Local Family Wins Extreme Makeover

Dallas television station WFAA Channel 8 taped the story Tuesday morning of a young local cancer patient and his family who was awarded $5,000 by the ABC network.

An additional $5,000 will be given in his name to the American Cancer Society.

Andrew Petrea is a six-year-old kindergarten student at Joe Martin Early Childhood Center. He was diagnosed at age three with a ependymoma brain tumor. His grandmother, Kathy Russell, nominated her son, Russell, and daughter-in-law, Misty, for the award.

News 8 anchor and reporter Cynthia Izaguirre talked with Andrew, his family and American Cancer Society representatives Tuesday morning.

Izaguirre told The News that Andrew’s family was one of six families in north Texas to be awarded the prizes as part of ABC’s Extreme Makeover — Home Edition. The network plans to award $1 million across the United States.

"We’re here to tell their story and get video," Izaguirre said. She said one of the six-part series including Andrew’s story would be aired each morning next week beginning Monday from 5 to 7 a.m. on News 8 Daybreak.

In nominating her son and daughter-in-law, Kathy Russell stated in an essay to ABC, "They have been through more heartache than most people ever have to endure, and they continue to keep a positive attitude and trust that God will provide. Andrew and his family have been an inspiration to many."

Andrew’s grandmother told the network, "Here is his story. On Sept. 16, 2006, at the age of 3, Andrew had two major brain surgeries, two different kinds of radiation and chemotherapy. In August of 2007, Andrew had an MRI that showed that the tumor had come back and spread in his brain as well as his spine. He has since been on several different kinds of chemotherapy and additional issues. About six months ago, we were told that the tumor progression was considerable and Andrew had two to eight months. We tried another type of chemo and in January of 2009, we got news that the tumors are stable.

"We try to enjoy every day with our little hero to the fullest. Andrew’s maternal grandfather started a ministry in his name in 2008. The family is constantly doing fundraising to help others in the same situation. They provide funds to families of children with life-threatening illnesses. The money is to help with copays, transportation to and from therapy, even to pay utilities while the parents are not able to make ends meet. Since its inception, Andrewman Ministries has helped 23 families with over $12,000. The ministry was able to deliver twelve 50-gallon bags of toys to the hospital on Christmas Eve in 2008 for the kids that were going to be in the hospital on Christmas. Andrew remembers what that was like. He spent Christmas 2006 in the hospital. Andrew participated in the Jump Rope for Heart through the school in pre-kindergarten last year and plans to participate again this year. It’s no easy feat when your balance is impaired, but he doesn’t let that slow him down."

Kathy went on to state, "Andrew and his family have also participated in several local Relay for Life events through the American Cancer Society, taking part in the survivor activities and raising funds to help with cancer research. Andrew was the No. 2 fundraiser in 2007 at $2,000-plus and raised over $1,000 again in 2008 for this wonderful cause. He has been asked to lead the survivor lap in several area relays. He is an inspiration to all who encounter him. You can read more on his caring bridge website, http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/andrewpetrea1. My son and his family continue to struggle to make ends meet. His wife was able to return to work after a year and a half, and then late last year, he lost his job due to the economic downturn. The company he was working for was closing their doors. He has since found another job, but co-pays, doctor visits and the traveling involved takes its toll. It’s a struggle to keep food on the table. Please consider them."

Andrew’s mother, Misty, said there were struggles. Andrew is now deaf in one ear and has a balance problem. She and Michael have their hands full keeping up with medications, doctors appointments and the medical bills that keep piling up. But Misty was quick to credit both their large families for all their help when it comes to coping as well as church families at Harvest Bible Church where they attend and Michael’s home church, College Mound United Methodist Church. She said when Andrew was hospitalized at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, Kathy as well as Misty’s aunt and uncle and others stepped in with their help.

And Misty and Michael return the help and support through the ministry. In fact they have been able to help over 20 families in its first year.

Michael described Andrew, "We found out at an early age that he liked super heroes. He’s a happy kid — all smiles. He doesn’t get into trouble."

"I brag on him all the time," Misty added.

As to Andrew’s condition, his mother said, "Right now, it’s good — but it changes."

Michael said the family tries to do something every weekend that Andrew enjoys doing.