Our Story

January 31st, 2011 ~As most of you saw on the news here in Oregon, Shelly McKinney Stokes', (one of my closest friends since we were in 2nd grade) 12 year old son, Austin Stokes, was shot in the head with a shotgun, by his 13 year old neighbor.

Austin was visiting the neighbor boy, who has passed his hunter safety course, and just got home from duck hunting with his father the day before. Tonight, the neighbor boy picked up the loaded gun in his own living room, pointed it at Austin's head and pulled the trigger.

Austin Stokes was rushed by Life Flight to Oregon Health Sciences University/Dornbecher Children's Hospital.

Still in the hospital on February 22nd, 2011, Austin could not speak or move on his own, so was undergoing daily physical therapy, to help him learn how to do everything all over again, walk, talk, eat etc.

Austin ended up spending 102 days in the hospital before being released to come home. His parents simply lived in the hospital with their son.

Since then, he has had 3 skull surgeries, including a shunt put in his head to drain spinal fluid. He will have this shunt for the rest of his life.

 A prosthetic skull was put in October 2011, as a result of his own skull deteriorating.

At this point, the Stokes' health care expenses for Austin, were already well above six figures, even with insurance coverage.

Austin was able to attend school again in November 2011, though an assistant had to be with him at all times. Austin even got an A on his 8th grade math test!

The shooter's parents were not held responsible in the hearing for their son and the shooter's Father never showed up to the hearing. The judge said to the shooter, 'This was NOT an accident, you picked up that gun'. The judge went on to tell the shooter that he would go on, but the Stokes would live with this forever.

The Stokes family stated they felt as if they had twins, the old Austin, and the new Austin and that they love the new Austin just as much, but wished they would have just been able to say goodbye to the old Austin.

They never got that chance.

On January 22nd, 2012, (not even one year later) Austin was, once again, rushed to Oregon Health Sciences University/Dornbecher Children's Hospital, due to an infection under the prosthetic skull. The family was told this was one of the worst infections ever seen. As a result, Tuesday January 24th, Austin's prosthetic skull was removed.

The medical team is now talking about two more surgeries. One, involvling taking a portion of Austin's rib to replace where the prosthetic skull originally was.

This is a huge setback, as the family must, once again, have tutors come to the home, drive one hour, 2-3 times per week for followup appointments with the doctors, have a physical therapist come for home visits, etc. all while trying to maintain their full time jobs and give Austin the 24 hour care he must have.

The Impact

The Stokes' life turned upside down in a split second that January evening in 2011, their lives never to be the same.

In one 24 hour time period, every day, Austin's Mom gets up and goes to work at 6am, while Austin's Dad stays home and takes care of him. Then, when Austin's Mom gets home from work, Austin's Dad heads to work the night shift.

Austin's brain is exposed, with no skull, he must wear a helmet and be watched at all times. He needs medicine administered around the clock, so there isn't a period of longer than 3 hours either parent gets to sleep.

On January 31st 2012, they will have lived this horrific nightmare for one full year, so far.

As people who work for companies know, there is only so much paid leave time allowed, then, when the Stokes aren't able to work, over this allowed time, they won't get paid. It is only a matter of days until they reach this point.

Austin's parents must stay healthy, for their son's sake, in order to care for him.

Without proper sleep, enough money for much food and being able to pay a portion of their ongoing medical expenses, bills, prescriptions, and everyday living expenses, this will be impossible for them to acheive, without our help.

Austin's Dad would like to stay home and be his son's caregiver, but that would include working less hours, which, because of  their financial situation, is not attainable.

'I'm a fighter, not a quitter' ~ Austin Stokes

'No matter how bad my day may be, when I hear my son or daughter's voice, just for that moment, all my troubles seem to disappear' ~ Austin's Mom, Shelly Stokes

'I do not pray for a lighter load, but for a stronger back' ~ Austin's Dad, Adam Stokes

What We Need & What You Get

The Stokes need all the financial help they can get, to go toward Austin's continuing medical expenses, care and for their own daily living expenses, but are far too kind to ever ask for help.

 I, Laura McMillan, am a self employed pianist and recording artist. I own my own piano studio, offer instruction, and compose. All I can offer is my music and a written thank you, if you include your email and address for me to do so.

The night Austin was shot, I sat down at my piano and composed a piece for him called 'Wings'. You may watch and hear me play on youtube channel lauramcmillanpiano and also visit my website, perhapspiano dot com, and read my 'honoring Austin Stokes' webpage and see pictures of the two benefit concerts held for him, as well as a FOX12 news clip and links to articles in our local newspapers about Austin.

Other Ways You Can Help

Please Share this campaign with everyone you know. I know if this situation were reversed, the Stokes would do anything and everything they could to help us. Even a small contibution will help to change their daily lives.

'The Greatest Mistake You Can Make is To Do Nothing, Because You Can Only Do a Little'.