Our Mission

On May 12, 2012 Austin Brashears finished what is one of the most epic stories of all time: his life story. He lived colorfully and beautifully during his 21 years and painted pictures all over the world of his kindness, generosity, and positive spirit. We have decided to begin the stage of moving forward to embark on a grand adventure to create new memories with Austin every day. It can be something as little as trying a new flavor of coffee or going underwater go-cart racing in his honor. We invite you to play with us, laugh with us, and take risks with us. We encourage you to put your Austin foot forward and begin to live with Austin and his energetic spirit as your guide.

He needs our help to finish his epic adventure.

We’ll be posting our adventures here for you to read and hopefully be inspired by, but we want to hear from you too! When you do something amazing and incredible or just a little something you know that Austin would LOVE or appreciate, throw on your Austin merch (v-neck, tank, or bracelet) and take a picture! Write up a post and email it to us at doitforaustin@gmail.com and we’ll share it with everyone!

Have a great Austin Adventure Day,

Sage, Brittany, Cole, & Shannon

The Family

Thursday, August 23, 2012

African Adventures!


This is an adventure that was not only eye opening and life changing, but exciting. Almost everyday I journaled about the experiences I was having, the people I was meeting, and the stories I was hearing, and everyday I thought about Austin. I journaled as if I was telling a story to someone and that someone was him. In fact, I know he would be so excited to read it all cause one of the last things we talked about was this trip. He was so happy for me and thankfully this trip was everything I hoped and he assured me it would be.

Rogers, one of the adorable kids at the orphanage
Although don’t be fooled going to Africa is not the easiest of adventures. It took 3,000$, 10 shots, 48 hours of travel (round trip), possible permanent neck damage due to the severely bumpy dirt roads, and a lot of bug spray! But it was completely worth it. Most my days there consisted of working at a children’s home and spending time with lots of kids. I, along with the team I went with, also spoke at a few churches and lead bible studies. For the most part the work was exciting stuff! One day we fixed the playground equipment for the kids, we added a zip line and some swings and just played with them. Other days the work was gardening, helping plant dozens of passion fruit trees or grafting different types of fruit together. But we also spent quite a few days just doing simple stuff like painting dorm rooms for the kids coming home from high school, or fixing the rain gutters. It wasn’t anything too adventurous, but no matter what we did we always talked to people. In Kenya, the people take great pride in community. They look after one another, care for each other, and they listen.  I care for a lot of people in my life, but sometimes in America it’s all just going to fast.

the kids loved my Austin bracelet :)
This country prides itself on productivity and getting there first. Kenya is a little slower. I had meals where we sat and talked for three hours and the other person never once checked their phone or Facebook (yes they do have those). They were genuinely interested to hear your story and your thoughts and I loved it. I think that would have been Austin’s favorite part, to hear people’s stories. Some of the stories I heard were crazy! I met a guy who killed a leopard, got cut by a poisoned arrow and had his leg nearly chopped off with a machete! Talk about epic! I met an Olympic runner who just ran in the marathon in London and took bronze for Kenya! And I talked to kids whose parents died and left them, or were alcoholics and didn’t care about them, but they were smiling and thankful for all they have (two pairs of clothes and one pair of shoes). These people are amazing, their stories are unbelievable, and their hearts are full of love. And the story I got to share was epic because Austin was apart of it. And just how Austin taught me and is teaching me to value relationships and time, so did the Kenyans. A productive day to them is being with people you love and getting to know new people to love.

Lions lunch instead of me
Masi Warriors!!! And my Austin shirt of course!
I got to experience working hard in Kenya, but I also go to play hard. The last three days I was there we went on a safari in the Masi Mara and let me tell you lion king is a great portrayal, but definitely nothing compared to the real thing. I think I saw literally a million zebra, a pride of lions (mating and hunting included), a baby cheetah and a baby lion, and even a giraffe! But the sounds of safari are probably my favorite. Hearing a lion roar twenty feet from your face gives you goose bumps, and I couldn’t help laugh every time I heard a hippo (which lived in the river literally right outside my luxury tent) give a “satisfied grunt” as our tour guide called it. I tried to squeeze in a few outrageous activities like chasing after a pack of zebra on 


foot, and standing on the roof of the safari vehicle for a picture without the driver knowing…. then he started to drive and I literally almost fell off and became lion’s lunch. I even met some Masi warriors who live there year round, have killed lions with their bare hands, and look fabulous doing it. (They were these shukas, which are like big colorful sheets and have lots of beaded jewelry) All together it was an experience I will never forget and one I couldn’t wait to share with Austin. But I could feel him there then and everyday now teaching me new things and reminding me of the things I sometimes forget.  <3 Chelsea







