The Mikesell Family are dear friends to our team. You may remember that at our 2nd Annual Cornhole for a Cause, our beneficiary was Ethan Mikesell. Ethan is Austin’s younger brother, who was diagnosed with Leukemia. We were able to raise $20,000 with the gracious help of our community.

In March, Austin looked pale, and his doctor found his vitamin D low. By September, he had a persistent cough, still looked pale, and complained of back and shoulder pain. We though he was just growing, but then he started coming home from school and just passing out and sleeping for hours. Soon his appetite went wayside. Something just didn’t seem right. We couldn’t get an appointment until Tuesday, but over the weekend, Austin mentioned more pain. While stretching his arm, I felt a lump on his chest. We saw the doctor on October 1st, and an X-ray revealed large masses in his lungs. He was sent to the hospital for tests, CT scans, MRI’s, biopsies, and tests for infections. We hoped it was an infection, but all the tests came back negative.

On October 9th, we got the devastating news: Austin has High-Risk Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. His treatment would include 5-6 months of chemotherapy and possibly radiation. First, he had to freeze sperm because the chemo could affect his fertility.

Treatment began on October 14th, with a port for chemo. After three cycles, we learned the cancer spread to his lungs, making him Stage 4, but the treatment stayed the same. Austin is now on his 5th cycle and will need 3-4 weeks of radiation in February.

We are dealing with side effects of Chemotherapy. He has regular pulmonary function tests for his lungs, last one showed he has COPD. He can’t go back to school during all of his treatment so he is home bound now. He has lost all of his hair, has had ER visits due to fevers which turned into a 4 day stay. He gets sores in his mouth from the chemo. Takes a ton of pills daily, everything tastes different. He has had to have blood transfusions. He feels like crap a lot and sleeps a ton.

There has been genetic testing done, but there is no answer to why both Ethan & Austin have had to share this battle. No family should have to go through this, not once but twice.

We would like to do anything possible to help the Mikesell’s during this time. There are plenty of opportunities for you, if you are looking to help make this possible. We appreciate any and all support. Whether you are a sponsor, a player, or even just want to make a general donation, Austin & his family are beyond grateful for your generosity.

To sponsor or participate in Cornhole please visit https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/cornhole-for-a-cause--2025