Helping Coach Andrew

Those of us in Ramona have probably seen him at a game or practice or two... And as we all know, we as a small community rally together for our own. This is our friend "Coach Andrew". He is a father to a 15-year-old and 8-month-old, a newlywed husband, a son, a friend and a coach. He works hard and dedicates his free time to the community when and wherever he can.

2 weeks ago Andrew fell at work. After the fall he had trouble walking, numbness and tingling and issues moving his back and neck. This pain got progressively worse.

Monday, Jan 23rd he went to the ER, and doctors decided to proceed with an MRI. Once the results came in they immediately put him in a neck brace and transported him to the Escondido Palomar Hospital for treatment. Andrew was diagnosed with both spinal cord compression and a spinal contusion. Spinal fluid was not flowing, and being trapped was causing the subsequent issues in his body.

Tuesday, Jan 24th, was a series of tests to determine the extent of his injuries and what treatment could be done to get him back on the road to recovery.

Wednesday, Jan 25th, this is the update I received from his wife Jenna - He went in for a 4-hour surgery. The neurosurgeon had to remove 2 discs, he replaced them with titanium discs and fused them together. He is now in ICU for observation and recovery and should be released in a couple of days.

Thursday, Jan 26th, observation and testing continued to ensure that the surgery was a success and provide a baseline for his physical therapy and recovery.

Friday, Jan 27th, Andrew will have his first physical therapy and this will determine his schedule between home and the hospital.

During his recovery he will be in a neck brace for 1 month and can’t lift anything over 8 pounds for 12 weeks, this includes his infant daughter. He will be in physical therapy multiple times a week to help him walk away and regain balance.

The dad that is always cheering the entire team on from the stands is now getting pictures, videos and play by play and end of quater updates...

For the Flores De Leon, this will be a constantly evolving new norm. There will be a countless number of medical appointments over the coming days, weeks and months. Jenna will need to balance work, carpooling and driving too and from to help Andrew during this time.

I am asking if you can afford anything to help this family, please find it in your heart to do so. We want to ensure that time away from work for both Andrew and Jenna, bills, utilities, groceries and anything else they may need is not something that they are worried about.