Andy’s Angels

Casey Smith is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Lisa Smith.

Donation protected

Hey everyone! Many of you may already know Andy, but for those who do not, Andy is the life of the party. He has a love for sports- specifically football, basketball, and rugby. Andy has never been shy from befriending others. He enjoys being a mentor. He spends a lot of time with his German Shepherd, Neena. He’s been excited to start college this year and work on his career in psychology. He shows his love in acts of service and his classmates recognize him for always caring for his girlfriend as she recovers from her injury.

This year has taken many tolls, but for Andy, the worst of it began in November of 2020. Andy began experiencing severe headaches, so much so that he decided to conference with a doctor to see what’s going on. Thank goodness he did, because after a CT, we discovered there was fluid in his brain. And after an MRI in the emergency room, we discovered that the fluid was caused by a tumor. Affectionately named Benji, the tumor sits on Andy’s cerebellum (the part of the brain that controls a lot of important functions like speech, balance, and movement). The tumor, because of its size, also either pushes against or is attached to Andy’s brain stem (what connects the brain to the spine).

The doctors decided to Life Flight Andy to the University of Colorado Health hospital in Denver. He is in good hands, but is expecting a lot more tests, and some less-than-pleasant hospital meals before surgery. Surgery will let us know more about whether or not the tumor is attached to the brain stem or not, if it’s malignant or not, and what kinds of continuous treatment or care Andy will need in the coming days.

We deeply appreciate our friends and families’ endless support, prayers, and thoughts in these past few days. This GoFundMe will be used to help cover his medical expenses as we move forward with treatment. Absolutely anything helps, even if it’s a few cents or a share.

Thanks Benji, but we think it’s time we spend some time apart. If you’d like to follow Andy’s journey, share memories, photos, or love, feel free to join the Andy’s Angel’s Facebook group.