Andrew's medical bills and housing

Hello, my name is Natalie and I am starting this gofundme to help my brother Andrew:

I’m writing this on Tuesday, January 16th, but this all started on Friday, December 15th, 2023. Andrew was not feeling well and took himself to urgent care for what he thought was a common cold. He had a fever, extremely low blood pressure, and an abscess on his left bum check that was awfully painful. He was referred to the ER at St. Vincent’s hospital, and was admitted immediately for emergency surgery. At the end of the first surgery, Andrew was put into a medically induced coma. We learned that what seemed to be a sore on his bum cheek was actually a very bad infection, necrotizing fasciitis, or commonly called flesh-eating disease, coupled with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. He remained in a coma in the ICU for the next 2 days while his body was septic. He was successfully brought out of the coma once the antibiotics started working and his fever reduced. Once his vitals stabilized enough for another surgery, they performed a second surgery to remove the last bits of the infection, put in an ostomy bag, and install a wound vac. The wound vac has helped immensely with healing the 10+ square inch section of skin and tissue that was removed from his left bum cheek. Over the last 31 days, his wound has been healing from the inside out and is continually getting smaller and smaller. Luckily, no muscle had to be removed so he should have full mobility once he is completely healed.

While the prognosis on his wound has been fantastic for the size and location of the infection, Andrew has developed multiple complications along the way. He’s had a blood clot, a UTI, sprung 2 leaks in his wound leading to blood loss and an issue with part of his omentum dying off and trying to create an abscess. While navigating multiple rounds of heavy antibiotics, blood thinners, numerous finger pricks for the diabetes, he was starting to talk with hospital staff about discharge.

However, as many of you know, a storm came through the Portland Metro area this past weekend which left Andrew’s house completely destroyed when a tree uprooted and fell on his house. This tree crashed through the middle of the house, blocking off access to the bedrooms and bathroom and his garage. His car is also totaled as it was parked in the garage. About a week prior to this storm, a branch from his neighbor’s tree had fallen on his car and broke his sunroof. On Saturday, January 13th, Andrew faced the reality that he now has no home to go home to. Luckily Andrew was in the hospital so he and his dog, Steeler were both safe and not in the house at the time the tree came down.

As anyone can imagine, this has been ridiculously difficult to acknowledge such a big loss while also trying to heal in the hospital. All He’s wanted the past 31 days is to go home and see his dog, and now he can’t. Along with some very major lifestyle changes, a portable wound vac machine and no home to go to, Andrew will be in a period of transition for a while. Claims have been made with insurance, but as with everything, he will have to wait to have his home rebuilt and car replaced. Andrew has also been out of work for this time period and isn’t sure when he will be able to return. He is looking at a very expensive hospital bill, continued medical bills and will most definitely have to front a lot of money to cover his bills and mortgage while waiting for insurance to eventually kick in and help with rebuilding costs.

Anyone who knows Andrew knows that he hasn’t had an easy life. He has successfully remained in remission from childhood Leukemia, and despite the lasting effects of chemotherapy and radiation, he has remained positive, hard working and resilient to what life has brought his way. Andrew is a kind soul despite a gruff exterior. Andrew is self-less, always offering help and support to others in anyway he can. But now Andrew needs the help and support.

Additionally, Andrew and our family would like to thank everyone who has come to visit him, check on his house, text and call. All of your support is crucial to his recovery and is so very much appreciated.