Andy’s Story

Site created on June 24, 2021

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.
On Tuesday, June 22, 2021 Andy was leaving a work event and was involved in a horrific car accident. There was a pick up truck, in front of him, that had a mattress and other items in the truck bed.  These items flew off the truck striking Andy's car. The mattress went under the car making it go airborne and then flipping several times before it landed in a ditch.  Andy was wearing his seatbelt, but unfortunately was partially ejected from the car.
Many heroic people stopped to help him until medical care arrived. They transported him by air vac to St. Louis University Hospital. Andy is extremely lucky to have survived this crash. He sustained a broken hand, broken shoulder, broken ribs, bruised lungs and many head and face lacerations. He also suffered a severe concussion with some brain trauma. The most serious of his injuries include a broken neck and back. By the grace of God, he is able to move his extremities and have feeling.  The spinal surgeon performed a long procedure to connect his head and spine together and to stabilize his back. The trauma specialists have worked so hard to keep him comfortable and on the mend. We appreciate all of the love, support, texts, calls and most importantly the prayers. God is Good and Andy will not back down-one of his favorite Tom Petty songs. 

Newest Update

June 22, 2022

Journal entry by Lesley Riesmeyer —

It is amazing how quickly your life can change in a split second. Exactly one year ago I received a phone call that did not quite prepare me for what I was about to see as I was walked into the trauma ER room. I barely recognized Andy’s handsome face and I tried to stay out of the way as the nurses were  cleaning wounds and trying to get the blood off of his wedding ring. Andy was conscious and I leaned over to give him a kiss. The doctors came in and pulled up images for me to look at. That is when I found out about all of the massive wounds his body suffered during the car accident. They explained everything and then put me in a small room while they had to insert an arch on either side of his head and hold it in place by weights hanging from a wire.
The sounds coming from that room were unbearable and it felt like I was in a movie. When it was over I knew I had to snap out of it and take charge. I am so ever grateful for the team that worked on Andy and so ever grateful that Andy has no memory of the accident and about five days after his injuries.
Dr. Place (the best surgeon in St. Louis) told us that however Andy was in a year after the accident was probably how he would be the rest of his life. God, excellent doctors, hard work and prayers from so many helped Andy get to where he is today. He is a true walking miracle!
Can he say that he’d like to have more feeling in his hand-yes. Can he say that he’d like to dive into the pool and swim-yes. Can he say that he’d like run like he used to-yes. Can he say he’d like to look in the mirror and not see all of the scars which are constant reminders or be able to sit in a chair without pain-yes. He’d also like to say that he doesn’t have trouble remembering and is always in pain. But what he can say is “Thank you God for bringing me this far!”
Sometimes when a life altering injury or illness takes over your attitude changes. Sometimes for the worse and sometimes for the better. Andy is grateful every single day. I am grateful every single day. He’s been given a second chance to live life right! You figure out that some things just aren’t as important anymore and some things mean even more. 
Life is so precious and so good. Whenever you are feeling a bit down or unhappy remember that your life could change in the matter of a second. We are so thankful and blessed for every single person who has prayed with us and for us. 
God is Good-All the Time❤️

Things I Am Thankful For:
*Andy is Alive
*My Family
*Prayers
*Friends
*Medical Heros 
*My Faith

Things I’m Asking Prayers For:
*Andy to continue to grow stronger defying even more odds.
*Brendan and Kaitlin as they get closer to their wedding.
*Colin and Abby as they continue to navigate life, work and their own relationships.
*Strength for my family and myself as I begin the second phase of my cancer journey. It hasn’t been the greatest so far and I have a long road ahead of me.
*That all of you live your life to the fullest.

Lesley
#miraclesdohappen#andyisafreakingrockstar#cancerreallydoessuck#dontbackdown#Godisgoodallthetime


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