Update: Rick Howard from Watermark Church posted an update on Facebook Thursday morning on behalf of the Silva family, thanking the LH community for their calls, texts and emails. He invited those interested to set their phone alarms to :18 after the hour to pray for Austin, a member of the LHHS Class of 2018. Austin, still unconscious, is struggling with breathing and blood pressure and has an MRI scheduled for Thursday afternoon. Due to the large number of visitors, friends are now requested to go to the Butterfly Atrium at Children’s Medical rather than the small ICU waiting area.

The Wildcat Club, Wrangler Boosters, Young Life and other LHHS groups united the Lake Highlands community in prayer Tuesday night on behalf of rising LH senior Austin Silva. Austin, a Wrangler and member of the varsity tennis team, is struggling to recover in the Children’s Medical Center ICU after a major reaction during routine wisdom tooth extraction. Austin is the oldest of three children, and his parents, David and Suzanne, have been at his bedside.

Standing on the steps of Lake Highlands High School, Young Life leader and LHHS 2011 grad Jessi Youman Pittman led the prayers for healing for Austin and for the neighborhood to come together in support of the family, and she invited others assembled – adults and students alike – to join her.

“This is community – this is what community looks like,” said her husband, LHHS 2010 grad Will Pittman, pointing out to the big crowd. “My granddad used to say, ‘if you’re crying you’re not praying,’ and we are actively praying for Austin.”