UPDATE 3/14/2025

After 7 weeks in the hospital, Andrew lost his battle with cancer and died peacefully in his sleep the morning of Thursday, March 13, 2025. Over the several weeks he was in the hospital, Andrew fought so hard through the pain and fear to beat the cancer that ravaged his body. He underwent the loss of feeling from the waist down so he agreed to spinal surgery, several attempts at spinal rehab, a round of radiation and so many more tests and procedures that didn't help him beat the cancer. Unfortunately, now Jarrod is left with medical bills that continue to come in at unbelievable amounts.

Andrew loved Jarrod with all his heart and soul and he was such a brilliant, caring man. He helped so many people during his way too short time on this earth. If you can help in any way, Jarrod and all of his family would be so grateful. Even if it is not with money, prayers, messages and sharing the link are appreciated.

Update 2/20/2025

Andrew has been transferred back to the hospital from his spinal rehab facility with pneumonia, AFIB, and blood clots in his lungs and legs. He is in ICU, and we are all praying hard for him. Phone calls messages and prayers are requested for Andrew and Jarrod.

UPDATE 2/2/2025

The outpouring of thoughts, prayers and love for Andrew and our family has been wonerfully overwhelming. We cannot thank you all enough or express how much gratitude each little note, phone call, gofundme share and donation bring. Now for an update.

Sun (1/26) Andrew was experiencing extreme pain and lost feeling in his legs. He was transported to the hospital via ambulance and admitted

Mon (1/27) Andrew was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in lung, liver spine and lymphatic system

Tues (1/28) Andrew had a MRI and Liver biopsy. Pain is extreme and anxiety is high. The waiting and the unknown is the hardest part.

Wed (1/29) Andrew had a brain scan and spinal surgery to remove the tumor between his vertebrae which was compressing his spinal cord. The neurosurgeon said surgery went very well. They were able to get the spine decompressed and the fractured vertebrae stabalized with rods.

Thurs (1/30) Brain scan results came back negative for any cancer or abnormalities in the brain! Finally some good news. Recovery from surgery is going well. Andrew is still very sore and unable to feel anything from the waist down

Fri (1/31) After waiting for what seemed like a year, the biopsy results came back as a poorly differentiated cancer. They still don't know where the cancer originated and when. The timeline is unclear. The Oncology team believes it is an aggressive cancer that has spread over months, but cannot be sure with the information the biopsy provided. They are sending the sample out for further testing which can take 2-4 weeks. We are hoping the biopsy from the cancer removed from Andrew's spine yields better results and that we get them soon. Also on Friday, we were told that because Andrew cannot feel his lower half, he is not strong enough for the agressive treatment (chemo and radiation) the Oncology team would recommend. So, Andrew is looking at an intensive spinal rehab facility, and should be transferring to that in-patient facility before the end of this upcoming week. There he will be working 3+ hours a day/5 days a week to get his body moving and stong enough to start chemo and radiation. It was a very emotional day, and also one that sparked a fire in Andrew. He has every intention of kicking cancers a$$ and fighting as hard as he can to live.

Sat (2/1) Andrew is focusing on moving his body around more. He is also finding pain and anxiety management in a rotation of medications that is working. His attitude is one of determination and impatience. He wants to get started on the cancer a$$-kicking.

If you made it this far, thank you so much for your love and support. Your continued thoughts and prayers are requested for this long and scary journey. I will do my best to keep you all updated. Love to you all.

Over two years ago, Andrew started experiencing a barrage of medical symptoms that ranged from headaches and dizzy spells to swollen lymph nodes, severe back & neck pain, skin sensitivity, and so many others. After several doctor visits and no clear diagnosis, his condition worsened to the point that he could barely stand and walk.

On Tuesday, Jan 21st, Andrew went to urgent care because he was nauseous and vomiting most of the previous week, and his mobility was still declining. At the visit, Andrew was told he had compression fractures in T9 and T10 of his spine and an obstruction in his upper right lung, spots in the lymphatic system, stomach, pelvis, and liver. He was given antibiotics for pneumonia and told to seek further medical attention to rule out malignancy. By Sunday, Andrew was in so much pain he couldn't walk or stand and was transported to the ER via ambulance.

Monday morning (1/27/2025), Andrew was devastated to learn he has Stage 4 cancer. Since Monday, it has been a whirlwind of doctors, tests, scans, and a liver biopsy to determine the type of cancer (for which we are eagerly awaiting results). He has lost all feeling in the lower half of his body because of the cancerous mass pressing against his spinal cord. Today (1/29/2025) Andrew is getting spinal surgery to remove that mass in hopes he will regain feeling from his waist down.

Because of this turn of events, Andrew and Jarrod have decided they need to change the way GBF Bespoke Balloons and Event Services does business. Their income is decreasing while their medical bills are increasing at an alarming rate. And they are still waiting to find out what the treatment and care plan will look like for the cancer.

Every little bit helps, and if you cannot donate financially, please just share the link.