Friday, August 17, 2012

Utah Outdoor Adventures

So I know this is long overdue but I was putting some blogs up for people that sent us blogs and felt if other people got theres together I just needed to do mine. So here it is!

Alright so a few weeks ago I went to Utah actually for an orientation for the University of Utah (funny because as many of you know I chose Chapman) but more of just an outdoor adventure! I was having a hard time leaving even though it was only for a week because it was my first time being away from my friends and family completely ever since the accident. I debated not going but I knew Austin would love the adventures soon to be in store. So I got on my plane and headed to Salt Lake City. I got in had lunch with a family friend who picked me up and than headed to the University. Boring presentations and things aside, I had chosen the Outdoor orientation. Upon my arrival I was told that my 2 trips were going to be rafting and rock climbing.

Getting ready for the climb!
So  the next day we were split up into our groups and my group for the day was going Rock Climbing! And I mean actually real rocks with not many big cracks or anything to make it an easy climb. Of course this just made me more excited. We set up about 5 lines all ranging in difficulty and even height, up at 120 feet! We got into groups of 3 and all switched off climbing, belaying and being a back up.

 This was really fun and very tiring! Many times I would be climbing and just be completely exhausted or not be able to find a spot for my hands or feet and I would channel Austin to keep me going or I would think to myself "I gotta do it for the story" and so I would take a deep breath and feel as if i was running up a straight wall sometimes but I would find a crack somewhere and make it just a bit higher until I would reach the top!
Half way up the agro-crack!


 After about 5 hours of climbing and a little adventuring we headed up the rode a bit to a campsite where we met up with the other 2 groups and spent the night. The evening was full of cooking, chatting, making smores, playing on a slack line, cards and other fun things. Myself and a few others had talked about boycotting the tents and sleeping under the stars instead. As night came It got colder and there was a chance of rain. I thought maybe we should just sleep in the tents so we dont get rained on but that a few seconds later I realized if it rained(which it did) that would just make it an even better story and Austin was not one going to let a little rain ruin a beautiful night under the stars. And so we did have an awesome night sleeping under the stars.


The next day we got a bit later start but packed up everything and headed for that days adventure. My day was full of rafting! It was a blast. We drove out to the river took out all of the boats and pumped them up than were quickly on our way. The river had several rapid areas that were tons of fun! I only got stuck on one rock(someone pinned me on it) but dont worry I got off of it all by myself and headed back to the rest of the group. about 10 minutes before the end we had caught up to a bunch of tourists on little rafts
floating down. Our guides had us stop so that we didn't hit them coming out of the last rapid since we knew they would fall out haha. We happened to pull over right past a small rapid and we thought it would be an awesome idea to walk up before it and float down it just in our life jackets. It was super fun so me and just a few others kept doing it until it was time to go. We went forward, backwards, spun around and even all made a train down it. We continued down the river with a beautiful view, watched some members of the group fall out, flip there boats, get stuck in the trees and loose paddles, shoes etc. We got back to the ending point had some food and headed back to the school.



After I left the orientation I went to Provo where I spent the weekend with a good friend of mine, Emily. It was really good to see her hang out with all of her friends go to 7-11 on her scooter and go to a indoor trampoline park with foam pits, dodgeball and just lots of trampolines. All in all it was a pretty fun weekend I even got to see my Aunt. It was an adventure Austin would have definitely loved. <3

