Hendel’s Heart fund
Andrew Hendel is a 1983 graduate of NC State Wolfpack. He was a walk-on who became an All- American Linebacker.. He went on to play professional football in both the USFL and NFL. His hard work ethic and never-quit attitude helped him to achieve all-pro honors, special teams leading tackler and short-yardage specialist for the Miami Dolphins. Andrew went on to coach strength/conditioning and defense for over 20 years at both the high school and collegiate levels.
Andrew “Coach” doesn’t just talk the talk, he walks the walk by modeling for the world what discipline, dedication and commitment to health and fitness looks like. Opening Crossfit Charlotte was a natural fit for Coach to reach a wider audience, where he could motivate people to improve their functional competence by improving people’s health, fitness and performance by improving their movement. Andrew qualified for the CrossFit Games at the age of 55, now at the age of 60 it is not hyperbole to say that he is one of the fittest 60 year olds on planet earth. He works out 6-7 days per week, every week, eats meats and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch and only the occasional pint of ice cream! Anyone that knows Andrew Hendel is still grasping, to make sense out of the events that have unfolded in the past week.
In short, Andrew was participating in his second “Epic Charity Challenge,” a ride for the fallen, in Nashville, TN, a crucible type of event designed to improve both the participants lives while raising money for designated beneficiary charity, the “Navy Seal Museum’s Trident House Foundation.” On the first day of a four day, 444 mile bike ride, on the Natchez Trace Parkway, Andrew began to experience chest pains and suffered a massive heart attack. He was transported to the nearest hospital, about 40 minutes outside of Nashville, where his condition worsened significantly. Requiring urgent open heart surgery, he was then transferred to Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, where he is now recovering from double-bypass surgery. He remains in ICU where he is trending in a more positive direction with an uncertain, but determined road to recovery ahead.
In a recent interview Andrew spoke at length about his wife Dina, children Spencer (Erin & Reagan) and Andee (Luke & Bear) and their gym mascot, their beloved golden retriever Georgia. Among all of Andrew’s achievements in life, his family rates number one. They are by his side and he is wrapped in their love on this journey. No family can plan for a catastrophic event such as this. The outpouring of love, support and prayers has helped each and every one of them move through the minutes, hours and days that have been filled with fear and uncertainty.
The Hendel family needs everyone’s continued love, prayers and support, for which they are humbled by and grateful for.
