Andrew Durick was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in May 2015, and in 2017, his flare-ups progressively got worse and his body stopped responding to treatment. He ended up home-bound for about two years. In July 2019, he started a year-long journey in medical treatment at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL. During that year, he and his mother Charlene made many trips from Vero Beach to Mayo Clinic for MRIs, lab work, doctor appointments, etc.
Andrew took the time to educate himself on Crohn’s disease in the hopes that if he knew about it, he could combat it. He joined chat groups and forums where he and others shared stories to help each other cope. They talked about their pain, surgical struggles and comforted each other through the tough days. People unfamiliar with Crohn’s disease may not be aware that a severe case means that it’s nearly impossible to have a normal life – no school, work, or outings with friends and family, often leading to isolation. Andrew was a dog lover, and what got him through the tough days was his best friend Smokey, the pit bull he rescued.
In 2020, doctors recommended that in order to have a chance at a full life, Andrew should have his colon removed. It wasn’t an easy decision, but he mentally prepared himself for this procedure and was confident in the decision. After his surgery, Andrew was finally able to take his life back. He went from 120 pounds and very pale to 185 pounds and full of joy – making the most of life. Just over one year later, Andrew was tragically killed in a car accident in July 2021.
He was a loving young man who found great happiness in helping others. One of his biggest fears was how he would afford medical treatment when his health insurance coverage expired. He was covered on his mother’s insurance policy but eventually, that would end, so he often worried about how he would pay for doctor visits, MRIs, and medical supplies needed due to his colectomy. And because he was unable to work, he didn’t have his own health insurance.
Andrew and his family knew firsthand how costly this disease is. Not only did it cost him days of constant pain, but his mother Charlene was saddened that Andrew wasn’t able to achieve his goals. So, in Andrew’s honor, the Andrew Durick Foundation was founded on July 27th, 2021 to help individuals with financial responsibilities, as well as contribute to finding a cure so that others can fight this disease and go on to live out their dreams.
