Hailey Heseltine
ECB Publishing, Inc.
On Sunday, May 5, a fundraiser event to support Austin Smith, a local who was recently diagnosed with bone cancer, will be held. All in the community are invited to come support the Smith family through their participation.
Smith, a Jefferson County native, was born and raised in the Wacissa area. He is a father, husband, friend and hardworking neighbor to all; Smith has been in the painting business for about twenty years, during which he specialized in painting historic homes. He also owns All American Pressure Washing and Tallahassee Pressure Washing, in addition to tending to a hobby farm and caring for his family.
He has a beloved wife, Lura, who he met in 2015, and a son, Cruz, who he calls “our miracle child” because they were able to have Cruz despite a history of eleven miscarriages. Smith loves to spend time with his son, especially by feeding the animals and fishing; Lura says he calls himself “the best bass fisherman in the world.”
“[Austin] is the kindest, most caring, most patient human I have ever been around...” Lura says.
“He's just all-around amazing.”
Last November, Smith began experiencing symptoms of continual pain and discomfort. He went to several doctors and chiropractors, all who
were unable to cure the pain; he eventually went to urgent care and was promptly directed to the emergency room. He was then diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of bone cancer.
Smith will begin chemotherapy treatment in the coming weeks. In order to pay for medical bills, travel costs, medicine, treatments, and to keep the two businesses they own running while he is out of work, the Smiths turn to our community for support.
On Sunday, May 5, at 1 p.m., the Fun Run to Support Austin Smith and Family will be held. There will be a 5k walk and run, as well as other activities, such as a bounce house and corn-hole, along with provided refreshments. This event will be held at 2682 E. Washington Hwy., and the fee will be $20 per adult or $10 per child. The funds earned from this event will go toward supporting the Smith family's medical costs and keeping their businesses afloat during this difficult time.
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