Guestbook
Please sign Andrew’s Guestbook.
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November 12th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Hey there Andrew! Happy belated birthday little guy!! You looked great for Halloween. Hope your pain goes away soon. I’m still praying for you!!
November 13th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Hi Andrew,
I hope you’ve been able to enjoy your Halloween package! I was just thinking about you and wanted to drop a line to say “hiya!”. I hope things are going well, and that you’re kicking butt!
Much love to you and your family,
Janell
November 17th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Hi Andrew,
It’s been awhile since I’ve been able to check on you and your progress. Sounds like things get a bit tough with the treatments but, since you’re such a strong young man, I have faith you’ll do just fine. I keep praying things will go well for you and that you have very little pain, if at all. Hang in there and keep smiling.
November 18th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Hi Andrew!
I havn’t checked in with you in awhile and it sounds like there is alot going on. You are trooper as always and love that you are doing so well. Your pirate pictures rocked! I think that is a true match of your personality kiddo
Oh! and happy birthday! Hugs & Hugs!!!! Talk to you soon Andrew.
Brittany – love you too girl. I do believe I may just have to start referring to you as Wonderwoman…
November 18th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Hey Andrew! I am thinking about you everyday and I think you are the toughest guy around! And about the losing the hair… I know that you are just helping Uncle Steve feel better!! You look great and I hope you enjoyed the Harry Potter books on CD. I am trying to get the last book for you to listen to. Are you ready for it? I get to come to Boise next month and can’t wait to come visit you! Take care and keep smiling!
November 18th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Sorry about your hair Andrew! I’ve been doing really well in school and I made some new friends at school. Their names are Sabrina and Sophia and my friend Sophia is going to give you a message.
Sophia’s message:
Sorry about your hair, I hope you feel better.
Knock knock
Who’s there?
Banana
Banana who?
Banana I’m a smoothie!
Love,
Cailin and Sophia
November 19th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Andrew:
I’m a friend of your grandma Jenny. I’m so sorry for the trials that you are having to go through. Jenny updates me on how brave and strong you are for your family. My family is praying for you and your family at this time.
November 20th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Jenny sent me the address for this website…glad to know that all is working well so far…be brave…this makes my heart ache and swell at the same time..our prayers are said in your behalf. Trust in the Lord….He is always with you. Sending aloha…anti-bon
November 20th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Andrew
I like your new look so much that I am thinking of doing the same except I don’t think my head is as handsome as yours.
Have a terrific day! Know that lots of us are thinking of you.
Bob
November 21st, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Hi, Andrew. We live near Seattle and heard about you from Mike and Kathy Stamy who know you at MSTI. I am Mike’s sister and it was so special to read your journal and see your video. We will be praying for you and will be checking your website often to see how you are doing. Hope you have a happy Thanksgiving.
November 22nd, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Andrew.
Hey buddy. I was thinking about you this morning and thought I would say “hi”. I hope you’re well today
Jess and I pray for you regularly and wish we could be there in person during your journey. Honestly… I’m kind of jealous about all the video game playing you get to do on a regular basis. I wish I could play with you. I hope you have a great weekend! Say hi to your sis (tell her i miss her too), be sure to share your toys, and hug your mother.
Love you Andrew.
- Jon and Jess
November 25th, 2008 at 9:43 am
Hi Andrew,
What an inspiration you are to us. Your courage and commitment to getting well plus your faith in our one true God, is healing energy for all of us. Grandma Leon is a friend of ours, and we love you as we love him. The one bit of advise I hang onto is the fact that Jesus loves me more than we can ever imagine and that is the best medicine I have going for all of us. We will keep you in our prayers Andrew.
In His service,
Dave and Victoria
November 25th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Hi Andrew,
We met at your Dad’s wedding to Rachel.
You are just a little bit older than my daughter, Jess.
I’m glad you are finding comfort in the prayer shawl the ladies at church made. They pray while they knit, they are a very loving and talented group of ladies. I’ve been told that some people have actually heard these prayers while they wear the shawl.
Wishing and praying for your speedy recovery!!
