Donate to a college fund for Andy's daughters

My brother Andy Parr died on January 3rd, 2022. He’d just turned 52. Because of the circumstances of his death, he didn’t leave much money for his girls. Not because he didn’t want to – he loved them more than anything and would have given them the world – but because the disease of addiction sapped his finances, his energy, and ultimately, his life.

 

 

Andy had a kind heart and a huge laugh. “Larger than life” is how many described him. He excelled in every sport he tried – but he was also smart! He became a civil engineer – one of maybe a dozen people in Ohio to be certified both as an engineer and a surveyor.

 

 

But he also struggled. We shared a tough childhood with an abusive, alcoholic father. Athletics helped him cope. So did his close friends, and then his wife Micki. When he was prescribed opioids after a surgery, he became addicted – and thus began a long, painful battle. He fought for years to stay clean; the rehabs and relapses drained his family’s resources. Recently he overdosed, a storm of strokes caused extensive brain damage, and six weeks later, he died. Just like that, his battle was lost.

 

 

I know what Andy would miss most is seeing his girls grow up. Isabelle just turned 18 and is heading to college this fall – most likely somewhere in Ohio, where she can swim and study psychology. She is currently in the National Honors Society and captain of the swim team. Chloe is 15, and she juggles swimming with track, competition dance, and cheerleading. Both girls maintain GPAs that are higher than 4.0. They’re natural leaders, and just like Andy, well-loved by their peers.

 

 

A tough test of character came when their dad went into hospice. They went to visit him every chance they got, despite having to wear PPE when he got Covid. They were holding his hands when he passed away. They are caring, mature, beautiful young women, and I am one of many family members who feel so much love and pride for them both.

 

I hope you will consider donating to a college fund for Isabelle and Chloe to share. Not only to honor Andy’s memory, but to support two young women who face a future without their father. We can’t bring Andy back. But we can encourage the best parts of him to live on through his daughters.

 

Thank you for your time, your generosity, and your love for Andy.