Federal CO, Andrew Hastings’ Battle with COVID-19

My brother-in-law, Andrew Hastings is a Correctional Officer for the Federal Government at FCI Ray Brook, NY. He has also been a volunteer fireman for our small town of DickinsonCenter, for over 20 years. He is a husband to my sister Justine, and father to their five children. 

On March 24, 2020, at 1:59am, I received a text from my sister, Justine. She stated that Andy was having symptoms, closing relating those that are associated with COVID-19, (coronavirus). She explained that he had spiked a fever during the night, and she asked me if I thought he should be tested for coronavirus. Andy, Justine, and I, discussed his symptoms, and they ultimately decided to contact our localhealth center as soon as they opened that morning. Upon receiving medical advice, Andy was scheduled for testing, on Thursday, March 26th. He had the test done as scheduled, and was directed to stay in his home, until the pending results came back. When Justine contacted her place of employment, the United States Postal Service, they directed her to continue coming into work as normal, until they got the results back. 

On Saturday, March 28th, Andy received a call stating that he had tested positive for COVID-19. He and his family were then ordered to remain in their home for the next 14 days, to quarantine. Andy contacted Justine to relay the message, and as a result, she left work immediately to follow the directions they had been given. Andy, Justine, and their five children, then began their quarantine. My sister and brother-in-law were ordered to stay home for 14 days, however, both of their employers - the federal government, required them to use their own sick leave while he battled this illness.

This morning, April 1st, 2020,  at 4:31am, I received yet another call from my distraught sister, stating that Andy’s breathing had become labored, and his fever had spiked to 104.3°! Because neither she or her children can leave the house, Justine was forced to call the ambulance to take him to the hospital in Malone, NY. She could NOT accompany him in the ambulance, nor can she visit him in the hospital.

In our most recent update from Justine, at 7am this morning, we learned that Andy is being transferred to Plattsburgh to CVPH medical center, over an hour and a half from their home for further treatment. He needed to be intubated. For those of you that do not know, that is when they put a tube down the throat,bto open the airways so that they can breath.

Andy, my sister, and their family are going through the fight of their life right now, while Andy battles this virus that is causing a global pandemic! They need everyone’s support, now more than ever, as Andy is forced to fight this alone. 

They are also facing monetary hardships because they may not receive for the entirety. At this point they’re using their own sick leave, which will eventually run out. In addition they could be faced with countless hospital bills, which insurance may not completely cover, the cost of food, a mortgage, and utility bills, while they are both out of work, and still supporting a family of seven. 

We are asking our local communities to rally behind Andrew Hastings as he puts on the fight of his life, in his battle against COVID-19. Please support this law enforcement officer, fireman, husband, and father of five. Any monetary amount, prayer, or positive thought that can be sent his way during this difficult time, would be greatly appreciated by the Hastings family, and all of their extended family and friends. 

With gratitude, 
Lisa and David Jimenez and Family