Love Nicole






Thursday, August 16, 2012

East Coast Love

Hey guys! Just sending some east coast love your way. If anyone doesn't know me I'm one of Austin's BU bffs/faux roommates. My friend reminded me of a great quote from the Shawshank Redemption the other day and I just wanted to share it with y'all because it's so appropriate - “I have to remind myself that some birds aren't meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright. And when they fly away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to lock them up does rejoice. Still, the place you live in is that much more drab and empty that they're gone. I guess I just miss my friend." How perfect right? Missing that crazy kid everyday. Anyway, I hope you guys can make it over to Boston soon! I know the Brashears are tentatively coming out October 6th to retire Austin's water polo cap and we're going to throw a party in his honor so if anyone can make it out then we'd love to have you! I have plenty of pull-out couch & air mattress sleeping space. Also - Nick & I are going sky diving soon and we'll be wearing our Austin gear so I'm sure I'll have a blog post coming your way!
Love, Amy

Girls Camp

There are two pictures of the hike at girls camp. This hike was a killer! We hiked 1000 feet in 2 miles. It was really hard. When we were close to the top the girls were getting discouraged and wanted to quit. I yelled as loud as I could "Do it for the story!" Cammy and I had our Austin shirts on and the girls started yelling "Do it for the story!" It was so fun! I wish you could have been there. Most of the girls were able to make it to the top. A few stayed behind when one new BeeHive had a asthma attach. It was pretty scary! I was so proud of the girls and how they were there for Kailiegh Jackman. In this picture is: Brianna Perez, Kailiegh Jackman, Joselyn Huerta, Bailey Rail, Me, Ema Romberg, Cammy Panek, Jill Rime.


Kristi made it to the top! She had her Austin bracelet on and the silly band he gave her many years ago. She is with a friend Brianna who is from Texas. She came to camp with us this year.
Cammy and I had never done archery before. Super fun! We both did well. Cammy actually hit the bulls eye! Look out Katniss! You might have some compation at the next Hunger Games! I would LOVE to do this again. Another new adventure for me!




"Batmobiles"



Brett and Nolan with their "Batmobiles". Brett showed up to go to the beach with Nolan and they both had their Austin shirts on. I told them we had to get a picture! Matching shirts with matching cars thinking about their buddy, Austin, who would love this picture!

Love,

Janet

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Tender Mercies

If you know Mama B, you know that whether you want to or not, you're going to soak up some of her wisdom just by standing next to her. I have been incredibly lucky to watch (and experience) her not only be a mother to all her children (biological and otherwise), but a teacher or rather, an educator. Her lessons range from the kitchen to the heartstrings, sometimes are unspoken, and never disappoint to remind me that I am strong and capable. She always has the answer and the right thing to say.

Something Mama B taught me this summer is to appreciate the little things, the small moments of happiness and joy, because sometimes they can be few and far between. These bits of happiness and joy can come in all different forms, sometimes in the form of what she calls Tender Mercies. Those moments when you feel like Austin is standing next to you... giving you a hug, cheering you on in a race, or simply just standing there. It's not paranormal, it's just a sense of Austin. An intense remembrance of sorts... imagining whatever he would be doing if he were able to be there.

Tonight I had a Tender Mercy. I was watching TV and someone in the show I was watching picked up a guitar. A ping of sadness and regret flooded through me because I haven't played my guitar all summer. I just didn't really feel like it I guess. But tonight I couldn't help but want to. I sat down thinking about what to play and was suddenly overwhelmed with the memory of a commercial Austin and I had seen with an acoustic version of Stand By Me in it. It was so gorgeous, we sat literally entranced in the commercial and when it was over we instantly looked at each other and said "We HAVE to learn that!" I started typing into YouTube and came across something I didn't expect.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN-U5aE6Rog&feature=related

It starts out...

"This song says no matter who you are, no matter where you go in your life, at some point you're going to need somebody to stand by you."

such a relevant concept to the last few months and the family and community that has kept all of us going, but it becomes an example of people all over the world coming together to achieve a common goal. You should really watch it. Seriously, it's pretty dope.

I have no idea how it happens, but sometimes I feel like Austin twists around the strings of fate to make us giggle or cry or feel comforted in the fact that his love is never gone. How did he know that video is exactly what I needed, but could have never found on my own? Oh those Tender Mercies.

