Andrew is a three-year-old who loves football, basketball, and baseball. His favorite superheroes are Spiderman and Batman. He enjoys spending time with his mom and dad (Kayla and Corey) and his big sister Caylee. He likes to cheer with Caylee at her cheerleading meets. And he’s really into Mickey Mouse. Andrew’s dad, Corey, says, “Andrew is the biggest Mickey Mouse fanatic I’ve ever seen!”
One morning in May of last year, Andrew woke up with a fever. The family drove to the closest clinic for bloodwork and Andrew was diagnosed with B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Dad said, “he was an 18-month-old little brother, happy as can be, living his best life. The diagnosis changed his life FOREVER.” Andrew and his dad needed to travel 76 miles one way for each of Andrew’s cancer treatments. “We prepare for the days of traveling to the hospital by having our bags packed and laid out the night before,” dad told us. Mom and Dad do their best to remember to pack all of Andrew’s favorite things for their trip.
Because of our generous donors, Compass to Care was able to step in and help ease the financial burden of gas over the past year. We have supported Andrew and his family by providing 100 trips to the hospital. “Compass to Care has very generously provided our family with the blessing of not ever having to worry about not having enough fuel or finances to be able to get Andrew to his treatments. And it truly means so much.”
Reflecting on his son’s cancer journey, Corey wants to tell other parents facing a similar journey to, “ALWAYS stay positive through their unimaginable journey and never hesitate to ask all the questions you have to always take one day at a time, and love on them little ones as much as you can!”
These days the family enjoys going to family parties, attending nonprofit pediatric cancer events, and spending quiet time at home. Andrew is a super active and upbeat three-year-old who loves playing outside and jumping in his bounce house with his sister, Caylee. Andrew is once again living his best life and celebrating a year of living cancer free!