“Gratitude is not a reaction to your good life. It is the gate that allows a good life to enter.”

As a child, Andrew was offered half of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich after his packed lunch was ruined. Being polite, Andrew declined, but his friend’s feelings were hurt. In time, Andrew recognized that he had actually declined his friend’s kindness… becoming an early lesson in understanding gratitude.

Many years later, after his ALS diagnosis, he didn’t anticipate so many friends wanting to share with him and his wife, Courtney. He felt a familiar hesitation about accepting contributions, wanting to protect, not burden others, but then remembered that half sandwich from long ago…

Since that realization, this GoFundMe campaign has grown from the kindness of those who asked how they could support Andrew and Courtney. At the request of their community, and through gratitude they have opened this gateway for sharing care, support, and a good life. With full hearts, they sincerely welcome your generosity.

Thank you, thank you, thank you…

ABOUT ANDREW & COURTNEY:

Andrew is an interdisciplinary artist based in the Pacific Northwest. Rising from an early foundation in stained glass, he spent years exploring diverse art forms, and nearly two decades designing and fabricating innovative kinetic art for stages around the world. Returning to glass art with a unique perspective, he draws from nature, theatre, and a design-build approach, composing with a variety of mediums.

In recent years, Andrew’s practice has expanded, shaped by life changes that push his imagination further outside the box than ever before. Together with his wife, Courtney, they have embraced the beauty and uncertainty of an artist’s life, embarking on their greatest creative challenge yet: living with ALS.

Shortly after Andrew’s diagnosis in late 2024, Courtney stepped away from her career in human resources to spend more time together, and to fully support him through the progression of ALS. With a shared love of travel and a gift for sewing, she brings both practicality and artistry into their daily lives—adapting and modifying clothing, bags, and household items to meet Andrew’s evolving needs.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease in which a person’s voluntary muscles gradually weaken, leading to paralysis, taking away the ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe. As the disease advances, daily life becomes increasingly complex; its impact is not only physical, but deeply emotional and financial.

At the urging of their community, of close friends and loved ones wishing for ways to offer support, Andrew and Courtney created this space to welcome their generosity. Contributions here will help sustain essential care—medical treatment, transportation, adaptive equipment, home modifications, and the resources Andrew needs to adapt to continue creating. This is not only about meeting medical needs; it is about preserving dignity, independence, and the ability to keep sharing his artistic voice with others, ultimately living his best life with Courtney and each of you.

The kindness gathered here will help sustain:

· Time and shared experiences together and with others

· Mobility equipment for daily use and travel

· Home modifications for accessibility

· A wheelchair-accessible vehicle

· Medications and essential supplies

· Communication and assistive technology

Thank you for you, for being here, and for being such a meaningful part of Andrew and Courtney's journey. Your presence and kindness is received with sincere gratitude and grace. You truly make a difference... a good life.

Thank you.