Andy's Miracle Recovery from a Severe Stroke

[Donate via gofundme, Venmo (@Patrick-Menard), or CashApp ($PatrickMenard)]

October 24th, just another Monday, I thought. Up early, as usual, I had just finished eating cereal when my phone rang at 7:30 am. It was my niece, Andyanna! I was ecstatic as it had been a while since we last spoke. Then I heard her trembling, scared voice and that joy went up in flames, “Unc! Something’s wrong with dad! I found him unresponsive this morning. We’re at the hospital now. He may have had a stroke! We don’t know how long he’s been that way. What’s going to happen????” I stayed calm for my niece and strategized the next steps. In reality, my heart sank, my body temperature rose, my skin sizzled, and my hair stood on end…. what was going to happen?

My name is Patrick. Thank you for stopping by. My brother Andy is only 45 years old. He had a brain aneurysm two weeks prior, then this stroke, and then two seizures back to back on consecutive days right after the stroke, including an emergency procedure to remove a part of his skull so his brain could swell and not incur more damage. Fortunately, my brother Kennedy and sister Martine were there to help Andyanna with decision-making. Whatever mobility and intentional control Andy had post stroke went away after the seizures. He was intubated and in a coma ever since. The nature and cause of the stroke continue to baffle the area’s top brain surgeons, “It’s a mystery.”

Andy continued to show no signs of response as the days went by, even after doctors lowered sedation to non-induced coma levels. His circumstances grew ever more dire. Then, the Palliative team was called in to chat with the family… If you don’t know, when this team gets involved, it typically means that the medical staff sees no real chances for improvement and the family should prepare to make some tough choices. Up until this point, I was a rock. But chatting with friends in the medical industry about what Palliative means ushered in a whole new reality. It broke me.

Soon after, some angels arose in the form of a night nurse and a colleague at my work. These folks shared how individuals of similar dire circumstances made it! That there is light! The news helped my family and I fend off the pressure some of the rotating doctors gave to consider “comfort options” for Andy. This was also when we were made aware of what it would take to embark on such a road to recovery and why I created this gofundme page. My brother is in a major pinch. And he needs your help!

Despite having such a big heart, my brother has gotten so many bad breaks in life. Even so, he never let his misfortunes strip away his big heart. Even if all he had was the shirt on his back, he would give it to someone in need. He is self-sacrificial, seeking to protect others even if that puts himself at risk. Once, he and Kennedy were chased by a dog. Andy told Kennedy to run, and he would stand his ground. Andy has often helped total strangers get back on their feet, sharing his home and limited supplies. As such, he has touched countless lives and improved them. Andy is fiercely loyal and unafraid to press through extreme opposition for those he loves.

Andy is a son, a brother, and an uncle of four. But more importantly, he is a father of three and a grandfather of five for whom he lives and breathes. It has been extremely tough for his kids (Andyanna, Andy Jr., and Antonio), but they are putting on such brave faces.

Though Andy's condition is severe, there is evidence that meaningful recovery is possible. Furthermore, a select few doctors champion his younger age and say to give him a chance. And guess what? He started opening his eyes…

Please join us in giving him that chance!

We trust that God has so much more planned for this man. Please help us give him the best shot at returning to his kids and grandkids at the young age of 45. Let’s give this miracle time to manifest. Your donations will go towards medical expenses, rehabilitation, advanced programs in Disorders of Consciousness, and expenses incurred to get him the care he needs. Due to the severity of his condition, the costs can be high so we are trying to raise as much as we can. May God bless you for any help you can provide and return your kindness to you 30, 60, and 100 fold.

You may also donate funds through Venmo (@Patrick-Menard) or the CashApp ($PatrickMenard)

Thank you so very much! We are truly humbled and grateful for any of your support.