I am The Andre Family
a family member of someone living with ALS
Illinois
His drive, charisma and willingness to work through any obstacle in his way are just a few of the many reasons why my dad, Brian, is an inspiration to me.
ELIOT ANDRE (pictured)
A picture says 1000 words and let’s be real, it’s the utmost truth when it comes to my dad. The man is something of an anomaly, approaching his life and disease with an attitude that is truly inspiring. This picture was taken in Sedona, after a rigorous day of mountain biking (for the first time) and hiking the day after. His drive, charisma and willingness to work through any obstacle in his way are just a few of the many reasons why my dad, Brian, is an inspiration to me. My dad is a warrior, driven to the battle, with no end in sight and no fear holding him back.
JARED ANDRE
“Live every day to the fullest” – a cliche that I would most certainly roll my eyes at. My father was diagnosed with ALS almost 5 years ago. For him, the cliche is not so cliche. So now, he does things that every semi-retired chronically ill person does, the things that really matter: read the newspaper cover to cover and watch Turner Classic Movies.
Of course, to most people, these activities are quite mundane and we give dad a hard time about how he spends his time, but to me, it is truly inspirational. They’re his daily “f*ck you” to ALS. He is getting his life on. Whether it’s the aforementioned reading and TV watching, exercising, co-running a small business, traveling, doing an excellent job with the dishes, playing for hours on end with his grandson, or simply being my dad, he NEVER complains or gets down.
The kind, sometimes stoic (think Rodin’s thinking man), patient, loving, athletic father that I have idolized since childhood is still the same exact person every day. How someone does that, knowing they have an early expiration date, is beyond me. And that is something to be in awe of. So in honor of Father’s day and my dad, I will be living my goddamn day to its fullest.
MATT ANDRE
There is endless inspiration to be taken from my dad, Brian Andre. Although he wouldn’t agree, my dad does something extraordinary each and every day. Sometimes it is accomplishing physical tasks like biking, hiking, rearranging selling floors, etc. Or it is accomplishing the mental and emotional tasks such as being involved in studies, on countless zoom calls, and simply being present in every moment while living with a terminal illness. No matter what happens, he always finds a way to persevere. Even faced with daunting challenges, he continues to live life to the fullest. He serves as a constant reminder to always be grateful to have another day.
