REMEMBERING ANDREW HILLEKE

Hilleke Family Photo Christmas 2006

2007-01-24T22:50:00.000-06:00

This photo was orchestrated and taken by Andrew right after our Christmas gift exchange.

Sharing Photos of Andrew...

2007-04-15T23:00:00.000-05:00

Andrew and his sister,Sarah Richey, at a Jug Band event in Mississippi.

Andrew took some photos of himself with his "iCam"(webcam) on his Apple Computer
.

Another Photo that Andrew took with his iCam .

Andrew and his grandfather, Dick Ayres, Christmas Eve 2006.

Andrew and Belhaven Buds at Moe's.

If you have any photos that you would like to share or have us post then send them to sarahrichey@gmail.com or jarrodius@gmail.com. We'd love to post those. We got it started with these photos.

A time to be born...

2007-08-02T22:13:00.000-05:00

We have a new grandson, Benjamin Seth Hilleke! Thomas & Emily are the proud parents. Andrew found out about this baby on December 25, 2006. He had been sick for a day, and of course, God already had His divine plans for Andrew in motion. We are rejoicing in this new covenant child. He is already loved, blessed and special to the Lord.

Andrew's friends

2007-05-08T16:24:00.000-05:00

Dearest friends of Andrew,

So many of you came to Alexandria and Natchez. We were honored and humbled by your presence. We have written over 200 notes of thanks to you. Some of you are off of our address radar because of no land lines or school closings. We wanted to mention your names, so you would know that we saw you and appreciated you. Harper, Seth, Jonathan B, Jonathan L, Robert S, Percy, Brian, Brianna, Emily, Cindy, Kara, Andy L, Allie B(best wishes!), Jon N, Kat, David, Daniel S, Daniel M, Nat, Daniel Mc, Natalie, April, Connie, Will, Lane, Jake, Rachel, Kenny, Jason, Remy, Bethany, Matt, Kate M, Katie S, Sarah B, Andrew H, Joel, Drew, Jeff, Ben, Claire, Andrew V, Haley, Chris, Rashell and Luke. We've missed some names, but we won't forget you. We love you all and would love to see you here in Alexandria anytime.

God bless you,
Jim and Laura

2007-04-26T21:25:00.000-05:00

Dear ones,

We want to thank you all for your marvelous support over the last few months. Truly, you have been the "body of Christ" to us, as we have gone through this deep valley with our beloved Andrew.

We would like to tell you just a few things about Andrew's 24 years on this earth. When he was born, doctors shook their heads and said he may not live. After a few months, they said he may not walk or talk. Next, they said he certainly won't be able to function in a normal learning environment. In May 2006, Andrew graduated summa cum laude from Belhaven College with the highest gpa in the History department. It was a wonderful, supportive, stimulating environment for him. If Jim and I had known that his life would end after 24 years, we might never have let him leave home, and he would have missed such a rich, nurturing and enjoyable 4 years. When people began asking us how they might honor Andrew with a memorial gift, Belhaven College immediately came to our minds. The scholarship is for a student who has some type of handicap, and they have asked us to be on the committee to choose the student each year. Our prayer is that it would be as great a blessing for that one, as it was for Andrew.

The address: Belhaven College
P.O.Box 158
1500 Peachtree Street
Jackson, MS 39202

Attn. Andrew Hilleke Memorial Scholarship

To God be the glory

Jim and Laura

2007-04-25T23:56:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday!

Today, Andrew's second nephew was born. His name is Arthur Andrew Richey, and he weighed in at 7.5 lbs. Mother Sarah is well, little Arthur is healthy and loved, and Jarrod will be a wonderful father. God is good.

A Marvel to Many

2007-04-13T13:51:00.000-05:00

Our family was truly touched by the efforts of so many to come and support us as well as demonstrate their love for Andrew. He was someone extra special to more people than we imagined. The services were times of blessing. We were able to be sad with you yet rejoice in the eternal hope we possess in Christ. Andrew would have loved to see such a gathering of his favorite people.

