Sometimes it’s easy to get bogged down with everyday life challenges, but when you find out about the challenges some people face and what they’re doing despite their challenges, you can’t help but to be inspired.
Andrew Banar is passionate about helping sick children.
At 23 years old, Andrew knows a lot about sick kids because of all the time he has spent in hospitals as a sick kid himself.
This is Andrew ready to leave the hospital after one of his stays, showing off his “happy to go home smile” 🙂
Andrew was born with Down syndrome and has many intellectual and medical challenges that he faces on a daily basis.
Andrew’s mom, Karen Pickle, has been by his side every step of the way. Karen told Reshareworthy.com, “I just love being around Andrew. I am inspired by him daily, he teaches me patience, acceptance and how to enjoy life. He makes me smile and laugh every day. He is a great joy to be around.”
Karen says, “If Andrew can be so brave and not give up then I do not give up either. We continue to achieve things together even if it takes longer than is should take. We hope that when others hear about Andrew and see what he has accomplished, they can take away some small idea of how they can approach life. I think that Andrew’s story is so universal that anyone can take something away from it and apply it to a situation in life.”
Andrew doesn’t just love helping sick kids, he loves animals too. Here he is with his buddy, Pearl.
Andrew helps sick children through his fundraising campaigns at Group Hug Apparel, where he gives his shirts to children in the hospital or donates 20% right off the top of his sales to charity. Every year, Andrew visits hospitals during Christmas and donates his shirts to sick children who are forced to stay at the hospital over the holidays.
This is Andrew with one-year-old Grace. Andrew helped raise funds for Grace while she was waiting for a heart transplant.
Andrew’s charitable work is so highly recognized that he received the Diamond Jubilee Medal, which honors significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.
Karen says, “When you have a heart that big and you see the beauty in everyone that you come in contact with no matter who you are, you know it is coming from passion and love.”
It’s not often that you find someone who has dedicated his life to helping sick children. You can read more about Andrew on his website here.
Share this with your family and friends. The world needs to know about Andrew Banar.
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