The Austen Everett Foundation

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HOPE THROUGH SPORT. The emotional boost that the kids get from the support of the team (and the crowd) is priceless.

Empowering Kids in their fight against cancer through the strength and support of professional and collegiate athletes, teams, the athletic community, and HERO grants. Through the AEF HONORARY TEAM CAPTAIN program, the Austen Everett Foundation (AEF) works to inspire, empower, and improve the lives of kids battling cancer by producing once-in-a-lifetime events in which they serve as the “Honorary Team Captains” of their favorite professional or collegiate teams for a day. Each “Honorary Team Captain” attends pre-game practice, receives a personalized team jersey, visits the locker-room, attends the coaches’ pre-game talk, walks onto the field or court with the team, watches warm-ups from the players’ bench, has their name featured on the jumbotron, calls the captains’ coin-toss, receives autographed team gear, and gets an event photo recap, while their family receives VIP game day treatment. Besides seeking online nominations for patient participants, AEF is working with teams in the MLB, MLS, NHL, NWSL, WNBA, NCAA and many other leagues throughout the nation to secure their participation in the AEF HONORARY TEAM CAPTAIN™ program. AEF also has partnered with Children’s Hospitals nationwide AEF so that Children’s Hospitals can offer this powerful experience to their pediatric cancer patients with professional and collegiate teams in their own communities.

09/29/2026

AEF Hero - Kairav - The Power of Play

Bright, active, adventurous, and endlessly fun, four-and-a-half-year-old Kairav is always eager to discover something new. He meets the world with explosive energy, an active imagination, infectious enthusiasm, and a wonderfully kind heart. But his greatest fascination travels on four wheels. Lamborghinis and BMWs rank among his favorites, fueling an impressive collection of about 100 to 200 toy cars and turning the simplest road trip into a spirited game of “name that car.” For this young auto enthusiast, the journey is often every bit as exciting as the destination.

Always on the move, this energetic Pre-K'er approaches every day like a new adventure. The school playground, swim lessons, and gym class give him endless opportunities to climb, jump, swing from the monkey bars, and test just how far he can push himself. Daily trips to the park keep the fun going, while nearly any ball sport instantly captures his attention.

But when a child as active as Kairav begins to slow down, even subtle changes become impossible to overlook. The boy who once ran up the stairs suddenly needed help making the climb. Soon, swelling appeared in his face and a limp developed, deepening concerns that this went far beyond the infection first suspected. Blood tests brought the answer: Leukemia (B-ALL).

Long hospital stays and chemotherapy may have changed Kairav's routine, but they could not diminish his humor, imagination, or playful spirit. Never one to miss an opportunity for make-believe, he added a new character to his repertoire: doctor. And when the risk of infection meant time away from friends, Mickey Mouse and Paw Patrol kept laughter and a little dose of normal childhood fun close at hand.

Kairav has already shown that even the toughest detours cannot take away the joy, determination, and spirit that make him who he is. Much like the Lamborghini he loves, he is built with plenty of power, heart, and drive for the journey ahead—and this little HERO is just getting started.

Kairav’s full story and a special message from his mom: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1htJZ9_nrTYd6Vm8n_fVrGWhoTo-CkBcS/view?usp=sharing

09/22/2026

AEF Hero - Alaura - The Power of Spirit

Alaura is a fireball. Big personality, boundless imagination, and just the right amount of four-year-old fearlessness make her impossible to overlook. One day she is Princess Jasmine, the next a cowgirl, Barbie, Cinderella or a character straight out of KPop Demon Hunters. For Alaura, costumes are passports into whatever colorful world her imagination dreams up next.

Her artistic spirit is just as vivid, turning blank paper into a kaleidoscope of butterflies, ladybugs, flowers, and brilliant splashes of paint. Outdoors, she is happiest of all, where kayaking and nature walks turn into grand expeditions and anything involving speed is automatically better. Alaura runs hard, bikes even faster, and throws herself into every adventure with full-throttle enthusiasm.

There is little room for idle time in Alaura's world. Early Head Start brings friends, favorite teachers, and plenty of play, while home is just as lively—shared with two older sisters, two dogs, two cats, and the family traditions that keep her deeply connected to the people and culture she loves.

But behind Alaura's exuberance is an extraordinary story of resilience. Before she was even two, persistent ear pain became unbearable, escalating from an ER visit into a Life Flight and transfers to two children's hospitals. There, doctors discovered LCH associated with a mass on her skull, pressing against her ear and forcing it downward. Chemotherapy, long hospital stays, and hearing loss in one ear followed, while her family continues to wait and hope for new treatment possibilities.

