Andy's news

About a year ago I was diagnosed as having severe osteoporosis. My beginning bone density was -4.8. I started IV treatments of Promidronate which I have to do every 3 months. I have to go to Children's Hospital in Columbus and have an IV put in there but then I can go home to do the treatments instead of having to stay in the hospital. My treatments are 4 hours long for 3 days. After doing these for 1 year my bone density is now -3.6. YEAH!! I also was diagnosed recently with scoleosis. I have a 31% curve of my spine but right now I do not need surgery or a brace. I also just got fitted for new leg braces. I also got a communication board so I can really let you know what is on my mind! I can control this with a probe that fits on my thumb. I must say it is pretty cool! I will be starting school next year!! I will be attending preschool at Centerburg Elementary, I really think I will like it alot!!

Newly Diagnosed

For Parents who have a child who has recently been diagnosed with SMA you need to realize that each child is very different and SMA does not necessarily mean a death sentence. Andy's parents were given the same grim facts that you were given and look at all that he has done! He continues to grow and change and he has amazed alot of people. Through hope,love and prayers alot can happen and miracles do happen everyday !!! Research is progressing and a cure just seems like it is getting closer and closer. So just remember to see the strenghths in your child and nuture them and believe in them and see them for what they can accomplish not for what the statistics say.It makes me angry to think that parents are told their child will die when soo many SMA babies have proved that wrong! Researchers are getting closer so keep that in mind and keep in mind what a wonderful miracle you have when a doubting thomas is peeking over your shoulder! Our prayers are with you as your child grows and changes, through good times and the bad, just remember you are not alone.And if you feel alone e-mail Aunt Sheri!! Or just visit Andy's site to see what other amazing things he is doing.

What I can do
	I can do alot of things really, things they say I wouldn't be able to do. I can move my legs, shrug my shoulders, nod my head up and down (I just started this) move my fingers, wave with a little help, and recently I have regained movement in my left cheek! And I recently started sayin UH-HUH. And as always when I want to be rotten I will roll my eyes at you or just plain close them!

Things I like

I love to be outside and I have a van with a lift because I am too heavy anymore, my chair, equipment and myself was getting to heavy for anyone to lift me into the van. I love to go anywhere! I like to watch the birds. I also still like watching TV. I like shows with action, cartoons and nature with animals. I like to talk on the phone. And I love to have my back rubbed! Just ask Grandma! I also love my cart that Grandma and Grandpa O'Neil made me and they just got me a new mattress for it that is soo comfy! My cart holds me plus all my stuff and it is soo cool!!

Things I would like to have
	Sometime my family and I hope to get a water therapy room added onto our house. If I could start water therapy it may help strenghthen my muscles which would help improve my movement. Water would make it easier for me to move so I could get more exercise. And it would be fun and feel good!!

What we miss
	WE MISS OUR DAD!!! I have 3 sisters and we lost our Dad in September of 2006. We all miss him soo much everyday even though we know he watches over us from heaven.