The crew at Big Grove Brewery are our SUPERHEROES!! We cannot thank them enough for this opportunity and their support. It means so much. 
If you haven’t tried ’Golden Boy’ get to Big Grove in Solon and give it a try!! Also being served at Sally’s On Broadwayin Springville!
by Nicole Agee
Sunday, September 7th 2022
URL: https://www.kcrg.com/2022/09/07/all-inclusive-playground-memory-young-boy-open-monticello/
MONTICELLO, Iowa (KCRG) – Wednesday evening at 5 p.m. people can take part in a ribbon cutting and celebration for a new playground in memory of a young boy.
Plans have been in the works for more than a year for the Austin Smith Inclusive Playground. The celebration starts at 5 with a dinner, and the ribbon cutting is set for 6 p.m. On Thursday the playground will fully open for children to use it.
It’s a playground that has something for every kid, no matter their abilities, with accessible equipment, musical toys and areas that spark a child’s imagination.
Donors and sponsors contributed $450,000 for the project in honor of a local superhero.
Yesterday was one for the books! The weather cooperated and allowed nearly 200 riders to come together and ride for Austin, DIPG, and all childhood cancer fighters. And what a beautiful day it was. We had the best group of riders, volunteers, sponstor, ride stops, and silent auction donations. This wea our best ride to date, and none of this would be possible without all of you. Finally, we must thank Sally Deep for her unwavering support. This event would not be the success it is without her. It really does take a village, and boy is ours a great one! See you back in 2023!!
by Mitch Fick
URL: https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/austin-strong-foundation-collecting-donations-for-namesakes-birthday-memorial
MONTICELLO, Iowa (IOWA’S NEWS NOW) — $11,000 for a boy that would have been 11 later this month.
That’s the Austin Strong Foundation’s goal by October 28 as they celebrate the life and legacy of a Monticello boy who died after his battle with pediatric brain cancer.
Austin Smith was just six years old when his fight with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma ended in May 2016. His birthday is October 28 – and friends and family are hoping to raise $11,000 for the foundation created in his name by then. A Facebook fundraising page is now set up – and donations can also be dropped off at Sally’s on Broadway in Springville.
Organizers say they’ve already raised more than $5,100 between online and in-person donations.
The Smith family was featured in Iowa’s News Now’s Pay It Forward series in November 2019 for their continued work to raise money and awareness in Austin’s memory.
Their work led to the state of Iowa recognizing DIPH Awareness Day for the first time in 2017.
by Mitch Fick
Sunday, November 3rd 2019
URL: https://cbs2iowa.com/community/pay-it-forward/monticello-couple-keeps-sons-legacy-alive-through-austin-strong-foundation
MONTICELLO, Iowa (CBS2/FOX28) — Last week was a special one for Britt and Mikinzie Smith. It always is.
The second of their three boys, Colt, celebrates a birthday on November 1. He’s three this year.
October 28 is their eldest’s birthday. Austin would have been 10. Instead, his younger brother’s birthday is also now a celebration in Austin’s memory – the Austin Strong Foundation‘s annual Fall Family Fun Night in Monticello.
“I definitely think it’s been healing for our family more than anything,” Mikinzie Smith says. “This is the way I get to parent him now.”
The event – and the foundation – started in 2016 after Austin died from Diffuse Instrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). It’s an aggressive brain cancer – a death sentence for whoever is diagnosed.
“Nobody ever thinks that they’re gonna be a cancer family until they’re a cancer family,” Britt says.
Britt and Mikinzie’s mission now is to do everything they can to battle back against childhood cancers.
“I want another family to have a better outcome than we did,” Mikinzie says.
“We’ve been there – so wanna make sure that the families that ever have to go through this don’t have to worry about some of those things,” Britt adds.
In the 3.5 years since Austin’s death, they’ve made some major strides in trying to make that possible.
“I don’t think I knew…what kind of numbers we’d be looking at,” Mikinzie says of starting the foundation.
ASF spent Friday collecting $10 donations (in honor of Austin’s 10th birthday) – pledging $50,000 to the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. It’ll be the second time they’ve made that high of a pledge to UI Children’s, Mikinzie says.
The goal of the fall fundraiser is to cover the cost of a special Vitamin C treatment for somone fighting DIPG. It’s a treatment the Smiths wanted for Austin, but never got to give him.
Friday is the party they wish they could throw for him – with a guest list full of the people that have been by the Britt and Mikinzie’s side through it all.
“(Austin) was so proud of our town too,” his mother says. “He always was like, ‘I’m from Monticello!’ when we’d be in the hospital.”