And yet, Alaura keeps charging forward—bright, spirited, and determined. Just like the princesses who capture her imagination, Alaura knows something about courage, adventure, and finding strength when the journey takes an unexpected turn.

Challenges have always been part of her world, yet nothing has managed to quiet her joy or slow her stride—a little champion with a mighty spirit far bigger than anything standing in her way.

Alaura's full story: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e-cba0YNwSsbD4XE-r5kkgh-J2-YX2XZ/view?usp=sharing

08/31/2026

AEF Hero - Brayden - The Power of Sport

There is a certain grit required to stand alone on a pitcher’s mound with the game in your hands, and 18-year-old Brayden possesses it in abundance. A flame-throwing ace with Major League dreams, his talent is matched only by a relentless work ethic and a passion for the game he has played since age four. Now recruited to pitch at the collegiate level, years of dedication are propelling him toward the future he has worked so hard to achieve. Electric velocity may turn heads, but it is Brayden’s positivity, enthusiasm, and leadership that set him apart. He is the teammate you want beside you and the competitor you never want to face.

Then came a March game unlike any other. After dominating the first three innings, Brayden suddenly struggled in the fourth and left the field exhausted. Difficulty breathing and unexplained bruising soon followed. An emergency trip to the ER delivered an unimaginable answer: a rare and aggressive form of leukemia (APL).

But cancer had met a competitor. Brayden brings to this fight the same focus, discipline, and bright optimism that have defined his baseball career, surrounded by teammates, coaches, family, and an entire community rallying behind him. His mantra is simple yet powerful: never underestimate the power of a positive attitude. For Brayden, this is one more opponent to face, one more challenge to overcome, and only one chapter in a much greater story. “This is only part of my story—but not the end of it.”

And baseball has already shown him what can be possible. Former Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester battled cancer during his rookie season. He returned to win a World Series just a year later - proof that a diagnosis can interrupt the journey without determining the destination.

Now, Brayden is authoring his own comeback story, fueled by an unwavering belief that the greatest innings are still ahead.

True champions aren’t defined by the challenge that interrupts the game, but by the courage to keep competing, the resilience to keep fighting, and the conviction to never stop believing in the dream.

Brayden’s full story: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RlhqL7S9iw9nV50wUugynXVQDTwzZQ2l/view?usp=sharing

08/14/2026

AEF Hero - Peyton - The Power of Sport
Sometimes you encounter true exceptionalism—someone so inspiring they reshape your perspective and leave an indelible, powerfully positive mark on your life. Eighteen-year-old Peyton is that person. Spirited, funny, brave, and optimistic, she possesses a drive and determination matched by few. Peyton found her stride as a kindergarten cross-country runner, learning perseverance one small step at a time. She carried that same grit into middle school, where she discovered a passion for basketball—until leg pain changed everything.

A bump on her tibia worsened after she reinjured it at a trampoline park. The swelling grew, and at just 12 years old, Peyton was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma. She met the unimaginable with grace, courage, and an abundance of faith that would continue to strengthen her fight in the years ahead. She endured toxic chemotherapy, radiation, amputation, hair loss, exhaustion, neutropenia, neuropathy, two heartbreaking relapses, and the frightening discovery of a spot on her lung. Yet, Peyton remains optimistic, hopeful, humorous, and spirited—choosing to live an extraordinary life, knowing every day is precious.

She flourishes academically, earning straight A’s through her high school Running Start program and forging a clear path toward her goal of becoming a nurse anesthetist. Peyton also discovered a new passion in wheelchair basketball, joining the ParaSport traveling team and competing in the NWBA with the same relentless determination, competitive fire, and resilient spirit that have always defined her.

Unstoppable, Peyton continues to move forward with strength and purpose. Standing firmly beside her is a devoted family, guided by her mother’s wise reminder: “No one is promised tomorrow.” It’s a philosophy Peyton lives every day—with quiet heroism and the heart of a champion—embracing each moment with hope, courage, gratitude, and faith.

Peyton’s full story: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FUv7btgox4lqJse7Yw9SBYH63E_J3l80/view?usp=sharing

07/31/2026

AEF Hero – Asher – The Power of Spirit

Wild child, free spirit, and larger-than-life personality all wrapped into one pint-sized package, three-year-old Asher is impossible to forget. Smart, funny, and determined, he approaches life with fearless curiosity and an unstoppable adventurous spirit.

