From Megan-
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The Ross Family
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The Ross Family
Austin’s Health Update
This was not the news we were hoping for when we checked into the hospital on Friday, February 20, 2026.
Austin has been fighting what we thought was an infection in his lower legs (cellulitis) since January 20th. He first noticed swelling and a red rash on his right leg. He received antibiotics, which helped a little. Shortly after, the cellulitis appeared in his left leg with the same symptoms. Another round of antibiotics followed, along with blood work to check for ongoing infection.
He continued having night sweats and low-grade fevers. After a punch biopsy of his leg to help determine what infection we might be dealing with, Austin was anxious for answers and went back for more blood work. His white blood cell count had increased—but what truly concerned me was that his platelets were only 49 (normal is 150–450 😳). We immediately packed up and headed to Freeman.
At Freeman, they worked him up for infection while closely trending his blood counts. His white blood cell count continued to rise, while his hemoglobin and platelets continued to drop. On Saturday, Austin went into atrial fibrillation with RVR, with his heart rate in the 180s. He was given medication to restore his heart rhythm and transferred to an ICU step-down unit for closer monitoring.
On Sunday, we were told Austin would be transferred to KU Med in Kansas City. After hugs from family and friends—and most importantly, our girls—Austin was flown by helicopter to KU.
On Monday, February 23, 2026, Dr. Lin and her team decided a bone marrow biopsy was needed ASAP to diagnose leukemia.
On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the morning brought a lot of information to process as Austin was officially diagnosed with leukemia. By that evening, they identified the gene mutation: inv(16)—which the doctor described as “the most favorable leukemia.” Plans were made to start chemotherapy the following day.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Austin began his chemotherapy treatment, referred to as GO + 7 + 3. For now, it’s a waiting game.
He still has an appetite, though he says his taste buds are starting to change a bit. We’ve been going on daily walks when we can. Phone calls with our girls have been the best part of each day.
Please say some prayers for Austin as we navigate this journey—and prayers for our girls as we do our best to guide them through this as well.
Thank you so much to our family and friends who have reached out with love, prayers, and support. It truly means more than we can express.
This was not the news we were hoping for when we checked into the hospital on Friday, February 20, 2026.
Austin has been fighting what we thought was an infection in his lower legs (cellulitis) since January 20th. He first noticed swelling and a red rash on his right leg. He received antibiotics, which helped a little. Shortly after, the cellulitis appeared in his left leg with the same symptoms. Another round of antibiotics followed, along with blood work to check for ongoing infection.
He continued having night sweats and low-grade fevers. After a punch biopsy of his leg to help determine what infection we might be dealing with, Austin was anxious for answers and went back for more blood work. His white blood cell count had increased—but what truly concerned me was that his platelets were only 49 (normal is 150–450 😳). We immediately packed up and headed to Freeman.
At Freeman, they worked him up for infection while closely trending his blood counts. His white blood cell count continued to rise, while his hemoglobin and platelets continued to drop. On Saturday, Austin went into atrial fibrillation with RVR, with his heart rate in the 180s. He was given medication to restore his heart rhythm and transferred to an ICU step-down unit for closer monitoring.
On Sunday, we were told Austin would be transferred to KU Med in Kansas City. After hugs from family and friends—and most importantly, our girls—Austin was flown by helicopter to KU.
On Monday, February 23, 2026, Dr. Lin and her team decided a bone marrow biopsy was needed ASAP to diagnose leukemia.
On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the morning brought a lot of information to process as Austin was officially diagnosed with leukemia. By that evening, they identified the gene mutation: inv(16)—which the doctor described as “the most favorable leukemia.” Plans were made to start chemotherapy the following day.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Austin began his chemotherapy treatment, referred to as GO + 7 + 3. For now, it’s a waiting game.
He still has an appetite, though he says his taste buds are starting to change a bit. We’ve been going on daily walks when we can. Phone calls with our girls have been the best part of each day.
Please say some prayers for Austin as we navigate this journey—and prayers for our girls as we do our best to guide them through this as well.
Thank you so much to our family and friends who have reached out with love, prayers, and support. It truly means more than we can express.
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Chip Herrenbruck
Christine Case