ANDREW’S AUTISM RELIEF AND WISH FUND

Andrew has been afflicted with Autism since he was 2 years old. He has never suffered the severe complications associated with this disorder until a couple of weeks ago, the day before his 29th birthday, when he suffered from what has been labled a psychosis.  In the days that followed, this started on a Friday, we found a medical project at a local hospital that looked to be the answer. I had just gotten off the phone with them when we heard a crash come from his 2nd story bedroom, where he had locked himself inside. He had opened the window and jumped out. It took us 5 minutes to gain entry to his room where we discovered what had happened and upon looking out he was nowhere to be found. We jumped in our vehicles and began to search for him. I spotted him walking around a large retention pond that was frozen over. Then, immediately after spotting him I was horrified to see him walk out onto the ice that was only partially covering the pond. Of course I called 911 immediately expecting him to fall through the ice at any second, unable to do anything but watch in horror and pray that the ice would hold. Luckily, the ice held and I watched him walk off the ice, totally dazed and confused, not knowing where he was or what he was doing.

After nearly an hour, with a near zero wind chill and wearing wet clothes, and with the police trying to convince him to put on his coat, go into the house, or get into the car so he could warm up, he began fighting all efforts to help him and he had to be restrained. They transported him to a facility where he remains to this day as they try to manage his symptoms with so many drugs that he appears to be in a transe, unable to snap out of this sudden and dramatic change in his life.

Andrew is one of the sweetest, kindest, most gentle soulds you would ever hope to meet. He has never before raised his hands, or even his voice in anger and is always the first to volunteer to help anyone in need in any way he is able. For instance, just a week prior, he had gone around the neighborhood to shovel snow for the neighbors who were unable to do it themselves, and refused money for his efforts when it was offered. He just wanted to help them out and do "GOOD DEEDS", as he put it.

We have always tried to remain self sufficient and provide a decent lifestyle for Andrew but we have come to an impasse with this latest escalation in Andrews condition. We have promised him that we will do everything we can to get him to Disneyland, (his dream vacation) if he will just get better, knowing that it would likely remain a dream without the help of others. On top of that, we own 2 1997 vehicles, one of which is on it's last legs and we are expecting to need to continue to drive the hundreds of miles each week to continue to visit with him, and once released, get him to therapy and doctor appointments. So we will also need to replace at least one vehicle that can handle the additional load. Add to that we have no idea of the cost for medical services we will be incurring in getting Andrew the necessary medical care to help him make a full recovery.

As I said before, we have always been self sufficient, but for the sake of my son, I find I must swallow my pride and DO SO now. I am a disabled veteran that has been unable to work for years due to a spine injury which limits my mobility and often lays me up for days to weeks at a time. With limited resources and little other recourse I am now asking for help. Please only give what you can afford as every little bit will help and any and all donations will be greatly appreciated and used wisely and sparingly to help care for Andrew and possibly even help his wish to come true. Thank you for taking the time to consider our situation and THANK YOU in advance for all those who are able to provide a little help for this kind and gentle soul named Andrew, the son who will always hold my entire heart.