Since many were unable to attend, I wanted to share with you the passages of Scripture read at the memorial worship service. They were uplifting truths to hear, and perhaps you might be encouraged by reading them in your own time.

Scripture Reading:
Psalm 116:12-19
Psalm 139
Romans 5:1-11
Psalm 71:5-7 "A Marvel to Many"

Here are the hymns as well:
Rejoice, the Lord is King
My Hope is in the Lord
All the Way My Savior Leads Me
For All the Saints

At the graveside service, my father mentioned that "life is about fellowship," the Father, Son and Holy Spirit with each other from all eternity, then God with us and then our fellowship with one another. It is how we are created to function. Not alone. Thank you for fellowshipping with us in this time, the best way to lift our spirits along with your own.

We closed everything by singing the doxology together, calling on all to join in praising the Lord, including Andrew who is now among the hosts of heaven.

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.
Praise Him all creatures here below.
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts.
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Amen

A Side Request:
If any of you have stories or wity moments or pictures or lessons you learned through contact with Andrew, please email them to me (his sister) at sarahrichey@gmail.com
Such stories have been tremendously comforting for my family to read, and I would personally like to have them for reference in case I have opportunity to write or compile something about Andrew in the future.

Love and thanks to you all,
Sarah

Correction to Graveside Info on Thursday

2007-04-11T10:16:00.000-05:00

The Natchez graveside service is at the Natchez CITY Cemetery NOT the Natchez NATIONAL Cemetery. They are both on the same road. The address corrections have been made to the previous post. Directions to the family property remain the same.

The easiest way to get to the cemetery from the bridge is to go to the traffic light at the intersection of John R. Junkin (street leading from the bridge) and Canal. Turn left onto Canal and drive straight through town a long way until the street dead ends at Madison St.

Turn left onto Madison and immediately right onto Linton Ave. Follow Linton Avenue several blocks. You will cross Oak Street and see the Natchez Little Theatre on the right where Linton and Maple merge and become Cemetery Road, which just leads directly to the cemetery. Take the third gate into the cemetery and drive just past the side of the old office building. Folks will just have to park in the road and walk to the lot on a slope to the left of the road. There is a huge old cedar tree in that lot. It can't be missed.

If you are coming from US-84:
1. Turn LEFT onto US-61 S / US-84 W. <3.4>STRAIGHT to go onto DEVEREUX DR, keeping right, which becomes ST. CATHERINE. (If you find yourself on E. Franklin Street, continue straight anyway and you will come to S. Pine.)
3. Turn RIGHT onto S. Pine
4. Turn LEFT onto Madison
5. Turn RIGHT onto Linton Ave. Follow Linton Avenue several blocks. You will cross Oak Street and see the Natchez Little Theatre on the right where Linton and Maple merge and become Cemetery Road, which just leads directly to the cemetery. Take the third gate into the cemetery and drive just past the side of the old office building. Folks will just have to park in the road and walk to the lot on a slope to the left of the road. There is a huge old cedar tree in that lot. It can't be missed.

Funeral Arrangements

2007-04-09T23:09:00.000-05:00

Funeral Service
3:00 pm, Wednesday, April 11th at:

Grace Church
4900 Jackson Street Extension
Alexandria, Louisiana
71303

There will be a reception there immediately following the service. Everyone is most welcome to stay for refreshments and fellowship together.

Graveside Burial Service
11:30 am, Thursday, April 12th in Natchez, Mississippi at:

Natchez City Cemetery
2 Cemetery Road
Natchez, Mississippi
39120

Everyone is invited for food and fellowship immediately following at the family property, Roseland Plantation, just outside Natchez.

