Support Andrew’s fight against leukaemia

At the age of 36, you don’t anticipate that you will be told that you have “cancer”. Not only cancer but a rare and very aggressive form of cancer that requires immediate and intensive treatment.

Well, unfortunately, that is the somber reality for one of my best friends, Andrew.

My name is Katherine and I have had the privilege of being friends with Andrew for 24 years and he is truly one of the most genuine and kindhearted people I know. His relationship is extra special to me because he married my best friend, Alysha, whom I’ve also known for 24 years. We all grew up together and have the privilege of raising our families together.

On March 21st, after flu like symptoms, Andrew attended the local emergency room for treatment. Doctors immediately identified that Andrew needed to be transported from Mirimichi, NB, to Moncton, NB, for more diagnostic clarification. On March 25th Andrew and Alysha were told that Andrew has Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.

Andrew required immediate treatment as this form of cancer is highly aggressive and life-threatening. Treatment for Andrew meant that he had to immediately stop working and would not be allowed to leave the hospital. He would begin induction therapy (intensive chemotherapy). As a result of this, Andrew had to say goodbye to his children as he would not be able to see them during treatment or during recovery. This is for Andrew’s safety due to his vulnerability to contract sickness with a weakened immune system. For Alysha to visit Andrew, she would be driving 4-hours round trip due to the distance the hospital is from their home.

As you can begin to imagine, this news was and is devastating. Andrew is now undergoing treatment 2-hours from his home, leaving behind his wife and 3 beautiful daughters.

Andrew has been told by doctors that his treatment and fight against the disease is only beginning. Andrew, his family and friends, are optimistic for positive results after his first round of chemotherapy, however, those answers remain unknown at this time. Andrew will have to complete many bone-marrow biopsy’s, countless blood draws, testing, imaging, and a potential stem cell transplant. The mental and physical toll is extreme.

Andrew is a man who would give the shirt off his back to a complete stranger and ask for nothing in return. He is a husband, a daddy, a son, a brother, and dear friend to many.

We are asking for any support for Andrew and his beautiful family as they battle his life altering journey.