Andre was 13 when his dad died suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack on April 17, 2017. He lives with his mom, JoiAnn, in Downington, PA, where he recently started at a new school.
Here, JoiAnn shares her thoughts on her kind and compassionate son.
Tell us about Andre.
Andre is a great kid. He is kind and compassionate. He holds a first degree black belt in Tae Kwan Do and is a Star Scout in the Boy Scouts. Andre has been running cross country for the last two seasons, and he really enjoys it.
What is something that has helped since Andre’s dad died?
This was his first holiday season without his dad so we decided to change things up and travel over the break. Luckily I was able to find a last minute deal for a cruise. Andre snorkeled for the first time. It was a once in a lifetime trip, and we both really enjoyed it.
How did you find your way to Experience Camps?
Andre participated in a songwriting study over the summer at Drexel University and one of the kids he met there had gone to Experience Camps. This boy showed us pictures from his week at camp, and from the way his face lit up while he spoke, I knew this was something I wanted for Andre.
What is he looking forward to most about camp?
Andre is looking forward to connecting with others who have lost a parent. He doesn’t know anyone personally, other than those he met in the support group he is a part of. This will be an opportunity for him to feel some sense of normalcy as he meets others facing the same struggles that he is.
Join us in welcoming Andre to the ExCamps family!