Directions from the cemetery to the property:
1: Start out going SOUTH on CEMETERY RD toward MAPLE ST. <0.1 miles
2: CEMETERY RD becomes MAPLE ST. <0.2 miles
3: Turn LEFT to stay on MAPLE ST. <0.1 miles
4: Turn RIGHT to stay on MAPLE ST. <0.1 miles
5: Turn LEFT onto W OAK ST. <0.7 miles
6: Turn RIGHT onto PINTARD ST. <0.1 miles
7: Turn RIGHT onto BRENHAM AVE. <0.3 miles
8: BRENHAM AVE becomes AUBURN AVE. <0.1 miles
9: Turn LEFT onto E FRANKLIN ST. <0.2 miles
10: Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto MELROSE AVE. <0.1 miles
11: Turn LEFT onto LIBERTY RD / JOHN A QUITMAN BLVD. Continue to follow LIBERTY RD. AWAY from downtown Natchez <6.4 miles
12: End at 1 Ayres Rd
Natchez, Mississippi 39120

The property entrance will be on your left, a dark red gate with a sign "Roseland" in the middle. For maps, enter these addresses at mapquest.com

Precious in the Sight of God...

2007-04-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

Most Beloved Friends and Family,

Late last night, our Lord and Savior chose to take Andrew to Himself. We are comforted by the knowledge that Andrew is now well and without trial in the presence of his Lord. For those of you who knew him well, you know that Andrew is certainly enjoying heaven with great zeal, probably interviewing ancestors about family history and asking his most gracious heavenly Father a myriad of fascinating questions. His faith was true, his salvation sealed.

Of course, we are saddened to lose Andrew's presence here among us, but we know the Lord's timing is always perfect and purposeful, even in death. He has planned and given us every moment He intended us to have with Andrew, and we are grateful. We will miss him together now but be reunited with him again in the life everlasting.

Your outpouring of love and support these last months has been both moving and strengthening to us. It is wonderful to know how many people Andrew has touched in his life. We thank you for letting us know what he meant to you and for loving us for his sake. Whenever he had good days, we would tell him often of the support and encouragement you all sent his way. He knew he was not alone, and we were not alone either.

Now, let us thank the Lord together for giving us the time he has with such a remarkable person, comfort each other with the knowledge of Andrew's salvation, and pray that the Lord would lift us up to continue to serve His purpose on this earth while we yet remain.

Thank you for everything you have done for Andrew and for us,
Andrew's Family

If possible, we will post funeral information here soon.

2007-04-08T22:30:00.000-05:00

As of Sunday night, Andrew is still in critical condition in Houston with his parents, Laura and Jim. The Hillekes are visiting him in ICU every 20 minute slot that they are allowed. The doctors in Houston are doing what they can for Andrew, but as always, our Lord gives and sustains our lives.

Echoing what Steve Wilkins said in the previous post, continue to pray for Andrew and his entire family that we would continue to trust in the Lord who works all things for our good.

-Jarrod Richey
(Andrew's brother-in-law)

2007-04-07T15:14:00.000-05:00

This is a summary given by one of Andrew's uncles, Steve Wilkins, on Andrew's condition as of Saturday morning:

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Just a quick note regarding Andrew Hilleke. The doctors have had to give him numerous transfusions over the last 24 hours because of serious internal bleeding. The oxygen level in his body is dangerously low and consequently, he is in very critical condition. Please pray for Andrew that he might be enabled to trust in the Lord and not be afraid and pray for his parents, Laura and Jimmy, and the entire Hilleke family.

God bless,
Steve Wilkins

Laura's brother, Steve Ayres, drove Laura back to Houston, TX to Be with Jim and Andrew.

2007-04-05T08:39:00.000-05:00

Doctors have not started the weaning yet. We are waiting and praying. Pray that Andrew will "hear" our scripture reading, words of encouragement, hymns and prayers in his heart of hearts.

