Andy

                                                                            

                                                                                                                                                   

I had the pleasure of connecting with Andy through social media and although we haven’t  formally met in person yet, it’s easy to see what an incredible fighting spirit and undeniable charm he has. 

Andy’s story moves me in so many ways, the rawness and realness he shares about his cancer journey, the community that surrounded him with love and his relationship with God are all so inspirational and proof that you can never give up. 

Andy is a Jacksonville native who grew up in the Arlington area with his 2 brothers and 3 sisters and graduated from his local high school Terry Parker in 1975. Go Braves! 

He began experiencing difficulties and visited Borland Groover for a Colonoscopy in February 2022. It was determined that he had colon cancer and a large mass that needed to be addressed. On April 5th surgery was preformed to remove that mass. 

Unfortunately, just a few days later, Andy started to go into organ failure. His vital organs were not receiving enough blood or oxygen to work properly. A second surgery was performed on April 11th. 
Complications arose which resulted in Andy being in ICU for 4 weeks, on a respirator, and placed in an induced coma.  He endured 237 consecutive days of hospital stays and rehabilitation facilities resulting in more complications. Being bed ridden for almost 9 months caused a huge loss in his muscle mass and he was unable to walk on his own. 

On Wednesday, November 23, while in the hospital, Andy received news that no one ever wants to hear. The cancer had metastasized to Stage 4 Liver Cancer. The doctors indicated that he was too weak for surgery and his body would not handle chemo or radiation.

He was obviously beyond devastated. Andy finally went home for the first time on Sunday, November 27th. The Hospice staff indicated that based on his current health, he would likely be around for only 3-6 more weeks. 

Can you imagine being told that you only have 3-6 weeks to live? What would you do? Who would you turn to? 

Andy shares that for the first time in his life, he quit. He began to pray everyday for God to send his Dad down from Heaven and take him back with him. He said “I was broken and damaged and didn't want to move forward. "But then something amazing started to happen. I received hundreds of guests at my bedside and living room. I started to eat better. I was drinking plenty of fluids to keep me hydrated. I was praying to God every day.”

Andy goes on to say “I woke up one morning and told my sister Mary that for someone that was supposed to die in the upcoming weeks, that I felt great. Beyond great.” 

That my friends is the power of prayer, community, love and an almighty God that heals. Amen.

1 John 5:14 says, This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 

Andy went back to MD Anderson and visited with an oncologist and it was determined, after reviewing Andy’s current lab work and other tests, that he would be a great candidate for chemo. And he felt that he could possibly survive another 2-3 years. 

Andy had gone from being told he had maybe 3-6 weeks of life left, to life giving words of hope that now he could have 2-3 years.

“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:3

He was beyond ecstatic! He shared how the power of prayer, his friends, his 2 daughters and his beloved sister Mary brought him hope. And today he feels great! He is learning to walk again and perform many daily functions around his condo. Go Andy! 

Andy shares a great perspective on his personal walk with God, “I am thankful for God everyday. We have a great relationship, although I don't understand some of the things that He does and He likely doesn't understand some of things I do. But in the end, he always has my back. I'm a Catholic, but there is a great Hebrew saying, "Man plans, God laughs.” I just knew my time was up, but God and I don't use the same watch or calendar.” 

“God has a plan for me. I haven't quite figured it out. But I do know that I want to bring awareness to folks regarding Colon Cancer screening and other Cancer test that are available. 
So here I am. A 66 year old that is possibly the luckiest man alive. Friends and family have given me the hope and determination to carry on.”—AFR

I hope Andy’s story will encourage you as much as it did me. He is truly living miracle and I cannot wait to see how God is going to use him to inspire and encourage so many others on their journey.