by Jeffrey Reed, Editor, LondonOntarioSports.com

Danielle Austin with LondonOntarioSports.com’s Elizabeth Reed

On local playing fields and rinks, and in the classroom, all-around athlete Danielle Austin of Parkhill has always been a fighter. But today, the 24-year-old registered nurse at London’s Victoria Hospital works tirelessly on the frontline as we all battle the coronavirus pandemic.

In fact, Austin’s twin sister, Kaitlyn, and youngster sister, Ashley, 22, are also RNs at Victoria Hospital, where Danielle works on the orthopedics trauma floor.

“These are crazy times,” said Danielle, 2018 winner of the Jeffrey Reed Courage Award, presented by LondonOntarioSports.com – read her biography here, and feature stories here and here.

“Even though we work in a hospital environment, it can be difficult keeping up with the ever-changing news, which is what we must do,” Austin said. “Every day is different. And we prepare for the worst. But nursing is my passion, and I don’t have any choice but to go to work each day.”

In November 2015 during her sophomore year at Fanshawe College, Austin was slammed with what has been her biggest personal challenge. The Falcons’ women’s soccer rookie of the year was blindsided with a diagnosis of severe Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disease causing inflammation of the digestive tract, abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition.

(L-R) Danielle, Kaitlyn and Ashley Austin.

After much suffering and constant care, Austin is happy to report that her Crohn’s is in remission and is being treated with medicine – but she knows that she will battle this terrible disease during her entire life. However, that doesn’t stop this tiny dynamo from fighting back.

At a time of social distancing when many of us are pining for a drive from London to Grand Bend to enjoy the beach, Austin eyes that 63-kilomtre stretch in a different way. In August 2021, she will run that stretch – for a second time – to raise money for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, and to raise awareness of the disease.

In June 2018, Austin ran from Grand Bend to London and raised more than $4,000 as part of her fundraiser called, Kicking Some Guts One Step At A Time. Next summer, again with much support from family, friends and sponsors, she’ll run from London to Grand Bend.

“When we return to the new normal after fighting COVID-19, I’ll have a GoFundMe page fully operational, and I’ll work hard approaching sponsors,” Austin said. “Right now, I am training for the run – much sooner than I did in 2018.”

This season, Austin played hockey with the St. Marys Storm women’s senior hockey club, whose provincial tournament was cancelled due to the pandemic. She plans to play soccer with a Byron Soccer Club women’s team this summer. But like the entire world, local soccer, too, closely monitor how COVID-19 affects us all.

Danielle Austin with (L) LeeAnn Powers and (R) Alexandria Peat.

“Staging the run in 2021 is now a blessing,” said Austin, “and I can’t wait to raise money for the cause. During my first run, at every stop, people came up to us and told stories about how they lived with Crohn’s or Colitis, or how someone they know lives with the diseases. They donated out of their pockets, and encouraged me to go the distance.”

With her mother, Shelley, driving behind her and supplying water for the run, Austin was joined by two friends who also ran the entire 63 km. LeeAnn Powers, Austin’s former boss at Aunt Gussie’s restaurant in Grand Bend, and former Falcons and FC London soccer teammate Alexandria Peat both completed the journey with her. They’re committed to running the distance again next year. Others will join them, too.

“I know people are confined to their homes right now, and that they are having a tough time coping. There are people in small apartments, and others who cannot go to work. We’re all struggling, and it is affecting all of us in different ways,” Austin said.

“I hope my run will inspire others at this difficult time. Nursing is what I do – I am passionate about helping others. Kicking Some Guts One Step At A Time is another way to give people hope, especially those who live with Chron’s and Colitis.”

Austin’s 2018 Courage Award recognized her bravery on and off the playing field. Her inspirational run, and working on the frontline as a nurse, today continues her legacy.

–30–

Jeffrey Reed is publisher and editor of LondonOntarioSports.com, and LondonOntarioGolf.com. Reach him at jeff@londonontariosports.com.