AUSTIN "FLASH" SCHROEDER

Austin “Flash” Schroeder was diagnosed with a form of T-cell lymphoma in April 2014 at the age of 14. The highly aggressive cancer was ultimately a force for which Austin's body and current medical treatments have no answer. The treatment course was not smooth, he often faced more setbacks than he did gains. Through it all, however, he continued to smile, he remained grateful, he continued to fight, and he continued to hope.  He took his Dad’s coaching motto of Win The Day (Attitude, Effort and Shake&Bake), and changed for us all to mean so much more. That no matter how tough things are, that we all get a choice to find a positive and that we get to decide what a WIN is every day. 

After being sent home on Hospice, several weeks later Austin was in the hospital to sign the beam for the new University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital that was being built during his journey.  During that visit he overheard another family not handling the news very well, and said how unfair that this was, that other young kids had to go thru this.  He said his wish was to beat cancer, come back to this hospital, and tell the kids about Win The Day, about finding the positives, and about never giving up!  

Austin passed away a few weeks later on April 28, 2015 at 15 years old.  Within one hour of his passing, we were told that the digit of the date 04282015, equaled 22, which was his number is sports ever since he started playing.  April 28th is also National Superhero Day.  Finally, there was a perfect halo could right above the children’s hospital, all signs that there is a greater plan for all of us, and that this was his special day!

The Fight With Flash Foundation was created to honor the life and spirit of Austin “Flash” Schroeder. Austin’s life-long positive energy, zest for life, and “Win The Day” attitude continued --- and even flourished --- during his illness. His steady resolve amidst adversity continues to inspire thousands of people in the Iowa City area and well beyond. Austin’s story will continue to motivate others to “Win The Day.”

The Mission of the Fight With Flash Foundation is to serve children, adolescents, and young adults, as well as their families, when faced with a cancer diagnosis or a loss of a child, and to create cancer awareness and raise funds for medical research. In just over 5 years, the Fight With Flash Foundation has donated almost a half million dollars, financially helped over 150 families directly during the holidays, and have touched thousands of others through speaking events.  We still need your help to make a difference for others in the fight against cancer, and together we will WIN THE DAY!

For more information or have Craig & Stacy speak at your event, please check out the Fight With Flash Foundation website.