Andy Turns First Corner

After a week and a half, Andy has definitely made his first "real" progress and noticeable responses. While his mother Diane was talking to him last night, he squeezed her hand in response to her request. This morning his sister Vivian reported that "he is even more responsive...he can recognize some voices and faces now," she said. "He responds by squeezing your hand or blinking his eyes to questions."

This morning Andy woke up making signals that he didn't like his temperature--not his own--his fever has gone now, but the temperature of his room. They are working on getting him a fan now and maybe even a pair of those now-famous shorts once they move some tubes connected "down under" into his arms. Word on the street also claims there is a possibility that the doctors might remove his ventilator later this afternoon to see how he responds. Go Andy...Go Andy Go, Dawg!!! After biting down on that trach tube for a week now, his voice might sound like Aunt Gladys from The Simpsons, as he always says, but it will be music to our ears.

LDS Hospital has now approved him to listen to the drum songs he wrote on an iPod so we'll get him one up there this afternoon like he had at UVRMC. If you have songs recorded that we might not have, please send them to "dtmarct@aol.com" -- and keep those prayers and donations coming...they are much appreciated!

Channel 17 Bakersfield

To view a story aired about Andy in on the KGET Channel 17 news from Bakersfield, CA click here. The story is called "Local Drum Teacher in Critical Condition". Just click on the URL above (preferrably from a FireFox or Internet Explorer browser) and their site will automatically launch a Windows Media Player for you to view the story. I'm not sure how long they will keep this story on their site, so do it now ;o)

MRI Results Pending

Andy's CAT Scan results were inconclusive, so they conducted an MRI to ensure there are no blood clots. Those results will hopefully be available sometime tomorrow. He continues to be on a ventilator, but his heart is beating on its own. As of now, they have not conducted an EEG to determine the level of brain activity. Furthermore, it is yet to be determined what amount of damage his heart and kidneys have truly sustained because of his heart attacks. Although Andy is on several medications that help regulate his breathing and blood pressure, his level of sedation has been reduced. He is somewhat responsive, especially when the nurse pats his shoulder and says, "Andy, you have visitors." He even opened his eyes when we spoke to him. The family continues to be hopeful for more progress.

For those wanting to visit Andy, you should call 801-408-3771 and ask for the nursing station in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. There are times when he is taken to other rooms for additional testing or when the nurses will not allow visitors. In addition, ask if you are able to visit Andy without an immediate family member present; we were given the impression that someone from Andy's family should be there.

Money in small bits and pieces continues to flow to the Andy Garcia Fund located at the Bank of American Fork. Thank you very much for your kindness and consideration.

PayPal Electronic Donations

Please click the "Click Here" button below that will take you to a PayPal website for making all electronic donations to the Andy Garcia Fund. Thanks in advance for your love and support.
click here.

CAT Scan

Today Andy had a CAT scan. Hopefully we will have the results tomorrow. His sister Vivian said he was opening his eyes again and moving his head and arms. The family knows Andy can hear them and I told them to tell him the drumline was working really hard for him.

CAT Scan Coming

Andy remains in nearly the same condition he has been in for the past few days at LDS Hospital. He continues to have a fever and some water in his lungs, so they are monitoring those symptoms closely. In addition, they will perform a CAT Scan tomorrow to determine the status of his neurological system, his mother (Diane) said.

The good news for today is that Andy is still fighting to stay alive. His brother Raymond said he can tell that Andy might be making a little progress. "I can tell he's still fighting," Ray said. Andy coughs a little occasionally, opens his eyes from time to time (even though he only stares at this point because of the sedation), and he is trying to move his legs--he must miss his shorts!!

Andy Garcia Picture

KUTV Channel 2 Story

To view a story about Andy shown on KUTV Channel 2, click here.

Daily Herald Story

To view a story printed about Andy in the Daily Herald, click here.

Andy Garcia Fund

Everyone interested in donating to the "Andy Garcia Fund" can do so by going to any branch of the Bank of American Fork. Starting soon, for all of you computer people, electronic donations will also be accepted via PayPal.

LDS Hospital

Andy arrived at LDS Hospital today around 4:30 p.m. He made the transfer safely and the doctors are currently evaluating his situation. The family is all moved in to a house just up the street. There is plenty of room in the house, a kitchen, and common area for them. Currently no other people are there with them, but that could change at any time. Unfortunately, the house rules do not allow anyone outside of the immediate family to visit.

LDS Hospital is much more strict than UVRMC concerning visiting hours and especially cell phone use, as Raymond can attest--they practically threw him up against the wall and conducted a strip search when he opened his phone to check a phone number. They said we can visit nearly anytime in very small groups, except for the hours between 6-8 a.m. and 6-8 p.m.

The Garcia family would like to express their appreciation for all the love and help that has been given to them. They are very appreciative and thankful that he has so many people who care about him.

Transfer from UVRMC

After consultation with the doctors at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, Andy's family has decided that his chances of survival will be greater if he is transfered to LDS Hospital in SLC. He will be transferred from UVRMC at approximately 3 p.m. by helicopter.