Will's Wish Granted Save Email Print
Reporter: Barclay Pollak
Email Address: bpollak@nbc15.com

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Thursday, September 4, 2008 --- 10 p.m.

NOTE: Visit wishesforwill.com for more information on this story.

After months of not knowing what's going to happen to their son who's in need of a liver transplant, Josh and Shelley Andrews are resting a little easier thanks to a phone call.

For the last year Josh and Shelley Andrews have been expecting bad news every time the phone rings.

"Our heads have been spinning since October," Josh said.

Their heads were spinning because they found out their newborn son, Will, has Biliary Atresia and would need a liver transplant.

"It happened so fast too," Josh said. "You almost didn't have enough time to really consider what was happening."

Because of Will's condition he has to be fed through a tube.

Earlier this summer the Andrews family found out their insurance would no longer cover it.

"We understand that that's a policy," Josh said, "and that's frustrating knowing that's something your son needs."

So for the last two months the Andrews worked to convince their insurance company that Will's feeding tube was keeping him alive.

"He would starve to death at this point with out it," Shelley said.

Today, after fighting with the insurance company for months, the Andrews family finally got a call they were happy to take.

"They had a meeting today and they decided that they are going to extend his benefit until he has his transplant," Shelley said.

The Andrews say the extended coverage will help but they are still facing an uphill battle financially.

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Posted by: james Location: De Forest on Sep 6, 2008 at 12:14 PM
We sure were sadened by your not mentioning how to find out more information on helping the Andrews family. We feel you could have atleast mentioned their website; www.wishesforwill.com. PLEASE run another story and include help for the family. Thank you. James Felland

Posted by: Gina Location: Baraboo on Sep 5, 2008 at 11:57 PM
It is so sad to hear about people that need organs. If you are healthy, why do you HAVE TO TAKE YOUR ORGANS TO HEAVEN? Please consider donating an organ. Wouldn't you or your family like to have one if it was needed

Posted by: Doris and Butch Location: Madison on Sep 5, 2008 at 03:04 PM
We were thrilled to hear that Will will have his feeding tube until his transplant. Now everyone is waiting for the most important call of all--a liver is available. Perhaps you could also do a piece on organ donations and how important it is for people to indicate that on their driver's licenses. It only takes a few seconds to affix the sticker to the license. So many more lives could be saved by organ donations. Our thoughts and prayers go to Josh, Shelley, Jackson and little Will. We saw him this afternoon and he is such a sweet, happy little guy! Please support him at the benefit at Turner Hall on Saturday, September 13, starting at 5:00 pm. So many people have worked hard to put on this benefit for Will and his family to help with the mounting medical bills. Visit wishesforwill.com website to get more information and you will be so inspired!

Posted by: Sue Location: Sun Prairie on Sep 5, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Thank you for letting people know about the situation in which little Will and his family find themselves. Your coverage is much appreciated! Would you please consider a follow-up piece letting people know that they can find out how they can help this family if they visit the following website: www.wishesforwill.com? Thank you!

Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 5, 2008 at 02:19 PM
My prayers are with you and your family.

Posted by: Mary Location: Sun Prairie on Sep 5, 2008 at 01:29 PM
Great story, but it could have been improved by mentioning how someone could help the family and when the benefit is. Also, I didn't hear you mention waiting for the call that a liver has been found. It is very hard to find an infant or childs liver and mentioning the need would help all those like Will waiting for an organ. I found the website that gives Will's complete story. Perhaps you could mention it on an update including information on the benefit. www.wishesforwill.com Our prayers go out to Will, Jackson, Shelley and Josh. Keep reporting stories such as Wills. Maybe insurance companies will get the message about the heartache they cause by delayed, bad and erroneous decisions.

Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 5, 2008 at 12:23 PM
When situations like this happen, insurance companies should not have a say in anything. What ever needs to be done, should just be done period. That is so screwed up its disgusting.

Posted by: Kelly Location: Madison on Sep 5, 2008 at 08:21 AM
Thank you for the story on Will, but you left out where people can go for Will's complete story and infromation on helping out the family. www.wishesforwill.com The Wishes for will benifit is on Sept 13 at Turnner Hall in Madison. Our prayer go out to Will, Jackson, Shelley and Josh.

Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 5, 2008 at 07:35 AM
nice. bout time a insurance company didnt screw over one there customers. best wishes and best of luck to the family.

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