Meet Austin
When Austin was born on January 3, 2023, Makensie and AJ knew he had a heart condition. What they didn’t yet understand was how complex his start to life would be.
Austin was born not breathing and was intubated immediately. Within his first days, he was diagnosed with heterotaxy, dextrocardia, a single ventricle, and pulmonary atresia. At just five days old, he underwent a catheter procedure to place a stent in his pulmonary artery. What followed were weeks in the hospital and time at the Ronald McDonald House, as Makensie and AJ waited for Austin to be strong enough for open-heart surgery.
That surgery came in May 2023. Austin’s recovery was remarkable. Six days later, he was discharged, and by early July, the family was finally able to return home to Spokane.
Once home, Austin’s medical team recommended early support. Providers in Seattle coordinated with services in Spokane, and because Joya was just five minutes from home, Austin was matched with Joya’s Early Support for Infants & Toddlers (ESIT) program.
What Makensie remembers most from their first visit wasn’t fear or uncertainty. It was feeling welcome.
During Austin’s initial evaluation, the physical therapist commented that his open-heart surgery scar was the cleanest she had ever seen on an infant. It was a small moment, but for Makensie and AJ, it mattered. It reflected care, attention, and a team that truly saw their child.
Through ESIT, Austin received physical and speech therapy. But the support went far beyond milestones.
“I felt more listened to and supported than I expected,” Makensie shared. “No one judged me for how he was born or that he was behind. No one thought I was overreacting. When I worried about things like black eyes from falling, they understood. That was normal to them.”
Early intervention made a difference. Without that support, Makensie believes Austin wouldn’t have walked or talked as early as he did, or be as strong as he is today. Just as important, she and AJ didn’t feel alone as they learned how to support their son.
Today, Austin is three years old and full of energy. He loves trips to the dollar store, playing with dinosaurs, building with blocks and Legos, riding his bike outside, and pretending he’s a doctor. One of Makensie and AJ’s favorite moments is watching Austin do his “homework” on a toy computer while Makensie works on her own school assignments nearby.
Recently, Austin completed Joya’s transition groups, designed to help children and families prepare for what comes next. For Makensie and AJ, the groups provided something they didn’t even realize they needed.
“They gave me peace of mind,” Makensie said. “Seeing how much Austin enjoyed it and how much he learned helped solidify that he’s just fine. He’s not different from other kids. Just his anatomy is.”
That confidence is part of why Makensie has stayed connected to Joya. While she initially began volunteering to earn school credit, she chose to complete those hours at Joya intentionally.
“This nonprofit helped our family,” she explained. “I wanted to support the staff who cared so tremendously about us.”
Now, Makensie gives back in the same space that once supported her and AJ during one of the most uncertain times in their lives.
For parents just starting their journey, their advice is simple: share your concerns.
“Tell them what you’re worried about,” Makensie said. “They’ll listen. And if they don’t know how to help, they’ll find out. Go to the groups outside your appointments and know you’re not alone.”
