Thursday, November 29th our families lives were flipped upside down. Andrea had been complaining of a sore throat and after many trips to the pediatrician and rounds of unsuccessful antibiotics resulted in a trip to the Emergency Room where they ran blood work. When the results came back, her mother was left in the shadows. They told her “her hemoglobin is low and we need a specialist to analyze it.” They rushed her to John Hopkins in Tampa where her mother was given the worst news a mother could receive. Andrea was diagnosed with B cell ALL leukemia. Her hemoglobin was so low, almost non existent so they started to transfuse blood and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Over the next couple days she received multiple blood transfusion, too many pokes to count and many medications to stabilize her. The following day she underwent a PICC line placement, a lumbar puncture and a bone marrow biopsy all in one procedure. They also introduced her first round of chemo through the spinal tap. Andrea was smiling and positive as ever when they wheeled her into the operating room and case out perky and so excited stating “I just had my first surgery!” That night was a rough night for her, she spiked a fever and was complaining of a lot of pain but was still smiling and holding strong for her countless amount of family members. Since that night she has been fever free, no pain medication and her energy levels have started to rise. 




Her results from her spinal tap came back negative for white blood cells in the spinal fluid which is great news but unfortunately due to her levels being so low and erratic she is considered high risk which results in a much more aggressive treatment plan and double the chemo. She had her first official round of chemotherapy Monday, December 3 and has been doing fantastic thus far. Her levels have slowly increased. She is so overwhelmed and appreciative of the amount of love and support she is receiving through this and is looking forward to kicking cancers butt. 




Today December 7th, she will receive another blood transfusion as her hemoglobin has again started to drop.  She is very tired but still smiling always. 




Ashley received news yesterday that they are holding off on renewing her insurance policy which would result in a lapse. They are expecting her parents to pay $2500 a month minimum for Andreas treatment for an expected two year treatment course. This is not possible for any family to come up, meanwhile still raising and supporting two little boys and trying to keep their lives as “normal” as possible throughout this situation. At this time we are asking for any prayers, thoughts, support and financial assistance. Every little thing helps. With Christmas right around the corner, anything and everything to make it extra special for her and her brothers is deeply appreciated. Even if not monetary , please say a prayer for this champ as she is going through the fight for her life.