November 26th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Hello Andrew. It was so nice to meet you in the clinic today. Thank you for giving me your business card; your website is great and I will check it often. See you next week! Tammie
November 30th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Dear Andrew: I have been told what a brave man you are,and i also heard from Grandma Kay that you are very considerate too. I knew you when you were a littlelboy and living in the Denver area. i also knew your Daddy when he was small. and I’ve know ther rest of your family here for along time. They are all great people too–justlike you. I am praying for yout hat you will be comforted by knowing the Lord and by knowing that many are praying for you. I pray that you will get well and be a healthy person. Mary Goddard, Littleton, Co.
December 1st, 2008 at 10:40 am
Hi Andrew,
You don’t know us but we know your Grandma Jenny. We stay at the house on the Cape alot. Our little girl, Lacey spent 1 year in the hospital when she was a baby. We go to Children’s Hosp Boston but we live in West Virginia. That is how we found your Grandma’s house to stay in.
We are thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers. You are a very strong boy and you are a true inspiration to all. Keep up the good work! I know how exhausing it could be on a family to have a child with health issues, but NEVER loose the Faith and know that the good Lord is with you.
Will look forward to seeing your updates!
God Bless,
Debbie, Steve, Logan and Lacey Warner
Buckhannon, WV
December 1st, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Andrew! Have not had time to check in on your progress for awhile. I LOVE the video! You look pretty handsome with no hair. You make a great Mr. Clean
Hang in there little man! Hope you are doing well too Brittany~! Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you 
December 7th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Hi Andrew. Sounds like you are actually having some fun! Glad to hear you get to go to school at St. Lukes – I mean who wants to sit around all day and play video games & sleep? (hmm….me maybe)
Anyway…check in to see how the amazing Andrew is holding up about once a week. As always, the superhero little man. Take care of your mom & Taylor too and hang in there. Luv you guys!
December 7th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Hi Andrew,
We think about you a lot from out here in Boston. You’re so brave and strong, keep hanging in there! It must be so difficult, but you’re doing so well. We love seeing your smile in so many of your pictures. We love you, take care!
Chris and Abby
December 9th, 2008 at 2:50 am
Hey Andrew!
] I check in here from time to time to see how you’re doing, and decided that I wanted to say hi to you and let you know that I’m thinking about you. I hope your holidays have gone well so far and I’m sure Santa is going to be really good to you this year! Your Uncle Steve talks about you all the time and it looks and sounds like you’re doing well with all your treatments and schooling which makes you a Superhero in my book 
I can’t wait to see you and watch you beat everyone on Mario Party again! God Bless.
It’s Jamie, your Uncle Steve’s friend! [You beat me a few times on the Wii
Jamie
December 9th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Andrew,
You are definately in our thoughts and prayers daily. Your glowing smile and your positive attitude reflect in all that shows up on the websight. You are a big inspiration and an awesome miracle in the works. Keep tough, little guy!!
December 11th, 2008 at 6:54 am
Hi Andrew,
Just finished reading your note…sounds like you have been very busy. Keeping up with your school work and getting your treatments is like a full time job! Thank you for sharing your beautiful smile….and your strength is amazing. We are storming heaven with our prayers for you and your family.
December 11th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Andrew,
My name is Rhonda and I was a friend of your daddy and aunt when they were kids. Man, you look just like your daddy! That one eyebrow up, one down thing makes me laugh. You know what? Even though I have not had the luck to meet you face to face yet, you have changed my life (and the lives of many people I am sure). My heart has been heavy and sad for a long time -and I did not know what to do. But just seeing you loving life as it is has reminded me that life and love are all we really need. You give yourself to others everyday and never ask for anything in return. Our friend Jesus is always holding your hand and I know you are making him happy with your love and courage. He will never make you have to do anything you can’t handle. You are so strong!!!! I love you buddy and I will pray for you and think of you all the time. Thanks for all you have given me and everyone you touch. Just keep being your awesome self!
December 11th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Hi Andrew,
It is so fun to do school work with you and chat about great movies and books. You are such a joy to be around. I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to be teaching you at home. I really enjoyed reading all of the information on your website. Like the video of you singing, too!
See you next week!
Have a great weekend,
Julie
December 11th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Hi Andrew,
I talk to your grandmother every once in a while. She is a great lady and she told me she has been visiting with you until you feel a bit better, which hopefully will not be too long.
Your attitude is so vital to getting well real soon. Keep up your spirits and I hope to hear real good news about you soon.
Take care,
Morris
December 12th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Hey Schmandrew! Our computer is fixed now so we can send you messages or chat again! We’ve really missed that. Take care buddy- I’ll try calling your mom tomorrow. Smell you later.