“It’s in honor of his birthday – but it’s for everyone in our town.”
by Kim Brooks
Wednesday, March 28th 2018
URL: http://monticelloexpress.com/content/third-annual-austin-smith-gala-april-7
MONTICELLO, Iowa (Monticello Express) —
“Children are more precious than gold.”
That quote is attributed to children with cancer, and the color gold is the official color for childhood cancer awareness.
Saturday, April 7 is the third annual Austin Smith Gala, and this year the Austin Strong Foundation is not only remembering little Austin Smith but also all childhood cancer warriors.
Austin passed away on May 20, 2016 at the age of 6, after a 16-month battle with DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma), a form of childhood cancer.
“We will be highlighting current children fighting (cancer) as well as angels like Austin throughout the night,” said Austin’s mom Mikinzie Smith.
The Gala will be held at The Jitney in downtown Monticello from 7-11 p.m. Tickets for the event are still available for $75, and can be purchased by any Foundation member or online at https://austinstrong.eventbrite.com. Checks can also be mailed to Austin Strong Foundation, P.O. Box 727, Monticello, IA 52310. If tickets are still available the day of the Gala, you can also pay at the door.
New this year is a keynote speaker, KCRG-TV9 News Anchor Chris Earl.
“When he first reported on Austin’s journey with DIPG, he took an immediate interest in him and checked in with us regularly,” shared Mikinzie. “He has always been an advocate since for getting his (Austin’s) story out there. Being a father himself, he sees how important the cause really is.”
There will also be a live band from Iowa City, the “Tornadoes.” The significance of the band is the fact that its members perform at night, but by day they are all doctors at the University of Iowa Hospital. Mikinzie said that was a plus.
At the Gala there will also be games, raffles, and a silent auction with many great items such as a hot tub.
All proceeds from the Gala benefit the Austin Strong Foundation, which is made up of a group of friends and family of the Smiths. The Foundation has teamed up with 20-plus other family foundation that pooled their resources together and have been able to grant out more than $1.6 million for pediatric brain cancer research.
“We are much more effective working together,” said Mikinzie. “Collaboration among foundations and researchers is so important to prevent duplication of research, effectiveness and treatments, and ultimately finding a cure.”
The Austin Strong Foundation raises money locally through a variety of events from the annual Gala to Austin’s Halloween Fun Day, Ride Like a Superhero and apparel sales. A new fundraiser that just started this year was an ice-fishing tournament launched by the Foundation’s Minnesota chapter. “Freeze Out Childhood Cancer” was held in late January, hosted by Austin’s godmother and Mikinzie’s aunt. The event raised over $7,000 for the Foundation.
In early March, through the Foundation and a personal contribution from Austin’s parents, Britt and Mikinzie Smith, a room at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital was named and dedicated in memory of Austin.
“We directed the money to the Foundation that was left from Austin’s benefit fund from all of the generous donations given during this fight and earmarked for this project,” explained Mikinzie.
Austin’s room was chosen by random, but lucky enough to be given room number 1111.
While Austin was never treated within the new children’s hospital, Mikinzie said they would walk the halls and check on the construction progress, how much things had changed from his last visit to the next.
“After his passing, we wanted to do something special to make him a part of that hospital,” she said. She said it was important that their donation benefit the pediatric oncology department specifically. That’s when the hospital’s director of development suggested a patient room on the oncology floor, the 11th floor.
Mikinzie said while it’s hard to describe what an honor like this means to their family, there “is something very healing about giving back to the hospital that held you up during your darkest days.
“The new children’s hospital is nothing short of amazing and just what families going through this type of tragedy need,” praised Mikinzie. To add to the special facility, she said the view of Kinnick Stadium as Hawkeye fans perform the now-famous “wave” takes your breath away.
“We are incredibly honored to be a part of that, see Austin’s memory live forever on the 11th floor,” Mikinzie added.
Above all, the Foundation’s goal is to help fund childhood cancer research “because without it, we will never make progress for these kids.”
Mikinzie teased a new project in the works in partnership with the UI Children’s Hospital.
“Stay tuned…,” she said.
In just a year’s time, the Foundation has been able to donate over $100,000 to benefit pediatric cancer. Mikinzie said it’s a milestone they are quite proud of with the second anniversary of Austin’s passing this May.
“Our community is nothing short of amazing,” she boasted. “Your biggest fear as a parent who has lost their child is that eventually people will forget, and our community has shown us that they will not.
“Austin’s fight was not in vain and we will continue to battle together. Austin was always very proud to be from Monticello. After this past year and seeing what this community has helped us do in his honor, I know he is just beaming with pride.”
