#TeamAndy
Donation protected
As you may be aware, Andy has been fighting hard to overcome the complications of West Nile Encephalitis. While his survival, and improvements have been promising, the road ahead is a long one. We have a better idea of what life looks like for the next couple of years, including a number of significant expenses. Specifically, we are hoping to raise funds to pay for a used wheelchair accessible van to transport him to therapy. Please read these updates to his story, and if you have already given what you are able financially, perhaps you can spread the word about the McBride’s story to anyone else who may be able to help.
Andy is a loving Husband and Dad to two girls, one with significant special needs. In August, he was where he is most happy, enjoying a camping trip with his girls. A short week later would find him in critical condition with a devastating case of West Nile Encephalitis, losing complete nervous system function, and leaving him largely paralyzed. He was away from home when his illness hit and he was stranded for many weeks prior to being sufficiently stabilized in order to be airlifted home. His fight for his life has left him requiring intensive medical care and occupational therapy.
Andy and his wife Mindy are proud parents to Maisie (9) and Elsa (6). Maisie is always bursting with joy, greeting everyone she knows with a big smile and wave. She also has Angelman Syndrome, a chromosomal disorder leaving her completely non verbal with significant developmental delays, seizure disorder and sleep disorder. Even before Andy’s illness, they were overwhelmed with providing Maisie with the best care to encourage her physical and mental development.
West Nile Encephalitis has devastated their family. Andy is currently in his 5th hospital, working with physical therapists, occupational therapist and speech therapists to regain even the most taken-for-granted functions. The best case scenario has his returning to his home at the end of February, after at least 6 months of intense medical care. When he comes home, he will be in a wheel chair, unable to care for himself on any level.
Our hope is that over the next couple of years, his physical abilities will improve. This will only be possible with continued rigorous therapy. His return home will necessitate physical changes in their home to accommodate a wheelchair, transportation for him to medical appointments, and significant home nursing care. All on top of the already significantly complicated care Maisie requires.
Andy’s wife, Mindy is a middle school principal in St. Paul Public Schools. She is the ultimate advocate for her husband and daughter, and the picture of optimism. But even she is feeling the strain of an overwhelming scenario, which leaves her alone to provide for her unusually dependent family. Mindy works hard to put forth a positive and optimistic outlook, which is so admirable. But don’t let it mask the hard reality that Andy’s future will be challenging — financially, physically and emotionally.
Both Andy and Mindy are the best parents, most caring and generous friends, most fun social butterflies, least deserving of their hard road. Please find it in your heart to help them in any way you can.
#TeamAndy
Please visit Andy's Caring Bridge site for further updates:
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit
Andy is a loving Husband and Dad to two girls, one with significant special needs. In August, he was where he is most happy, enjoying a camping trip with his girls. A short week later would find him in critical condition with a devastating case of West Nile Encephalitis, losing complete nervous system function, and leaving him largely paralyzed. He was away from home when his illness hit and he was stranded for many weeks prior to being sufficiently stabilized in order to be airlifted home. His fight for his life has left him requiring intensive medical care and occupational therapy.
Andy and his wife Mindy are proud parents to Maisie (9) and Elsa (6). Maisie is always bursting with joy, greeting everyone she knows with a big smile and wave. She also has Angelman Syndrome, a chromosomal disorder leaving her completely non verbal with significant developmental delays, seizure disorder and sleep disorder. Even before Andy’s illness, they were overwhelmed with providing Maisie with the best care to encourage her physical and mental development.
West Nile Encephalitis has devastated their family. Andy is currently in his 5th hospital, working with physical therapists, occupational therapist and speech therapists to regain even the most taken-for-granted functions. The best case scenario has his returning to his home at the end of February, after at least 6 months of intense medical care. When he comes home, he will be in a wheel chair, unable to care for himself on any level.
Our hope is that over the next couple of years, his physical abilities will improve. This will only be possible with continued rigorous therapy. His return home will necessitate physical changes in their home to accommodate a wheelchair, transportation for him to medical appointments, and significant home nursing care. All on top of the already significantly complicated care Maisie requires.
Andy’s wife, Mindy is a middle school principal in St. Paul Public Schools. She is the ultimate advocate for her husband and daughter, and the picture of optimism. But even she is feeling the strain of an overwhelming scenario, which leaves her alone to provide for her unusually dependent family. Mindy works hard to put forth a positive and optimistic outlook, which is so admirable. But don’t let it mask the hard reality that Andy’s future will be challenging — financially, physically and emotionally.
Both Andy and Mindy are the best parents, most caring and generous friends, most fun social butterflies, least deserving of their hard road. Please find it in your heart to help them in any way you can.
#TeamAndy
Please visit Andy's Caring Bridge site for further updates:
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit
Organizer and beneficiary
Suzanne Ward Fish
Organizer
Rosemount, MN
Mindy McBride
Beneficiary