A tiny reggae enthusiast, Asher has been captivated by the mellow rhythms of new-age reggae since infancy. An artist in the making, he is currently immersed in his geometric phase, creating colorful shapes and perfecting his signature smiley-face circles. Lately, a fascination with eggs has taken hold: bright plastic ones, classic sunny-side-ups, but his favorite part is always the pure thrill of the crack.

Just five days after his third birthday, everything changed. Weeks of unexplained bruising, loss of appetite, and yellowing skin led to an ER visit that delivered devastating news: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Chemo began immediately, yet this fearless little trouper faced every challenge like a champ. Still too young to fully grasp his diagnosis, Asher simply feels okay as long as Mom and Dad are nearby. He idolizes his big brother Isaiah, and after an initial "No want it!" when baby sister Abigail arrived, she has become his mini sidekick.

Some heroes inspire by what they overcome. Others remind us how to live. Asher does both—showing us that true strength isn't measured by age or size, but by the power of spirit, the courage to keep smiling, and the unwavering belief that anything is possible.

Asher's full story:https://205bcb56-25ea-4f2f-8a53-8eb76d281082.filesusr.com/ugd/fbc6fa_36f394e6b24c43468c7a6a062cb85717.pdf

07/23/2026

AEF Hero – Savannah – The Power of Sport

Humorous, sassy, and wonderfully one-of-a-kind, 10-year-old Savannah lives life boldly on her own terms. Whether she's firing up the crowd as a cheerleader or racing down the soccer field as a fearless forward, she brings contagious energy, fierce determination, and a competitive spirit to everything she does. Beyond the pitch, adventure has been her favorite teammate—camping trips, swimming, and every summer camp opportunity that comes her way.

Then everything changed. After losing her balance and becoming alarmingly pale, Savannah was rushed to the emergency room, where tests confirmed B-cell leukemia. The diagnosis marked the beginning of more than four months in the hospital and over a year of intensive treatment.

True to her athletic spirit, Savannah fought cancer the same way she played soccer with grit, resilience, and a steadfast refusal to quit. Despite attending school for only 54 days, she graduated fifth grade with honors. She became a source of hope for younger patients, encouraging them to "do the best you can" and reassuring frightened children that they didn't need to be afraid, even as she faced enormous challenges of her own: seizures, drop foot, isolation, and losing her hair twice—all while reminding herself, “Keep your head up.”

As she worked tirelessly through physical therapy, motivated by the dream of returning to the soccer field, another dream took shape. Inspired by the doctors and nurses who cared for her, Savannah now hopes to become a pediatric oncologist so she can help other kids fight cancer.

An athlete by nature and a champion by choice, Savannah's greatest victory isn't simply overcoming cancer, but choosing to dedicate her future to helping other kids find hope beyond it—transforming her greatest challenge into a lifelong mission of hope, healing, and inspiration.

Savannah's full story: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F0Mj8CQB7WEvXijsxA5ZjCcp7PI7EAEi/view?usp=drivesdk

06/30/2026

AEF Hero – David – The Power of Spirit

Unstoppable, resilient, and wonderfully spontaneous, six-year-old David is a natural-born entertainer whose absolute favorite thing is making people laugh. The undisputed life of the party, he loves to dance—currently mastering the moonwalk to Michael Jackson's Beat It—and can't wait to learn new songs on his ukulele. Fascinated by the power of nature, he is a devoted tornado enthusiast who can spend hours immersed in weather simulators, natural-disaster games, and imaginative worlds on Roblox. Whether hunting for bugs, braving rollercoasters with his brother Elias, or joining the laughter and chaos of his family's annual camping trip, David embraces every day with a bright smile and his trademark "I can do it" attitude.

Living on the autism spectrum has never slowed him down. If anything, it has helped shape the remarkable resilience, determination, and perseverance that define him. Obstacles are something he was born to overcome.

David had battled headaches in the past, but this one was far more intense. What doctors first believed was a tonsil infection became the shocking discovery of an inoperable rhabdomyosarcoma tumor. An aggressive course of chemotherapy and radiation began immediately.

Even through it all, David has remained remarkably positive and in good spirits. Deeply spiritual, he turns to Jesus in his hardest moments, quietly praying for relief from the pain. He draws inspiration from his greatest hero, his dad, while proudly insisting that he is even stronger. With a heart full of empathy, he encourages other kids facing cancer with the simple words, "It's okay—you're strong like me.”

David continues to fight every battle the same way he tackles every challenge in life with a radiant smile, unwavering faith, boundless courage, and his trademark "I can do it" attitude. This is the very heart, courage, and spirit that fearless young champions are made of.

