The Carver Lions are trying to save Andrew’s Sight! Join us for the 2012 Carver Lions Soggy Bottom Open – 50% of all proceeds going to help Andrew.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewsight/mystory
All about Andrew
Andrew is nine years old. He likes to ride his bike and build with Lego’s. His favorite color is yellow. He likes to watch television and play video games. Andrew has three brothers; Robbie, Anthony and Elliott. He also has three sisters; Emily, Becca, and Anna. If you ask him which of his siblings annoys him, he’ll usually say Becca because she talks too much. Ask him who his favorite siblings are and he’ll say Robbie and Anna because he just likes them better. His favorite part of school is recess and lunch.
Andrew has trouble with his vision. He knows this because in October ago he went to see his optometrist for his yearly check-up who then sent him to an ophthalmologist. After getting his eyes dilated there for a special retina scan, he was then sent to the University of Minnesota to have a special test done that measured the electrical activity of his retina. They dilated his eyes again and he spent the next two hours watching different lights blink and measure his retinal activity. The outcome of this test showed Andrew to have rod-cone dystrophy. Andrew’s rod cells function with a significantly decreased reaction rate than most people. This makes it hard for Andrew to see at night. Andrew also has damage to his cone cells, we know this because upon exam the doctors can see an area where the cells are not functioning. This disease is progressive and Andrew’s sight will likely continue to deteriorate over time. The doctors at the U of M can’t tell us how long it will take nor how much vision Andrew will retain. Andrew has to go back to the U of M for at least one more eye exam/test, to see the Low Vision specialists and to Oculogenetics for genetic counseling/testing.
Unfortunately our insurance doesn’t cover the cost of many of the tests and most likely will not cover any treatments we find. Andrew will need new glasses frequently as we transition through this period along with different assistive devices to allow him to read and learn at school. He is undergoing testing at school and they are working with Andrew to provide the best learning experience they can. Andrew is doing well, but this is hard for such a young man to understand what it all means. Our goal is to support Andrew the best we can and teaching him to place his faith in Christ. We thank you for your support and are overwhelmed by the generosity of you all. Thank you and enjoy the day!
