Charles Glenn Austin Petty-Woolrich, known as “Austin,” was on Haven’s services in 2024, where he passed due to a cancerous tumor. Austin lived with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), a disease in which tumors developed on his body and calcium deposits developed on his nerves.

Austin’s dad, Ray, said that Austin always shared information about NF1, as people were curious, and that, “He never complained about what he was going through. He dealt with it like a champ the best he could.”

Austin was cared for by Haven team members mostly at home, but was transported to the Suwannee Valley Hospice Care Center in Lake City when his care needs escalated.

Austin, a Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office Dispatcher, received a first responder recognition ceremony in his time at Haven. He was given a handmade quilt, certificate of appreciation and other items, which his parents now keep in a glass case in his room to remind them of him. The case also holds Austin’s travel souvenirs that he collected, which makes them think of him and everything that was special to him.

While receiving care at home, Austin’s family was incredibly grateful for their nurse Constance Wilton. “She was always there when we needed her, whether helping over the phone or stopping by to say hello. Any time she was in the area, she made sure to check on Austin. Any questions we had, she was on-the-spot, ready to answer,” said Ray.

Austin’s brief time at the care center was impactful for his family. His father said during that time Haven staff was wonderful, walking them through every step of what was happening and what was going to happen. They also understood that others around them were losing loved ones, which is part of the reason the Woolrich family chose to donate blankets to the care center.

“I thought, ‘If I can give to someone who needs comforting, I want to do it.’ Even though blankets aren’t much, this is my way of giving back to Haven and comforting others.”

Ray said they chose to donate blankets because they are comforting but can also be used as a neck pillow. Austin’s mom, Lisa, still has Austin’s neck pillow and sleeps with it all the time. The family said they will continue to give what they can to Haven in Austin’s memory, sharing that they may like to provide one of their family’s favorite keepsakes: small recording devices that hold audio of loved ones’ voices. Each of the family members has 15 seconds of Austin’s voice recorded for any time they wish to hear him.

Ray said he frequently heard the phrase “the best always go first” but fully understood the sentiment after losing his only son, who was only 22 years old when he passed. Austin’s younger sisters, Dakota and Payton, grieve the loss of their brother, who the family wants readers to remember as a fun, bright kid who was well-loved by everyone who knew him. They shared that he was passionate about traveling and history; Austin traveled to Europe to visit historical locations and also took a cross-country trip from Florida to Colorado with a buddy. He knew a lot about government and politics, but could also “clown” it up, according to his dad, and evidenced by the photo below with his best friend.

It was an honor for Haven to care for Austin and his family. We are thankful for their commitment to serving others through their donations and we look forward to honoring Austin’s life at the care center by sharing their donated blankets with those in need of comfort and warmth during a challenging time.