Audrey Austin of Topeka, Kansas was attacked by a dog in July while she was 24 weeks pregnant. This week, she gave birth to twins Kasai and Kamyiah at 38 weeks. Both babies are in the NICU, and Austin visits them daily while continuing her own recovery.
That recovery includes multiple reconstructive surgeries. She recently underwent a forehead flap procedure for her nose, and she hasn’t been able to work since the attack. To help cover medical costs and lost wages, her family has set up a GoFundMe. Through all of it, Austin told reporters she forgave the dog, adding that she’s focused on healing inside rather than worrying about what’s on the outside.
Her story is a reminder of two things: how quickly life can change, and how much a community can matter when it does. Here on the Suncoast, we know what it looks like when neighbors show up. If this story moved you, sharing it or contributing is one way to help. What would you want people to know if you were in her shoes?