Love,
Laura

2007-04-03T22:10:00.000-05:00

Depending on how Andrew is doing, doctors might start the weaning process from the ecmo tomorrow. I think our prayer lives have all been transformed, so thank you in advance for supporting us in your prayers. Here are some wonderful verses that Jim and I found individually that describe Andrew so well. Read Psalm 71:1-8.
Love,Laura

2007-04-01T22:11:00.000-05:00

Andrew's doctors want to leave him on the machine until Wednesday so his lungs can heal. At that time, they will try to start to put him back on the ventilator. Pray that it will be successful. Our dear friends, the Tassins and the Monclas have been up to support us. We are surrounded by kindness on every side.

Laura

2007-03-28T10:50:00.000-06:00

This morning, Andrew is undergoing a surgical procedure to set him up on an ECMO machine. This machine can be used to take over heart and lung function while the organs recover. In Andrew's case, it will only operate as lungs since his heart is fine. His blood will be run through this machine constantly, oxygenating it for him. The lungs will have total rest, and work will be taken off some of his other organs (such as kidneys). This procedure is only available for adults at a few dozen places in the US, exactly the sort of advantage to having Andrew in Houston. His doctors agree that this is the best treatment option for the moment. It can be sustained for days or weeks, depending on what the patient needs.

The trip to Houston was hard on Andrew, but at least he's there and can be given the best possible care. My parents also made it safely. Thank you for remembering and praying for them on their journey.

2007-03-28T16:02:00.000-06:00

Andrew made it through the procedure hooking up the ECMO machine. Doctors plan on keeping him hooked up to it for several weeks, which means he'll be sedated for a while to prevent panic or irritation on his part. His blood oxygen is now about the highest it's been his whole life. We hope this will assist his body greatly for recovery.

2007-03-29T21:09:00.000-06:00

Dear ones,

Andrew is stable today on this life-saving machine, ecmo. Jim and I are staying with my aunt and uncle in Houston who have opened their home and arms to us. Andrew's doctor is a lung transplant specialist, so we couldn't ask for more earthly wisdom. Pray that our great Physician will heal his lungs, body and mind, and take care of our other loved ones while we are apart.

Love,
Laura

Answer to Prayer

2007-03-27T16:25:00.000-06:00

Last night, we received confirmation of an open room for Andrew in Houston. During the night, his blood oxygen level improved slightly in answer to our prayer for strength for the journey. He was flown into Houston early this afternoon where my parents were waiting for him. As I write this, they are going in to ICU to visit him and see his condition from the trip. He's already had an x-ray since his arrival there. I'll post if any results show from that.

Doctors there have had some success with steriods at this point in such an illness. It is still a very experimental thing to do, but it is not risky to the patient. The blood sugar levels have to be monitered closely, but no complications are expected from it other than that. Andrew was put on such steriods last night right before we heard news of the room in Houston. They plan to continue this treatment now that he's arrived.

Andrew's condition remains critical, but the Lord is faithful in providing this opportunity for special treatment. Please ask the Lord for healing in Andrew's lungs that he may receive the essential oxygen for any kind of recovery to take place. Pray also for my parents who are now away from home in such a time of uncertainty.

Much love to you all,
Sarah

2007-03-25T15:27:00.000-06:00

Dear friends,
We are not in Houston yet. Everything was on standby for the trip Friday, but no bed opened up in time. If one opens tomorrow and Andrew is well enough, we will make the trip. He will be flown there escorted by an EMT and a nurse. Mom and Dad will drive to meet them there.

We had a scare yesterday, but Andrew is holding steady. His oxygen levels went down. The oxygen purity was turned up as high as possible, but nothing can be done to force his body to absorb it. Some of the doctor's believed he would not live but a few more hours. Others were more optimistic. Today, his oxygen is back up a little bit. The Lord has sustained him once again. As long as his numbers do not go down again, the trip to Houston is still the plan. It has indeed been an emotional roller-coaster for all involved.

Please continue to ask the Lord to strengthen Andrew for the journey to Houston. Thanks for your loving support.

