HOPE IN EVERY SIP
💛 Meet Austin
Austin Sikes is a vibrant, faith-filled 23-year-old whose smile lights up every room he enters. Born into a family of girls as the first (and only) boy, he was instantly crowned the “prince” of the family — a lively, lovable spark of energy that never dimmed. From early childhood, his adventurous spirit and magnetic personality made him unforgettable, even landing him on the cover of a local magazine at just five years old.
Standing at 6'4", Austin found his calling on the basketball court. With natural athleticism, grit, and a contagious work ethic, he quickly rose through the competitive travel team ranks and earned a coveted spot on The Houston Defenders — an elite Under Armour-sponsored team known for shaping future collegiate and professional players. Austin was on his way, chasing the dream with the full support of his family and the quiet strength of his faith.
But like so many young athletes, Austin’s dreams were abruptly cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. His senior season — and the crucial college recruiting period — were lost to lockdowns and cancellations. It was a devastating detour, but Austin pivoted with grace. He spent a year traveling, recalibrating, and then started building a career in the oil & gas industry. He adopted a Siberian Husky puppy, began dreaming of his first apartment, and was living the full, promising life that 23 should be about.
Then everything changed in early 2025.
What started as shoulder pain turned into a whirlwind of unanswered questions, delayed appointments, and ultimately, a heartbreaking diagnosis: Stage 3 cancer. A fast-moving tumor had already begun to spread. Austin went from living his life to fighting for it — practically overnight.
Today, he's undergoing grueling chemotherapy with the same grit, humility, and quiet faith that once fueled him on the court. His favorite scripture —
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." – Philippians 4:13 — is more than just a verse. It's his anchor.
And right beside him through every step of this journey is his mother, Leah.
Leah is the kind of woman who shows up with her whole heart. A devoted single mother, she raised Austin with love, purpose, and deep-rooted faith. But her love doesn’t stop there — Leah is also the full-time caregiver for her elderly parents, who live with her. Every day, she balances the emotional and physical demands of caring for multiple generations with quiet strength and grace.
Since Austin’s diagnosis, Leah has dropped everything to be by his side. She advocates fiercely for his care, comforts him through treatment, manages endless appointments, and continues to care for her aging parents — all while facing a sudden reduction in her work hours that has made this already-difficult season even more overwhelming.
Leah believes in miracles. In purpose. In learning from every challenge, no matter how painful. Her strength is fierce but tender. Her faith is unshakable.
To stand with Austin and Leah, Coastal Leaf Tea Company is launching a limited-time fundraiser to raise money toward medical treatments and living expenses.
For the next 30 days, Coastal Leaf Tea Company will donate 100% of their proceeds directly to Austin and Leah.
This fundraiser was created because Austin and Leah are ours. They’re family, friends, neighbors, teammates — a mother and son with hearts bigger than Texas and a spirit that inspires everyone around them.
We’re rallying behind them to help ease the crushing weight of medical expenses, missed work, and daily living costs. So they can focus on healing, not hardship. On hope, not bills. On faith, not fear.
Whether it’s through a donation, a cup of tea, a meal, a prayer, or simply sharing their story — your support matters more than words can say.
💛 Together, we’re brewing more than tea —
We’re brewing hope.
💛 How to Help
Every bit of support makes a meaningful impact, and there are many ways to walk alongside Austin and Leah during this challenging time:
👉 1. Buy Tea, Brew Hope
In addition to our current line up of delicious and healthful teas, we’ve created a custom tea blend as a heartwarming way to support Austin’s journey. Every purchase fuels the fundraiser and spreads the story further — one cozy cup at a time.
Scroll down to shop our 18 healthful blends, or skip right to the Defender Bundle HERE
👉 2. Support Without Sipping
Whether it’s $5 or more, your donation helps cover medical treatments, living expenses, and daily needs — giving Austin and Leah the breathing room to focus on healing, not hardship.
Click here to donate now ➝
👉 3. Join the Meal Train
Want to bless Leah and Austin with nourishment and love? You can sign up to deliver a meal or have one sent via delivery service. It’s one less thing for them to worry about during long days of treatment and caregiving.
Join the Meal Train ➝
👉 4. Send a Prayer or Encouraging Note
Your words matter more than you know. Whether you’re sending prayers, scriptures, or a kind message, those small acts of love uplift Leah and Austin every single day.
Submit a message ➝
📣 Social Sharing Tips
Want to help, but not sure what to say? We’ve made it easy for you to share Austin’s story with your community.
📱 Copy + Paste This Message:
Meet Austin — a 23-year-old with a heart of gold and the fight of a warrior. After a sudden Stage 3 cancer diagnosis, he and his incredible mom Leah (who’s also caring for her elderly parents!) need our help.
Every donation, prayer, and cup of tea brings them one step closer to healing. Please take a moment to give, share, or pray. 💛
Donate + Learn More ➝ Meet Austin & Leah
#TeamAustin #FaithOverFear #BrewHopeForAustin
🧡 Use These Hashtags:
#TeamAustin #BrewHopeForAustin #FaithOverFear #CoastalLeafTEAm
