Andie
April 17, 2010 was the day that forever changed the life of little 2 year old Andie. While a family member mowed the lawn outside, Andie played inside the house with the rest of the family. At one point she opened the door, ran down her sister's handicap ramp and slipped out into the yard. Tragically, the family member riding the large lawn mower did not see her until it was too late. Andie's foot and leg were caught under the mower and in the blade. They called for the local ambulance and were able to free Andie from the mower. She was transported to St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio where they did x-rays and gave her a blood transfusion. Within hours of the accident, Andie was flown by Air Bear to Akron Children's Hospital where doctors were waiting to take her immediately into surgery. Sadly, as a result of the accident Andie's left leg was amputated. Over the next month she needed additional treatments, including skin grafts at the Akron Children's Burn Center. While she did lose her leg, doctors were determined to get her walking again with a prosthetic leg.
Andie's family came to the Ronald McDonald House of Akron on April 17, 2010 and did not go home until May 27, 2010. For over a month they lived at the House while Andie recovered. Stacie, Andie's mom, still cannot believe all of the resources that the House provided. "The Ronald McDonald House of Akron gave us all the comforts of home. It was so nice to have hot meals, a bed to sleep in and a place to wash our clothes. The staff at both the Ronald McDonald House and the hospital were excellent," Stacie shared.
After their month long stay, the family went home to wait for Andie's prosthetic leg to be made and ready for Andie. During that time, the local community in Burghill, Ohio and surrounding areas rallied to help raise funds to pay for Andie's care. They held events like a charity poker run and a pasta dinner. At both events, little Andie was there to thank them on the microphone for all of their support!
They returned to the House on September 27, 2010 after receiving a one week notice that her prosthetic leg was ready and her intense physical therapy would begin. The staff at the House worked hard to get accommodations set up for the family, who were anticipating another 4 week stay.
After just one week Andie was up and moving around like a pro on her leg! She did so well that doctors released her 2 weeks early! Stacie believes that being able to just go from the House to the hospital made it so much easier on Andie than if they had been commuting each day. During her second week of therapy, Andie was climbing on tables, playing with the doll houses and kitchen sets, moving around with ease and requiring that she do everything on her own. "I do, I do," she would say if anyone tried to help her. Her spirit and determination were evident in every activity she did, she was energetic and still today never stops trying! Her mom says that even during the whole ordeal she never complained and rarely cried.
Luckily, because the accident occurred so young, doctors believe she will be able to grow up and do many activities like normal. Her mom and family remain positive and want to make others aware of the dangers riding lawn mowers pose to children. She is so thankful for what the Ronald McDonald House of Akron has done for her family as they helped Andie recover and learn to walk again! We are thankful to have been able to help them heal and to have met such an inspiring little lady!
