Hello all. I love our community of Bosque Farms and all the people in it, and right now someone who works to protect this community that he loves needs our help!

September 18, 2021 the Harris family (Detective Joseph Harris) welcomed their 4th baby boy. Andrew came into the world 6 weeks early resulting him to stay in the NICU the first two weeks of his life. Oct. 1st he was able to finally come home to his mommy, daddy, and 3 older brothers, Dominick (9), Joseph(7), Angelo(5). Due to Andrews premature birth it required a”more frequent visits to his primary doctor for weight and oxygen checks.

Throughout the weeks, the doctors noticed Andrew had very little to no movement throughout his whole body. The only thing he could really move were his eyes. He is barely able to cry as well.

November 18th Andrew had his 2 month check up. After bringing up concerns his mom and dad already had about his movement, and filling out the development screening questionnaire along with the physical exam, the doctor explained that Andrew wasn’t where he should be with his motor development and that he was going to refer them to the pediatric neurology team at UNMH.

Over the Thanksgiving holiday we received an urgent call from the pediatrician requesting Andrew come into UNMH immediately. Upon arriving at the hospital, Andrew underwent several tests and evaluations to better diagnose his lack of movement. Several blood draws were taken and sent to California for special testing.

On December 9th the family received a call from the neurologist specialists confirming their biggest fear. Andrew was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, referred to as SMA. This is an extremely rare genetic disorder preventing motor movement and functions. Andrew, now known as Warrior Andrew, has been fully diagnosed with SMA type 1 which is also the most severe diagnosis. At this time, Warrior Andrew has been hospitalized four separate times and is only six months old.

Now knowing Warrior Andrew’s full condition, he requires extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, occupational therapy, feeding assessments and constant monitoring of his breathing. Andrew Warrior is averaging anywhere from 4 to 8 medical appointments or treatments each week, some twice a day. The families lives have changed quickly and now requiring a lot of adjustments.

Our very own BFPD Detective Joe Harris is now the families only source of income due to the frequency of Warrior Andrew’s appointments and care. There are more than a handful of medical needs for Warrior Andrew that unfortunately are not covered under insurance (I.e. machines, therapy equipment, and not to mention has to get to multiple weekly/daily appointments).

A family with a special needs child should not have to chose between gas to get to an appointment, heating their home, or medical care for their child. Any donation would be greatly appreciated and will go directly to Warrior Andrew’s care.