Let's help this guy out!

It is with hopeful hearts, we make this appeal on behalf of Johnny Andrea, a dedicated Location Support Worker who has served the film industry through the past decade.

On June 29th, our friend and colleague was involved in a terrible automobile accident on his way to a shift and although we are all very grateful that he survived, he has suffered life-altering injuries including the loss of his left arm.

Johnny is a deeply caring and genuine man who never hesitates to offer his assistance to those around him with a generous smile. He is a devoted father and husband. Johnny is always willing to go the extra mile for family, friends, neighbours and co-workers.

Johnny has stated that he and his family are deeply grateful for all of the support they have received thus far through this campaign and that he feels there is much to look forward to on the path ahead however, many expenses are coming up for them during this interim period as they wait for social benefits and insurance payments to kick in. These processes can take several months and even longer in some cases and so our friend finds himself in a very difficult situation indeed. During this crucial, early point in recovery, all of his focus should be directed toward his physiotherapy as well as the final surgery which is scheduled for next week, meanwhile, he is stressing about bills, groceries, school clothes for his children and getting his 12-year-old son to Karate class.

All of these factors are further aggravated by "ghost" pain management which has been acute in severity and is a constant reality adding to the challenge of maintaining his household while pursuing a successful and meaningful recovery. After the operation, the ghost pain will hopefully be at least partially alleviated but there is a condition that often follows whereby the survivor has to undergo mental health counseling and therapy, due to final loss of sensation. "It feels like my arm is still there. Almost like it's been in a sling this whole time and the nerve pain is worst where my knuckles used to be."

From what we know of our Johnny in terms of strength of spirit, along with the fact of him being a fit man, 40 years of age, we have absolutely no doubt in the excellent prospect of his overcoming the adversities before him to the best possible outcome, if we can just help him weather what will likely be the hardest winter of his life.

In continuing to get this story out there we also intend to begin providing regular updates as he just completed the first week of a 14-week regiment of the limited physiotherapy that is covered by the Province and Johnny has mentioned that he wishes to document his recovery to inspire as well as assist others who suffer a catastrophic injury, in providing navigation of the processes that follow surviving an accident of this magnitude, because as he says: "Never in a million years did I think I'd ever have to go through something like this but in truth, it happens every day and it could happen to any of us.."

More detailed updates to come and thanks to all in advance for donating and/or sharing this fundraiser.

~ Team Johnny