Austin Logothetis was 11 years old when he was diagnosed with leukemia and his battle against cancer has lasted three years. He missed half of 5th grade and all of 6th and 7th, getting tutored instead at home.

Now 14 years old, Austin is back in school, loving 8th grade. He enjoys history, science, swimming, and reading. He’s a hands-on person who likes building things with tools. In the future he plans to become an aerospace engineer, working with airplanes or spacecraft. He also has a great sense of fun. He loves Camp Sunrise, where he makes sure to participate in all the pranks.

Austin impresses everyone he meets, including his doctors and nurses at the hospital. His desire to help others has led Austin to become a Patient Ambassador, reaching out to other children with cancer, helping raise funds and awareness for the disease. He wears a slew of colored wristbands, each one with a story behind it. “Orange,” he explains, “is for leukemia.” Some bear messages like “Never Give Up,” or, as one of Austin’s favorites says: “Stupid Cancer.”

Austin has a vision. He knows how important research and new technologies are in the fight against cancer. Most of all, he’d like all kids to have access to the same kind of care he has received. “No one should be denied good treatment,” he says, “just because of a price tag.” With the help of young heroes like Austin, we can be sure that vision is ever closer to becoming a reality.