Funeral Costs/Support for Andy
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Our sweet baby boy, Andy, earned his angel wings on Tues. 3/11. He was only 2 years old and suffered from Ohtahara Syndrome, a rare seizure disorder that couldn't be controlled despite trying several seizure medications and the Ketogenic Diet. Also, due to having extra collateral vessels around his heart, Andy had a history of pulmonary hemorrhages.
Andy was born early at 27 weeks and only weighed 2 lbs. 5 ozs. He spent 100 days in the NICU and had numerous medical issues. A few months after being home, Andy was diagnosed with epilepsy and ultimately Ohtahara Syndrome. In Oct. 2012, Andy suffered a pulmonary hemorrhage, which resulted in getting a trach for us to have access to his airway. In Nov. 2013, Andy suffered another pulmonary hemorrhage, but was saved by having his trach. Then once again, Andy suffered another one on Mon. 3/10.
We'll never begin to understand why Andy had to suffer so much. Since day 1, all he did was fight for his life because that's all he knew how to do. Ryan and I were the lucky ones to be his parents for the short, cherished time that we had. We learned so much from him and Andy truly inspired everyone that knew him. There's so many unanswered questions that we have: Why him? Why was he such a mystery medically? What caused his Ohtahara Syndrome? What did we miss? We'll never know the answers to these questions but this is also why I will continue to fight for other children with epilepsy so hopefully their parents will never have to experience the heartache and emptiness that Ryan and I currently feel. Words can't express the number of emotions that we've felt over the past few days. All we want is our baby back! The only comfort we have is knowing that Andy is no longer suffering - no more hurting, no more seizures, no more hemorrhages. Our peace is knowing that Andy is now able to do all the things in heaven that he was never able to do here on Earth, everything that epilepsy stole from him.
As most of you know, I had to quit my teaching job to take care of Andy when he was born. Since then, it's been very difficult financially but with the support of family members, we've been able to manage. Andy's passing was quite unexpected and so now we're faced with even more bills and funeral expenses. Those of you that know me well know that I never ask for help but always try to help those that I can. Call it pride, being independent, or just plain stubborness - I don't know but I just feel like it's my responsibility to take care of things without having to ask for help. Even if you can't help financially, which I completely understand, your prayers and support mean the world to us.
Rest in peace now our sweet angel, Mommy and Daddy will always love you! You have touched our lives and many others in ways that you'll never even know. You don't have to suffer anymore and all of the other Ohtahara angels are awaiting you with open arms. As my sweet nephew Brayden said, "Andy is now in angel school." Godspeed, little man; sweet dreams, little man!! You will be missed beyond words but NEVER, EVER forgotten! Until we meet again, we love you...
Andrew Ryan Craig (12/29/2011 - 03/11/2014)
Andy was born early at 27 weeks and only weighed 2 lbs. 5 ozs. He spent 100 days in the NICU and had numerous medical issues. A few months after being home, Andy was diagnosed with epilepsy and ultimately Ohtahara Syndrome. In Oct. 2012, Andy suffered a pulmonary hemorrhage, which resulted in getting a trach for us to have access to his airway. In Nov. 2013, Andy suffered another pulmonary hemorrhage, but was saved by having his trach. Then once again, Andy suffered another one on Mon. 3/10.
We'll never begin to understand why Andy had to suffer so much. Since day 1, all he did was fight for his life because that's all he knew how to do. Ryan and I were the lucky ones to be his parents for the short, cherished time that we had. We learned so much from him and Andy truly inspired everyone that knew him. There's so many unanswered questions that we have: Why him? Why was he such a mystery medically? What caused his Ohtahara Syndrome? What did we miss? We'll never know the answers to these questions but this is also why I will continue to fight for other children with epilepsy so hopefully their parents will never have to experience the heartache and emptiness that Ryan and I currently feel. Words can't express the number of emotions that we've felt over the past few days. All we want is our baby back! The only comfort we have is knowing that Andy is no longer suffering - no more hurting, no more seizures, no more hemorrhages. Our peace is knowing that Andy is now able to do all the things in heaven that he was never able to do here on Earth, everything that epilepsy stole from him.
As most of you know, I had to quit my teaching job to take care of Andy when he was born. Since then, it's been very difficult financially but with the support of family members, we've been able to manage. Andy's passing was quite unexpected and so now we're faced with even more bills and funeral expenses. Those of you that know me well know that I never ask for help but always try to help those that I can. Call it pride, being independent, or just plain stubborness - I don't know but I just feel like it's my responsibility to take care of things without having to ask for help. Even if you can't help financially, which I completely understand, your prayers and support mean the world to us.
Rest in peace now our sweet angel, Mommy and Daddy will always love you! You have touched our lives and many others in ways that you'll never even know. You don't have to suffer anymore and all of the other Ohtahara angels are awaiting you with open arms. As my sweet nephew Brayden said, "Andy is now in angel school." Godspeed, little man; sweet dreams, little man!! You will be missed beyond words but NEVER, EVER forgotten! Until we meet again, we love you...
Andrew Ryan Craig (12/29/2011 - 03/11/2014)
Organizer
Laurie Bice Craig
Organizer
Chesapeake, VA