Val
December 15th, 2008 at 9:02 am
Hi Andrew, I really liked seeing you and hearing your voice on the video! I am celebrating wtih you that the radiation is over. I really like your head art! Have a wonderful week, I am praying for you and your fam! God bless. Nadine
December 16th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Andrew,
We really enjoyed meeting you, your sister and mom this past weekend at Sun Valley. We are happy that we were able to share dinner with you and that you chose to come here to celebrate. It looks by the photos that you enjoyed yourself while you were here, that’s good.
We had to leave before you went bowling but it looks like you and your sister had a good time down in the bowling alley. I am really glad that you have this website so that we and everyone else understands your journey and are witness to just what a shining spirit you are. We look forward to seeing you in Boise in the not too distant future.
Kathryn, Brett, and Theo Thomason
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Hi Andrew,
I am very very hapy and glad to see you that your are doing great.I beleive you remember me I worked in Albertsons along with your mom.I am currently in Beaverton,Oregon.I recently learnt about the diagonosis and treatment ; thanks in tons for Mike Young to share it with me.I read all your journey and I bet u are a brave kiddo and I pray god to give all strength and get well soon. I was very happy to hear you in video and you smile worth millon dollors…keep smiling…Tatoo in head is very cute as you are…
we had lot of fun and good time last year during my visit to your home and few Indian festivals. I am thinking those days and I really miss you,Taylor & Britaney.I beleive you keep picking on Taylor
…I will be regulary reading the updates and will keep you in prayers always.
Britaney,
Hope you are doing great and you are one of the brave person whom I knew hence I bet you will be taking things with lot of courage. Please share your number. I wish to hear you , andrew and taylor. My mail Id priya0329@gmail.com.
With Love and Prayers
Priya
December 29th, 2008 at 12:43 am
Hey, Andrew . . . I saw your mom and Taylor at church today and your mom gave me your card. I’ve been thinking about you a lot. Sorry I didn’t call or come over. It sounds like a lot has happened since I saw you in the hospital. I like the new haircut . . . much better than your weird mohawk. I’ll try to be better at checking in on you guys, and hopefully you’ll be well enough to make it back to church soon. Take care,
Sister Wardle
December 31st, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Andrew,
i am a friend of Amy Nelson. I came to this link thrrough her blogspot. I have an 8yr old boy, and perhaps that is why i am touched so much by your story. The courage that you have at such a young age is amazing! Your pictures show a little boy full of joy. i pray that you will come out the winner. A child’s faith is amazing! Remember to pray and to keep your spirits high, so many people are cheering for you.
Happy New Year!
Becky Maness
January 15th, 2009 at 5:17 am
Hey little guy!
I’m sooooo glad you got to enjoy a great Christmas!!!! I really hope you enjoy your life and try to look past the pain. You seem like an Excellent role model for a lot of people in my scool. My mom died of cancer last November and it touches my heart to see you so happy!!!!! Keep on fighting! =)
Happy New Years!!!
Love,
Sofia
January 15th, 2009 at 10:27 am
Hi Andrew,
I am glad you are doing well. Hang in there, buddy! Thanks for your good attitude, I sent your Mom a cartoon with an idea for some head art…I don’t know if she told you about it. It is a bald person getting a bowling ball tattooed on their head. Just an idea for a laugh! Hope you are feeling better after the chemo. God bless you! You and your family are in my prayers. See you soon. Nadine
January 19th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Hi, Andrew,
It was fun chatting with you at the eye doctor’s office today. You are an amazing person! So brave and so cheerful. Your mom and sister are also very brave. Your mom is very busy, I know, but remind her to sign you and Taylor up for family camp at Camp Rainbow Gold. You will have a wonderful time!
The advice I can give you as a fellow cancer survivor is to recognize the love and blessings you have. I predict that some day you and your family will be back to your normal life like it was B.C. (before cancer). The only difference will be that you will be stronger and wiser!
Good luck with your studies, but don’t worry too much. Work on getting well, and your education will become easier.
P.S. Thank you for your opinion on the sunglasses I was trying on–I bought them.