David's full story: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ss6H4FdKdEUXHrz0b7xYTLq0A-2fdjCC/view?usp=sharing

06/11/2026

AEF Hero - Francesca - The Power of Sport

Fast, fearless, and full of fire, seven-year-old Francesca is a dominant force on the field. Bursting with high energy and natural athleticism, this competitive spark plug is always in motion and rises to every challenge. While she enjoys basketball and football, soccer is her sport—where her skill, sharp focus, and fierce tenacity shine brightest. She loves mixing it up with the boys on the school soccer field, matching their intensity with her own smart, remarkably resilient spirit. Yet when the cleats come off, a softer side emerges: filled with moments spent dressing up as Princess Aurora and creating beautiful beaded bracelets.

An intense stomach ache quickly escalated into a swollen abdomen, leading to an ER visit. Scans revealed an inflamed liver and a concerning mass. The diagnosis: Burkitt lymphoma—one of the fastest-growing cancers--which had already spread to leukemia. She immediately began intensive chemotherapy and bravely faced its relentless, punishing side effects. Still so young, Francesca lacks the emotional tools to fully process what’s happening, yet she confronts this battle with the same fearless tenacity she shows on the soccer field—refusing to back down.

With the grace and optimism of Princess Aurora combined with the inner strength and resilience that make her a force on the field, Francesca continues to prove each day that she is stronger than cancer. Surrounded by the love and support of her family, this fearless warrior fights with deep purpose. Her ability to get back up after every knockdown carries her through her toughest days.

Francesca is a champion, a hero, and an inspiration to all who know her story.

Francesca’s full story: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ckueqoh74FlZWP64CQRSy8a60dVMFBZz/view?usp=sharing

05/27/2026

AEF Hero - Ryder - The Power of Sport

Anyone who has been touched by adolescent cancer knows the heart of these fighters, and nobody fights harder and inspires more than Ryder.

Defined by motion, intensity, and brotherhood, 15-year-old Ryder is pure kinetic energy—fast, explosive, and fearless. An all-in athlete, he lives for basketball, competition, and roughhousing with friends. The court is his sanctuary, where the rhythmic pound of the dribble, the heart of competition, and the daily grind fuel his relentless drive to improve. He shows up, pushes through fatigue, and comes back stronger after every setback.

Then one challenge he never saw coming: a lump on his thigh that led to a Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis. Overnight, his world narrowed to surgeries, chemotherapy, steroids, and months of treatment. A weakened immune system stole the everyday freedoms most teenagers take for granted—playing sports, attending school, hanging out with friends, and living without constant fear of infection.

But Ryder is a fighter. He refuses to let cancer define him. With a stubbornly positive mindset and fierce determination, he faces each day head-on. Determined to reclaim his strength and future, he transformed his habits: clean eating, a home gym, and a growing interest in medicine. He trains both body and mind with the same intensity he once brought to the basketball court—building a stronger, wiser, and more purposeful version of himself.

To others battling the same fight, his simple advice is this: “Stay strong, bro—you got this.”

Through it all, Ryder proves that no battle is too tough for a champion's unbreakable spirit.

Ryder’s full story: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11AWHpjiWfG-Q9e-SK1XSITOMB2IwFP61/view?usp=sharing

05/12/2026

AEF Hero - Nevaeh - The Power of Sport

Tiny yet mighty, Nevaeh proves that the fiercest warriors sometimes come in the smallest packages.

At just one year old, while battling pneumonia, COVID, and RSV, she was also diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive form of leukemia—enduring 56 rounds of high-dose chemotherapy, ICU stays, and months of isolation.

Yet through every challenge, her sassy spirit and endless optimism made her seem almost invincible. Refusing to slow down, Nevaeh continued riding her bike, playing soccer, and pursuing her passion for karate—a sport that became a source of strength, confidence, and renewed control during the hardest moments of her fight.

Now three years later, Nevaeh remains unstoppable, though the effects of treatment still linger. When asthma forced her to step away from the mat, she refused to give up. Inspired by The Karate Kid, she still practices her favorite moves, determined to one day return. Her message to other kids is simple yet powerful: “Never ever give up.”

Today, Nevaeh now pours her boundless energy into art—drawing, painting, and sculpting with Play-Doh—while waiting for her body to regain the strength needed to receive the immunizations required to start school.

More than a survivor, Nevaeh is a tiny powerhouse of courage and hope—proving that true champions are defined not by their size, but by the strength of their spirit and refusal to quit.

Nevaeh’s full story: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YB2boBbgRS-RhQoK6QzaWYJ5gXh0vJ5l/view?usp=sharing

Address

201 Galer Street #511
Seattle, WA
98109

Website

http://www.austeneverettfoundation.org/

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