Our friend, Andy Drath, could use some support as he undergoes a liver transplant on October 29, 2025, at UWHealth Transplant Clinic in Madison. He will be out of work for a couple of months as he is recovering from his procedure and could use some financial support to help cover medical bills and living expenses during this time.

Andy was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), an auto-immune disease that damages bile ducts through inflammation and scarring and eventually leads to liver disease. For years Andy has been getting stents placed, and removed, to keep the bile ducts open and cope with this disease, and this procedure is no longer working. A liver transplant is Andy’s only remaining option.

Those of you that know Andy have watched him live his life supporting the needs and wants of his family and friends, always there for others when they need help. He is a problem solver, great friend, extremely motivated, creative, and is there to help no matter how challenging or dirty the project is. He listens to others when they need his support, gives great advice when situations are tough, and is dedicated to accomplishing goals, all while putting others first. Andy is the kind of friend that deserves whatever help we can give him.

Throughout the last year, UWHealth has been working with Andy to find a living donor, while watching his stent placing results deteriorate, anticipating he would inevitably need a liver.

Knowing that Andy was in need, one of his greatest life-long friends, Nicole Fischer, offered up her liver as a living donor. She eventually found out that she was only a 95% match and unable to move forward with the surgery. The news that she wasn’t a match was difficult for Nicole. Being stubborn and dedicated, she didn’t give up and made a post on The Mill’s business page asking for help meeting Andy’s needs, which led to 12 people signing up and hoping to donate. Of the 12 that signed up, many had found out that they were not compatible for donation, until someone special walked into Andy’s story.

Mandy Williams, a local Bonduel woman that had never even met Andy, first heard about his situation through Nicole’s post on The Mill’s page. After reading the post, Mandy felt a calling by God to sign up and help. After a few months of testing and trips to Madison, she found out she is a 100% compatible match for Andy’s liver replacement. Her selfless decision to donate is an answer to many of our prayers, and we cannot thank Mandy enough for the gift she is giving our friend.

Andy’s amazing wife Michelle and two sweet daughters, Emilee and Abby, have been by his side through the countless visits and hospital stays at UWHealth in Madison. Our hope is to cover some of their financial needs through donations, to make sure that Michelle can continue to support Andy throughout his recovery, without having to worry about taking time off work.

The much-anticipated surgery will take place on October 29th, 2025. Updates on Andy’s recovery will be posted near the end of each month. Please keep Andy and Mandy, along with their families and loved ones, in your prayers. The next few months will be a lengthy recovery and filled with challenges. Much love and thank you for your help!