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Austin Winters 1998-2008

'Bacon Boy' superhero cartoon creator dies of leukemia at age 10

Austin Winters, the spirited Hermiston, Oregon 10-year-old, stricken with a relentless case of acute myelogenous leukemia, lost his own personal battle to the disease on Thursday, September 18th, said his father, Jay Winters.

Inspired by a visit from painter Frank Etxanizas as part of the Children's Healing Art Project, a non-profit that has reached out to many ill and hospitalized children, Austin invented the bacon shaped superhero this spring from his hospital bed at Portland's Doernbecher Children's Hospital.

Austin's cartoon crime fighter 'Bacon Boy' shoots bacon bits from one hand and grease from the other to fend off the evil Fry Guy and his minions, Knife and Fork. "There's something about his honesty and his sense of humor and his ability to make art even in difficult times," said Etxaniz, who ultimately mentored Austin in his artistic pursuits.

His parents said something changed when Austin was tasked with developing his art project: his eyes brightened and creativity started flowing despite pain from chemotherapy. Austin's courageous battle against leukemia can be seen in his art, which depicts stories filled with courageous battles.

Etxaniz secretly entered 'Bacon Boy' into a contest, and the Tacoma Museum of Glass chose to make a glass version of the superhero for their permanent collection of children's art. A line of 'Bacon Boy' t-shirts, patches, and hats has been launched. Orders benefit CHAP and help to cover the Winters' many medical bills.

When a contingent of glass artists traveled to Portland in their mobile hot shop to cast the superhero in glass, Austin donned a Viking helmet and safety glasses and advised the artists on color. "Austin's brave fight touched plenty of people in the community and beyond," said his father. His son, a fifth-grader at Desert View Elementary, received encouraging cards and letters from people all over world.

On Sept. 15, artist Etxaniz drove from Portland, where he has a studio, to Hermiston to have a last talk with Austin. The boy drifted in and out, but roused himself for a conversation about heaven with sunny skies, plenty of open roads to ride motorcycles with no speed limits or helmet laws. "He had a look on his face I'll never forget," Etxaniz said.

At the funeral, an 8-foot floral version of 'Bacon Boy' decorated Lady of Angels Catholic Church, burial followed at Hermiston Cemetery. The family held a celebration of life at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, September 28th, 2008 at the Hermiston High School Commons.

"He was always instigating some kind of verbal tango," Etxaniz said. "He liked to joke, wouldn't it be funny if a bacon company wanted to use 'Bacon Boy' as a spokesman?"

"International Bacon Day e-mailed me and wanted to actually use Austin as their spokesman," Etxaniz said.

Etxaniz is sure Austin would be smiling down from heaven over that one.

compiled from local news sources

(Editor's Note: Although we do not condone human consumption of pork products, we salute the determination and courage of a little boy that overcame great trials to make this world a little better place while he was with us, who became an inspiration to all who are for whatever reason facing challenges in this life, and by helping others to understand what great feats can be accomplished by grace even in times of tribulation, even unto death.)

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