Isaac Andrews is an animated 4-year-old boy whose smile and laughter can light up a room. Talking to him you would never know that he has gone through more adversity in his young life than most of us will experience in a lifetime. Isaac was diagnosed with Cystinosis in March 2016 at 11 months old. His story is similar to many other children who have Cystinosis where it took weeks to determine a diagnosis and many sleepless nights in the hospital full of specialist visits all trying to determine what Isaac had. He was not growing, would not eat, and would get ill multiple times a day. It was a medical student who found it intriguing that Isaac was sucking the water out of a washcloth because he couldn’t get enough water to quench his thirst. This led to a diagnosis that would change the world for the Andrews family forever.

Isaac has an extensive medication regimen to allow his body to function as normally as possible. Cystinosis slowly destroys the major organs in the body including the kidneys, liver, eyes, muscles, bone marrow, thyroid, and brain. Ultimately, the goal is to save his kidney function and stabilize his electrolytes to ensure he continues to thrive and fully enjoy his life like the other kids his age. He has a G-Tube into his stomach that is used to provide him life-saving medication and feed him when his appetite wanes if he is not feeling well. He has syringes full of medications given 5x/day and constantly needs water to ensure adequate hydration.

Through all of the medical visits, blood draws and strict medication regimen Isaac is the one who keeps the family optimistic that they can get through anything. His laugh, smile and storytelling ability impacts every person who is lucky enough to meet him. We are so grateful to the Cystinosis Research Foundation and the Cystinosis community as this disease can make you feel isolated and scared but with CRF we have felt a part of something greater that is working to find a cure to save these kids lives and allow Isaac to share his bright light with many others to come.

We hope you will join us as we knock down Pins for a Purpose! Questions, or to participate contact the Pin for a Purpose Team at pinsforapurposemn@gmail.com

Thank you for your support!

The Andrews Family