In a sea of doubt about whether I could live out my seemingly ridiculously naive life goal (World Peace... I'm not kidding) it made me realize that there was hope. As cheesy as that may sound and as silly as it may seem I really do think I can help change the world in at least some teeny tiny way. I glanced down at my left foot and read the words I recently drew there forever. I'm still looking up. And I am. Remembering all the people who are standing by me whether I fail or succeed (the Leaves of My Family Tree) made me realize there's no point in holding back. In these last few months I've realized that you have to do what you want to do in order to be happy. So I'm going to do it! ...whether everyone thinks I'm crazy or not!

If you're reading this wondering how this classifies as an adventure... It may not seem like one, but I feel like the next 6-7 years spent getting my Masters and my Ph.D so I can try to educate our college youth will be one. So will the whole educating the college youth thing. So here's to a renewed passion to do what I want to do and live out my dream.

Thank you to the Leaves of My Family Tree, for everything in the past and for everything in advance. ;)

Sage

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Hand Made Memorial

Today I got done with work a little bit early and decided to stop putting off finding this bead store that I’ve wanted to go to. I’ve LOVED the few people’s memorial tattoos, but that’s something I just don’t think I could ever see myself doing. Since the funeral I’ve thought about wanting to make a bracelet or necklace instead and finally got around to doing it. After a few circles around the shopping center I found the shop tucked into the corner. It was mania, well not really it was just me and a few others with light 80’s music playing in the background, but it was mania in my head. SO MANY CHOICES! After wandering around for a while I finally collected everything I needed to put together the bracelet: leaves, a light blue bead, some beach shell beads, and a heart. It is my hand made memorial, there is meaning behind every part of this. I love you and miss you bud.

Love always,
Amanda

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Saving Lives and Protecting the Environment

This is very brief blog entry about a very brief adventure, but one that I’ll never forget. This summer I have been working at an internship through the Coast Guard here in Portland. Saving lives and protecting the environment, all in a days work. It has been an adventure in itself trying to figure out all the different ranks, procedures, and formalities of the job but for the most part it has not been too exciting. 


The job has certain perks like ridiculously cheap meals in the galley, tax-free things sold in the exchange, “area familiarization rides” on boats a.k.a. “let’s see how fast we can go”, and most recently, the chance to take a ride over Portland in a Coast Guard helicopter.


Before I even got near the helicopter this adventure was pretty neat because I got to meet it at a heliport on the top of an old parking structure in downtown Portland. I typed in a super top secret code into the elevator and that took me up to a small glass lobby. I walked out on the helipad and was met with an incredible view of the Willamette River and downtown Portland. As soon as the helicopter landed I was put in a super stylish flight suit, helmet, headset, gloves, etc. and strapped in. Then I got in the helicopter and we were off! I got to sit right by the open door so that I could see everything. We landed on top of OHSU, then flew over downtown and over to the Willamette River. I got a great view of the many bridges that Portland is famous for and saw many, many boats. The adventure only lasted about 30 minutes but it is one I will never forget!
My actual job is dealing with derelict vessels on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers....here is the Sternwheeler Jean (with its sternwheel "modified") and gunboat-12 (which has been converted into a barge). Pretty exciting, right!?!
Not everyone can pull off that outfit, I must be pretty special!

Monday, August 6, 2012

Baldy Mountain

Rick and I on the summit of Baldy Mountain at Philmont Scout Ranch. We didn't have shirts so we made the letter "A" for Austin and told his story to our crew. He will continue to be an inspiration for adventure!

DK

More Than Just Smiling Down On Us

Wanting to get into shape and see more of the beauty around where we live, a few of us decided to take up hiking. We thought that we would start by doing a “little” hike off of Newport Coast, a 2.9 mile hike to be exact. We (Tom, Julie, Mike & Sherri) were so anxious to get started that we ignored the map signs at the trail head and just headed for the top. “Let’s go and do it for the story!” ... Eight and a half miles later, with burning feet, stomachs growling, almost out of water, and a little grumbling under our breaths, we made it back to the car. The joke was on us, Austin, I know that you got a good laugh out of this and at some points along the trail; it was the thought of you that got us to the top of the next hill with no end in sight. The view was lovely and the company was better. We had a lovely day and look forward to our next hike.

Love Ya,

Mama Wilson