Benefit Held For Families Of Children With Cancer

The Andrewman ministry that was started by Mike Petrea held a car wash at AutoZone on State Highway 34 Saturday.

The continuing purpose of the ministry is to provide support for families with children stricken with cancer and who need support beyond the insurance payments.

Petrea said these families often need assistance with gasoline costs and other expenses incurred to transport a sick child, as well as a support system for the family.

Andrew Petrea, age 3, of Quinlan was diagnosed with an Ependymoma brain tumor and endured several surgeries starting Sept. 16, 2006, after his first diagnosis.

The young boy has endured multiple surgeries and radiation treatments since that time and Mike, the child’s grandfather, was inspired by Andrew’s superhuman attitude.

He started the Andrewman Ministries to honor the child as well as to start an effort to assist the families of sick children.

Andrew, now age 5, rose to help wash a new car as his grandfather spoke about the ministry’s work.

"We have already raised and donated over $5,000 to 12 needy families with sick children, and we plan to raise a lot more." Mike said.

Andrew can be contacted at www.andrewmanministries.org for a progress report and a chance to help other needy families.