By: Kim Brooks
Express Editor
Boots? Or Badges?
The Monticello Police Department and Monticello Fire Department are partnering with the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center to host a blood drive on Wednesday, Jan. 3. Who will get the most donors? Boots vs. Badges?
The blood drive will be held from 3:30-7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria inside Monticello Middle School.
Monticello Police Chief Britt Smith said they were approached by the Mississippi Valley Blood Center to hold a blood drive in the area, of which the Center covers.
“A campaign like this generates donors,” said Smith. Utilizing both the police and fire departments, with established footholds in the community, you also have a plethora of participants. “It sparks interest,” added Smith.
Smith explained Mississippi Valley keeps blood donations local, throughout Eastern Iowa.
“They support local hospitals,” he said. “So everyone wins.”
Monticello Firefighter Nick Kahler said typically during the winter months, blood donations decrease. So this event was also a way to boost donations.
“It’s done in quite a few different places,” said Kahler of the Boots vs. Badges campaign. “People who probably do not donate normally come out to support the cause. We’re able to pull from different markets.”
Those wishing to donate blood on Jan. 3 can sign up ahead of time or simply walk in the day of the event. It’s important to pledge your donation under either the MPD of the MFD. The department that has the most donors at the end of the evening is named the winner.
“For each unit of blood (donated) we get a kick-back,” Smith explained. Mississippi Blood Center will donate funds, which, in turn, the winning department will donate to the Austin Strong Foundation. From there, the Foundation will use the money to purchase something of need at Shannon Elementary School in memory of Austin Smith. Austin passed away in 2016 at the age of 6 from cancer.
“Austin went to school there and loved school,” Smith said of his son.
Kahler said the Blood Center actually wanted to find a way to incorporate the Austin Strong Foundation into a blood drive.
“They know of our connections,” Smith said.
The Blood Center donates to area hospitals, including the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Austin received blood platelets from the UIHC.
“Austin had two transfusions of platelets as he was going through chemo(therapy),” shared Smith. “There are a variety of reasons why people need blood, and cancer is just one of those reasons.”
You can sign up now by contacting the Monticello Emergency Response Center at 319-465-3526 or visit www.bloodcenterimpact.org. You can also follow either the MPD or the MFD’s Facebook pages and follow the link to sign up online.
“Walk-ins are welcome,” encouraged Kahler. “They are anticipating a lot of foot traffic.”
by Mitch Fick
Thursday, May 11th 2017
URL: https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/austin-strong-family-bringing-awareness-in-sons-memory
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (CBS 2/FOX 28) — The phrase “Austin Strong” will forever resonate for the family of Austin Smith – and now his legacy will be recognized statewide.
CBS 2/FOX 28 first told you about Austin in March after a memorial fund created in his honor was stolen from Sally’s On Broadway in Springville. The Austin Strong Foundation raises money and awareness for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), an aggressive form of brain cancer that took Austin’s life on May 20, 2016. Austin was just six years old.
The funds that were stolen have been recouped several times over – but a document signed in Des Moines on Thursday is a priceless one.
Governor Terry Branstad has declared that May 17 will be DIPG Awareness Day around the state of Iowa.
“To take it to a statewide level and actually get that recognition – and hopefully spread the word,” Mikinzie Smith, Austin’s mom, said on Thursday night. “People don’t know what DIPG is and it’s very important for awareness to get that word out there.”
The third annual “Ride/Drive Like a Superhero” event is scheduled for next Sunday – a day after the first anniversary of Austin’s passing – and will continue to raise funds for Austin Strong.
“We’re not just fighting for Austin here today,” Britt Smith, Austin’s dad, added. “We’re fighting for kids in the future that are unfortunately diagnosed with this disease. To know that he can have an impact on children’s lives down the road and carrying on that legacy is what keeps us going as well.”
But that legacy is also in a form that will last far longer than declarations and driving days. Colt Smith is Austin’s baby brother – born just a few months after Austin’s passing.
“(Colt) was Austin’s wish. Austin wanted to be a big brother,” Mikinzie said, “and watching him somehow makes us feel connected to Austin.”
By: Kim Brooks
Express Editor
“Your son has cancer. There is no cure. You need to take him home and make memories.”
In mid-January, Britt and Mikinzie Smith of Monticello, parents of Austin Smith, were told those exact words from doctors. Sixteen months later on May 20, 2016, their 6-year-old boy lost his battle with DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma).
DIPG is an inoperable brain tumor, affecting children, ages 5-7 years of age. According to the Smiths, there is less than a 1 percent survival rate.
