Andy Butler

Andrew Glenn Butler, known as Andy, was the firstborn son of Audra and Alan. He was born on 8th January 2009 after 10 years of marriage, and completed their family.

After Andy's parents noticed his lack of movement they took him to a paediatrician who immediately admitted him to the ICU of University Community Hospital in Tampa, on 3rd March 2009, where he underwent many tests. On 17th March, at 9 weeks old, the results came back and Andy was diagnosed as having Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1. Doctors said Alan would be lucky if he lived for another six months, and didn't think he would see his First Birthday.

 

Through it all Andy smiled and laughed, he cooed to music and loved to watch Baby Einstein videos. He loved to be held and even learnt to blow kisses. He was a very happy baby with an unbelievably long attention span.

 

Over the next 4 months Andy was hospitalised four more times for respiratory and gastro-intestinal issues, including one surgery and another stay in ICU. On 4th June 2009, at just 20 weeks old, Andy lost his fight to SMA.