Hi everyone,

My ten year old grandson, Andrew is currently in the ICU fighting to get better.

This started out as what seemed like a stomach bug, but something was noticeably wrong when he spiked a fever of over 104. This was a concern since he has an hereditary blood disorder called spherocytosis. After a trip to Baystate Medical, they discovered he had an enlarged spleen and was diagnosed with hemolytic anemia. Andrew was sent home with Tylenol, ibuprofen and nausea meds and told to go back if anything else arose.

The following morning he woke up in excruciating pain in his abdomen, and his Mom, Amanda rushed him back to Baystate. They admitted him and began running tests. Due to the anemia and low hemoglobin levels, it was suggested to do a blood transfusion.

After having the blood transfusion, Andrew began coughing and didn’t feel well. He went to sleep only to wake up a while later with a tight throat and not being able to breathe. Amanda immediately got help. Andrew was transferred to the PICU for further care. It was discovered that he had some sort of infection that was causing his kidneys to shut down. The following morning he was intubated with the understanding that he would be transferred to Boston Children’s Hospital to receive the care he desperately needed.

Amanda and Andrew were transported to BCH by ambulance on 3/13, where he already has received such amazing care.

As of 3/16, Andrew is still intubated, has a central line and many other IV access points. It was discovered that he may have had pneumonia with no tell tale signs. His lungs are filled with fluid, and also surrounded by fluid, which are being drained via chest tubes. This has helped his respiratory system greatly because he’s able to breathe a little easier. His amazing team at BCH also found that his kidneys are not working properly. This was originally believed to be caused by a condition called HUS. This has since been ruled out because it’s associated with high blood pressure, which he does not have. Andrew has very low blood pressure amongst many other things going on.

In order help his kidneys, he has been placed on dialysis. Doing this, they needed to put him in a paralyzed state for his safety, and to help his body start to heal.

Eric and Amanda have been by his side and will be out of work until Andrew is healthy and home with his family.

Living in Western Massachusetts, Boston is about two hours away. This will mean covering the costs of daily necessities and traveling expenses to visit their two year old daughter weekly, and getting back to Andrews side will add up quickly.

This fundraiser is for helping Eric and Amanda cover daily necessities, travel and any medical bills that insurance may not cover.

 

Please, if you cannot donate (which we completely understand) share this so that maybe someone else can help. 

Amanda also has a Venmo account if you’d like to to donate there instead. @AmandaJean34

Andrew is only 10 years old, and has much more life to experience. He’s a kid with a huge heart, willing to help anyone and everyone. He loves math, magic tricks, his sister, video games and has mastered the Rubik’s cube. He is always up for a challenge.

Thank you all!!