“DIPG tumors are highly aggressive and difficult to treat,” explained the Smiths.
Typically, children who are diagnosed with DIPG only live for another nine months. Austin was strong and resilient and lived another 16 months.
“You have to believe that your child could be the one to beat this,” the Smiths recalled. “Little did we know that along his journey, this little boy would capture the hearts of so many and become an inspiration to all those around him.”
Austin’s strong determination became a mantra not only around Monticello and Jones County, but beyond. The tagline “Austin Strong” was seen everywhere: in car windows, bumper stickers, yard signs, in businesses, on t-shirts, and more.
“‘Austin Strong’ became a way of life for our family and the community,” the Smiths said of the wide support.
Wanting to help other families in their battle with DIPG and to some day find a cure, the Smith family and friends came together to establish the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization “Austin Strong Foundation.”
“The pain of losing a child is impossible to describe and leaves you paralyzed with questions,” explained the Smiths.
The Foundation exists to help fund research, raise awareness, and support those fighting DIPG and other childhood cancers.
With so many people donating to cancer organizations all over the country and through their fight with childhood cancer, Britt and Mikinzie found just how little filters down to DIPG specifically.
Of the total NCI (National Cancer Institute) annual budget, only 4 percent goes to pediatric cancer in general. From there, that 4 percent piece is divided and given to DIPG and other forms of childhood cancers.
“We promised Austin that we would do our part to put an end to this awful disease,” the Smiths said.
To carry on that mission, the Smiths donated his tumor to DIPG research.
“No child and family should have to endure this brutal disease and we will continue to fight just as Austin did.”
This is where the Foundation comes into play. The Austin Strong Foundation is part of a collaborative of other childhood cancer foundations that raise private funds to encourage research efforts.
“We all pull our resources together and collaborate with the best doctors and surgeons in the world,” Mikinzie explained.The Austin Strong Foundation donated $25,000, which is the goal every year, toward this research. Mikinzie said there are over 30 foundations working together, all donating between $25,000 and $100,000 toward the cause.
“It’s an amazing thing to be a part of,” she said.
In order to help raise money for the Austin Strong Foundation, family and friends organize Austin’s Halloween Fun Night in October. There is now an official website, www.austinstrong.org, where you can donate online. You can also purchase merchandise with the Austin Strong logo to support the Foundation as well.
“We have a committee that is full of ideas,” Mikinzie said of future events planned.
On Saturday, April 8, the Second Annual Austin Strong Gala will be held at The Jitney in downtown Monticello. The first gala was held last March as a way to help the Smith family with travel expenses as they planned to head to Germany for experimental treatment for Austin.
In an effort to continue to support the Foundation, Erin Cox and Katie Farrowe, owners of The Jitney, said they wanted to open their place of business for the event.
“It’s a good way to raise potentially a substantial amount of money,” said Farrowe.
Mikinzie said seeing the community come out for the gala, and other events, shows how supportive everyone is.
“It’s brought a lot of attention to our area,” Mikinzie said of DIPG.
Tickets can be purchased for $75 a piece. Only 75 tickets will be sold. The gala will be held from 7 p.m. to midnight.
The event will include superhero-themed cocktail specials; appetizers; live music provided by Drew Brown, Austin’s cousin from Madison, Wis.; a silent auction; games and prizes; and pictures of attendees dressed in their best.
“People have a lot of fun at the gala,” said Farrowe.
“Everyone is there for the same reason,” said Mikinzie.
“To fight for Austin’s memory and every other child,” added Farrowe.
Cox recalled the fighter in Austin.
“Life is too short,” she said.
Last year, the gala raised over $20,000.
“Everything is donated to the Foundation,” said Cox.
Some of the auction items include spa services, Chicago Cubs tickets, items from Dale Earnhardt Jr. Motorsports, getaways/vacation packages, sports memorabilia from Iowa State and the University of Iowa, collectible guns, jewelry, and more.
“We have a lot of items,” said Cox, and are still taking more for those who wish to donate. Aside from donating toward the auction, Cox said you could also donate money toward the event.
“If everyone in Monticello donated just $1,” she said, “that’s over $3,000.”
With a new addition to the Smith family, Austin’s baby brother Colt, Mikinzie said they get their therapy through the Foundation.
“It keeps Austin’s memory alive,” she said. “The support from so many people means the world to us.”
And, Colt is expected to make a special appearance at the Gala on April 8 as well.
For tickets, contact Mikinzie or The Jitney. More information on the Gala is available online and Facebook through the Austin Strong Foundation page