1F donated over $2,500 in gifts and 5 iPads.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate the achievements of 2024, we’re already looking forward to 2025 with a sense of purpose. Plans are underway to expand our reach, increase fundraising goals, and continue making strides in awareness, research, change, and support.
The memory of Austin remains our guiding light, inspiring us to keep pushing and creating a legacy of love, hope, and impact.
To everyone who has supported us this year—whether through donations, volunteering, or simply sharing our message—we extend our deepest gratitude. The successes of the Austin 1st Foundation are a reflection of the incredible community that surrounds us.
Thank you for being a part of this journey.
In Gratitude,
The Austin 1st Foundation Board & Anthony & Lindsey Terling
Austin 1st Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) Public Charity - See the impact we make and support our mission to be Champions for Rare Disease by raising awareness and research dollars for families in Alabama & beyond. FEIN #83-4252915
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