Drew' s Medical Fund

On July 21,2016, Drew and his family started the biggest fight of their life, facing his third and what they hoped to be final surgery to remove the last remaining original tumor that had been present since 2011. Drew underwent surgery only to suffer a massive stroke in the 48 hours that followed. He remained in Neuro ICU at Emory for nearly 40 days followed by 90 days at the Shepherd Center working to regain his independence. Drew has been the strongest, most determined, and hard working person I have ever seen. Starting in Mid December, he began outpatient therapy at Shepherd Pathways until late January, during which time the family was required to live in Atlanta. During his stint at Pathways, Drew underwent an MRI that hopefully would reveal the tumor was completely gone. But much to their dismay, the tumor had not only grown, but 5 more had appeared in his brain and cervical spine. After meeting with the radiation oncologist, the family had to decide whether to do a trial chemo drug or radiation. While deciding which path to take, further complications developed and Drew had another hospital stay at Emory. During his stay, the radiation oncologist advised that chemo was not a good choice and that radiation should begin soon. They reluctantly decided to go forward with the radiation at the Winship Cancer Center at Emory. Once again, they had to stay in Atlanta for another 6 weeks at a hotel so Drew could receive daily radiation. Much of the progress he made up until March was undone by the cancer and the 6 weeks of intense radiation he endured to shrink them. Because of the radiation being in his brain and spine, he suffered inflammation and extreme burning in his mouth and down to his stomach. It made it nearly impossible to eat or drink leading to dehydration soon after the radiation finished. In early May, Drew spent 11 days in the hospital. The medical team was only able to get minimal liquid and food in him and knew he needed something to supplement and counteract the lack of intake. They were able to get him rehydrated and helped give him nutrients. Unfortunately it didn't help with him keeping up his strength and control with drinking and eating. Another hurdle he faced and conquered without ever complaining. Once he was physically strong enough, Drew resumed physical, occupational, and speech therapy at home until he was able to begin outpatient therapy. He has made great progress during his outpatient therapy sessions. Up until the past few weeks, insurance has covered the cost but unfortunately his number of visits under insurance has run out. Drew has made incredible progress over the past 16 months, and especially over the past 3 months. His family is still standing by his side and will willingly pay for his therapy in order to ensure his that his progress continues. Anyone who has ever had any medical emergency knows just how stressful the entire situation is. Life for the Hauesler's is much different with Lee and Ivey neither working or in school, respectively, right now to be able to keep Drew's recovery at the highest level it can be. This entire family has shown incredible strength in everything they have faced. Their faith has not waivered even when faced with the tumors, massive stroke, months of strenuous therapy, cancer, and radiation that Drew has had thrown at him. Even though they would never ask, God has laid it on our heart to set up this account to help them so they can focus solely on Drew and getting him back to his self. Let's show them we will support them the way they support Drew. Anything you feel led to give, even if it can only be in the form of prayers, will be appreciated by them more than anyone will ever understand.