In Memory of: Andy Yost!
Here is a picture of Andy enjoying a vacation at the beach in Oct. 2005
Below is a letter written by Andy's mom after his passing. It is one of the most beautiful things that I have ever read:
Dear family and friends,
It is with a broken heart that I leave you all with this final message.
Andy lost his battle with MDS and passed away 3:09 a.m. on December 28th. Although we had thought perhaps the donor cells had finally engrafted when I last updated this page, unfortunately those cells that had appeared were ones I had donated to help him fight his infections. Without the new immune system he so desperately needed and with failing kidney functions as he battled infections, his condition quickly and painfully began to worsen. I cannot describe the awful suffering he endured nor adequately portray his extraordinary courage and strength over the last several weeks as with every inch gained it seemed many more were lost.
Andy was a hero among heroes, yours and mine, as he struggled for life not just for his own sake but also for us - those who love him and needed him to make it - as well as for those others he knew would one day be following in his footsteps down the bone marrow transplant road and were depending on his survival as a source of hope.
I speak for his father and myself, his grandparents, and all his family when I say my son taught us so much about life...what is important, what is precious. He showed us what real valor is in the face of terrible odds and how not to give in or give up. And I will spend the rest of my life humbled by the memory of his accepting nature and unflinching spirit. Forever to be crushed by waves of loss as his sweet smile and trusting eyes appear in countless thoughts and dreams.
Thank you all for your prayers and for everything done on Andy's behalf as you shared his sorrows and his hopes.
Andy's pain and suffering are over, and he is with the angels. I pray to God we will all be together again in heaven one day, and ask that until then Andy might watch over us and continue to guide and inspire us throughout the rest of our days.