Andrew and His Family

While most of us were enjoying Thanksgiving with family, Andrew and his family were living a nightmare. Andrew, a 13-year-old boy with an infectious smile and an unmatchable zest for life, was hit by a motorist while riding his bike. He suffered a brain and spinal cord injury and is currently in a coma and on a ventilator at Children's.

I met Andrew 3 years ago on a soccer field (me a brand new coach and him a happy wire-framed kid who couldn't wait to get the ball) after his family came to this country as refugees to start a new life. Over those years, I've gotten to know his indomitable spirit, love for life, and an often-tried-to-be-hidden soft spot for his siblings. He's joined our family outings, swim parties, and drive-in movies, and I've shuttled him back and forth to soccer (bringing his always-forgotten water bottle/equipment).

Andrew is constantly in awe of this country's experiences and new things and has a hunger to see them and do them all. I promised to take him camping (since he's never been in a tent or slept outside), and we planned a trip for the spring. Andrew told me he wants to go to college, "maybe something in engineering", and then to go back to Kenya to do good things. He takes tap class at school (loves to dance!) and is looking forward to high school, but doesn't "want a girlfriend because they don't let you play basketball with your friends".

Over the years, I've seen him mature from a young boy to a robust and mature teen. He improved as a soccer player (rec, to all-stars, to club) and as a wonderful human. He's faced challenges that many of us adults haven't had to grapple with, and he's stayed the same sweet kid that couldn't wait to go swimming, score a soccer goal, or go out to get ice cream.

And now he needs our help. And his family needs our support. Please help me get Andrew home (and one day to that camping trip). Help his family cope, process, and financially support the very tough road that Andrew and they have ahead of them. Please help by donating, sharing, and praying for a miracle.

All money will go directly to the family to cover: medical expenses and care, groceries, gas to get to the hospital, rent (so mom can continue to stay at his bedside), dinners, essentials (he has siblings aged 11 and 16), and whatever else this family needs.

In gratitude,

Coach Kacie