Largo Pickleball Fundraiser for Cancer Teen: A charity pickleball event will be held on Saturday, August 23, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Pickle & Pint in Largo, Florida. The event will raise money for 15-year-old Austin, a Clearwater teen battling advanced Osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer.
Austin’s Battle with Cancer
Austin, who was born in Clearwater and enjoys sports, was diagnosed in May with a 7.5-centimeter tumor in his left arm.
“Back in May, he was diagnosed with advanced Osteosarcoma. It’s a bone cancer. It’s a rare and very aggressive form of bone cancer. He was diagnosed with a 7.5-centimeter mass in his left arm,”
said Jeff Wallace, a driver/operator for the Clearwater Fire Department and Austin’s uncle. Austin continues to undergo tough chemotherapy treatments and is now facing the possibility of losing his left arm, depending on the results of upcoming scans.
“He’s going to be hit hard with another round of chemo and then they have to see the surgeon in regard to seeing if he will be able to keep his left arm or not.
There’s a possibility they might have to take away his arm, but they’re going to be doing some cat scans after that,” (Jeff Wallace).
Community Support Through Pickleball
To help cover medical bills, Jeff Wallace teamed up with Pickle & Pint, a pickleball venue on Belcher Road in Largo, to organize the fundraiser.
“Give him a chance to kind of live his life right now, the best we can, and I feel like pickleball is the perfect way to get everybody together,” (Jeff Wallace).
Zachary Weir, co-owner of Pickle & Pint, said he was deeply moved by Austin’s story and wants to help.
“I got goosebumps just hearing that, hearing the story, we just want to be able to give back. As a parent, you don’t know what they’re going through, on the other side,
you want the best for your kids. If the community can help them out, even just a little bit, it goes a long way,” (Zachary Weir).
Weir confirmed that 100% of the proceeds from the event will go directly to Austin and his family.
“We’re giving everything back, we want to make sure everyone is aware of that, that’s why we’re trying to bring as many people here as possible, we want to give back so the family can just take a breath,” (Zachary Weir).
Staying Strong Through the Struggle
Despite all the challenges, Jeff Wallace said his nephew is staying strong and remains positive. Austin’s family has been hit hard, especially with his father needing time off work to get him to medical appointments.
“It’s big because my brother has to take time off of work just to get him to the hospitals and it’s very difficult on the family,” (Jeff Wallace).
Wallace added that whether people show up to play or simply donate online, every bit helps Austin and his family during this difficult time.
News in Brief: Largo Pickleball Fundraiser for Cancer Teen
Pickle & Pint in Largo will host a charity pickleball event on August 23 to help 15-year-old Austin, a Clearwater teen battling bone cancer. All proceeds will go to his family. Organized by his uncle Jeff Wallace, the event aims to ease medical costs and bring the community together.