My daughter joined our family through foster care at just ten days old. She had to face an emergency surgery at one day old to place a colostomy bag as she was born with a rare condition called Cloacal Anomaly. She faced many unknowns at such a young age. H was placed under the care of UC Davis, and we have had a team of medical professionals help navigate 2 major surgeries as well as managing her bowel movements and severe rashes on her bottom.

When we would face a terrible diaper rash that was more wound care than diaper rash, we would call Andi. When we would face a situation where my daughter was severely impacted and in pain, we would call Andi. When we celebrated that the laxative worked and she had a big bowel movement, we would celebrate with Andi.

It is hard talking about bowel movements, continence issues, constipation, and wound care on your daughter’s bottom. Andi created a trusting environment where we could talk about such sensitive topics. She helped create a bowel management plan that was holistic. She was our family’s biggest cheerleader when it came to her medical needs as well as her being in foster care. I am so thankful for her availability to our family through phone calls, emails, and appointments.

Andi is a part of our family, and we are so thankful for her dedication to children with this rare diagnosis. We highly recommend her for The DAISY Award.