Andrew's Journey: From Rumors to Hope

Please Help Me Bring My Son Back from Mexicali - Andrew Smith

My name is Lenor T. Smith, and Andrew Smith is my 29-year-old son. Yes, Andrew struggles with mental illness and drug addiction, but despite everything, I love him deeply. He’s a beautiful soul. Andrew has a sweet heart.

Last April, Andrew left our home. He went out, and he never came back. We immediately began searching, reaching out to his friends and the people he associates with, but no one had seen or heard from him. His brothers, his dad and I were devastated, and we went into a panic. We printed missing flyers and informed the police, but, as many of you might expect, the police were less than helpful.

In an effort to get information and help, we offered a reward for anyone who could provide us with information about Andrew. It was actually our friends who came together to contribute to the reward fund. We believed this might be our best chance at finding out what happened to him.

Unfortunately, the rumors started flooding in. People claimed he was dead, that he had been killed, burned, or stabbed. Then, the rumors worsened. Some said his body was stuffed into a duffle bag and thrown into the New River. But no one knew who was responsible, why it happened, or where his body was.

Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and my grief consumed me. I was at a loss. As the sole breadwinner in my family, his dad having several disabilities, I still had to work two full-time jobs. All the sorrow, the tears, the pain, the heartache over losing my son had to be put on hold. I had to keep going—for my family, for my friends. I had to remain strong, because if I didn't, who would?

The only time I allowed myself to cry was in the privacy of my car, when I was alone. And yet, despite everything, I reached a point where I had to accept that Andrew might be gone forever. I began to search for his body just to have some closure. It was the most unbearable decision, but what else could I do?

A Miracle: After Seven Long Months, There's Hope.

Last week, a friend called to tell me that her daughter, a friend of Andrew's, had spotted him while picking up antibiotics in Mexicali. She asked if he was okay, if he needed food, and why he hadn't reached out. Andrew was in a hurry and didn't want to talk, but he left quickly. The friend's mother immediately called me with the news. I was filled with a surge of hope.

I quickly contacted a friend in Mexicali who was heading there. As luck would have it, he was already on his way. He found Andrew sleeping in a doorway and sent me photos confirming it was indeed my son.

I immediately gathered two of Andrew's friends, and we headed straight to Mexicali. We found him.

My Andrew. Though we tried to talk to him, he resisted and made it clear he wanted to be left alone to live his life, even if it meant making choices that weren't in his best interest.

PLEASE Help Me Get Andrew the Help He Needs

I know my son needs help, and I am determined to get him the support he so desperately requires.

But I cannot do this alone. I need your help to bring him back and get him the care he deserves.

We have found a rehabilitation center in Mexicali, Albergue María Loreto Beltrán, which is where Andrew is right now. This center has a strong reputation for helping individuals in situations like Andrew's. The costs are significant, but we believe it is his best chance at helping Andrew with medical, psychiatric, and medication fees)

• $200 a month for a spot.

• Additional costs for personal items such as clothing, shoes, toiletries, and bedding, snacks, etc.

The center is well-staffed, secure, and highly recommended, located near the first port of entry.

Please, Help Us Save Andrew

We are reaching out to our community and asking for your support. Every donation, no matter how small, will help bring Andrew back and give him the opportunity to rebuild his life. We know it's a lot to ask, but we're desperate. Please, help us bring Andrew home and get him the help he needs. Andrew would have the opportunity to finish his college just one more semester is all he needed. Andrew is kind and loving human being who had a lot of trauma in his life, and he deserves another chance.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Any support, no matter the amount, is deeply appreciated.

We are grateful for all your kindness, and we love you all.

Lenor T. Smith