~Sarah

2007-03-21T19:47:00.000-06:00

Hello, dear ones,

It looks like, Lord willing, we will be taking Andrew to Methodist Hospital in Houston on Friday. Pray for strength for him to endure the trip and supernatural wisdom for his new doctors. Also, pray that we will decide on the perfect place to stay. I am comforted by Psalm 139.

Love,
Laura

Results

2007-03-20T12:37:00.000-06:00

Well, the bronchoscopy went fine, but nothing was found to explain Andrew's breathing difficulties. A CAT scan of his skull and chest was performed as well just in case something might show up. We'll have those results in the next few days.
Andrew's white blood cell count is still elevated. That means that there is an infection somewhere in his body, even with him on so many antibiotics and such. They are checking everything they can. We were hoping this test would show something to explain it all. The next step is unknown at this point. Perhaps the CAT scan results will show something helpful. We'll keep you informed. Thanks so much for your prayers.

Going to Houston

2007-03-20T16:24:00.000-06:00

Dear friends,
After today's tests, Andrew's doctors in Alexandria have recommended, along with other family and friends who are doctors, that he be transported to Houston, Texas. It's time to go to the specialists and technology available in Houston where they see a very unique array of patients. His doctors in Alexandria have been most exceptional in their skill and devoted to his care.

It will take several days of paperwork, doctor transfers and an available ICU room in Houston for Andrew to leave Louisiana. If all goes smoothly, he will most likely be moved early next week. Our prayer is that Andrew be strengthened for the journey. We are doing the most humanly possible by moving him. He is in the Lord's hands.

Again, bless you all for your fervent prayers. If sheer number of loving friends and prayers guaranteed a person's health, Andrew would be singing and dancing right now. As the Lord promised, he is guarding our hearts and minds in peace as all of this by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving is being lifted up to Him.
~Sarah

Bronchoscopy

2007-03-19T15:59:00.000-06:00

Each time the pulmonologist lowers Andrew's respirator breaths below a certain point, Andrew is unable to compensate for the difference. This causes him to have sort of anxiety/panic attacks, and the respirator must be turned up again. This problem has presented itself over and over again in response to weaning him off of the respirator. As far as the doctors can tell, it is the lack of oxygen that causes these attacks, not the other way around. In other words, Andrew is not simply panicking to the point that he is unable to breathe well. Rather, something is preventing him from doing so. Unable to pinpoint why this is happening in Andrew's exact case, his pulmonologist has ordered a bronchoscopy for late tomorrow morning. He will go down into Andrew's lungs with a small camera to see if any fluids or other unwelcome guests are present which could cause such a problem. The respirator still remains one of if not the biggest hurdles to Andrew's recovery. If they can find the culprit tomorrow, it could lead to a big step in jumping this hurdle. Please pray that the Lord would be pleased to reveal the problem to Andrew's doctor's. He alone knows what it is. What a reminder that even medicine/science is a blessing given to us by the Lord and that it is no match for the vast wisdom and knowledge He possesses of His universe, the sparrow that falls to the ground or His child like Andrew sick in the hospital.

Another Try at the Respirator

2007-03-14T14:15:00.000-06:00

Today, Andrew's respirator was turned down the tiniest bit. His doctor is going to try a different and slower approach this time. He is given full support by the machine, but it will allow him to take breaths whenever he wants to himself. Before, the respirator simply took over his breaths whenever he started one. We are told that the longer he is on the respirator, the harder it will be to wean him off of it. He is very dependent on it now and gets panicky if it is turned down too fast. This new weaning approach will at least allow him to excercise his lungs when he is alert or simply feels up to it. Some excercise is better than none, of course.
Today seemed to be one of his better days in a while as he is adjusting decently to the new seizure medicine. He even felt like watching an episode of one of his favorite tv shows, Stargate Atlantis, on the little dvd player we brought up there for him.