Your new friend,
Fran
January 21st, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Andrew, I look at your website every day so I can see how you are doing. I am so glad you haven’t been too sick with the chemo. I miss you alot and I will come out and see you as soon as I can. Stay brave and remember we all love you, Love, Nana
January 21st, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Dear Andrew, I ldidn’t get to talk to your Grandma and Grandpa Sunday at church. I usually get a report about your progress. i am thinking of youo and praying that you are getting better. i know the treatments are tough, but you are strong. Sending you love good wishes and prayers. Mary Goddard
January 24th, 2009 at 12:09 am
Hey Andrew
You dont know me, but I’ve heard about you through your Aunt Val and I always come here and read about your progress. Im so happy things are always getting better. You are a great young man and such an inspiration. Much love.
Jana
January 30th, 2009 at 1:46 am
Hey there Andrew & Brittany! I check your site regularly but thought I would leave a note and let you know that I still keep you in my thoughts. I LOVE the videos. Your positive attitude and smiling face brings a tear to my eye every time. Hang in there big guy!
As always Brittany let me know if there is anything I can do to help you
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:01 pm
hope you feel better andrew. we miss you at school! hope you get to visit soon.
February 5th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Hi Andrew,
Just catching up on your prognosis, and making sure that things are going well for you. It sounds like some of the treatments are giving you a little trouble. We are sorry to hear that, but know that it is doing you great things. You keep plugging away at being strong, and keep smiling. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. You are definately an inspiration to us all!!
Chris, Helen, Zack and family
February 6th, 2009 at 12:02 am
Hello Andrew, I have been looking at your site this evening and thinking what a brave little boy you are, and so special! I am so glad you have so many loving family members and friends around you during this time. I wish you the best of luck and recovery, and that all looks nothing but up from here on out. My son is only 8 and I feel absolutely blessed to have had the chance to raise a child here on earth with my husband, his father.Children are perhaps one of the most amazing blessings there is, and I know you are nothing but to your family. May God bless you and keep you safe and in good spirits. I know you are going to do great!
February 6th, 2009 at 9:13 am
Hello Andrew!
I believe we’ve only met you once, (you were really little) but I’m your Grandma Jenny and Grandpa Randy’s niece. I want you to know that we are thinking of you. Heavenly Father loves you and knows what you’re going through right now. When you are feeling especially sad or not so well, think of Him and He will comfort you! We are praying for you! Let your Mom know how much we are ‘pullin’ for her too! Taylor too!
Take care and we love you all! Darcie
February 19th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Hi Andrew!!
Grampa&Grama Nelson were telling me about what is going on with you these days…sounds like it’s very rough! We are saying our prayers for you…there are a lot of folks who are thinking of you and wishing that heaps of blessings go your way. Keep your smile up and running….It is hard to smile when there is junk going on to make you sick,and i have not ever experienced what you are going through…but chin up the more you practice anything[smiling or laughing or burping?heh heh heh] the easier it becomes!! Here is a little joke…
Knock Knock! “Who’s there?”
Dwayne!!
Dwayne who??
Dwayne da Bathtub quick….I’m dwowning!!!
HAR DEE HAR HAR HAR!!!
Love to you ,,,,,eat some popcorn! Tutubon
February 19th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Hey andrew, Just a short note to tell you that we think of you so much and you are always in our prayers. Your Grandma Jenny keeps us updated on your progress an struggles. You are a special boy with such a good attitude. Much love to you, your Momma and Daddy and sissy Taylor.
February 20th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Hi, Andrew!
I was reading your blog today and want to say, “Hang in there, buddy! I’m sorry for your nausea and hope the doctors will help you get it under control. I enjoyed your mom’s remark that you’re waiting for your eyelashes to fall out. I remember losing them at the very last. AND it was quite the novelty for me watching them grow back!
I think of you often since we met at the eye doctor’s office. (I did get those sunglasses of which you approved! I like them a lot. ) I wish you and your family well and hope you have enjoyed the sunshine the last couple of days!
February 21st, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Hi Andrew! I’m a friend of your Aunt Val’s. She is so proud of you and thinks you’re so brave! She talks about you all of the time, so I thought I’d check in and tell you to keep up the great work and positive spirits! My mom is a cancer survivor and she says it’s her spirits that helped her through it!
Take care!
February 26th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Hi Andrew, I have the pleasure of working with your mother! She was telling me the other day about the immanent balding episode and I can’t wait to see the results. Your mother is very proud of you; if you didn’t already know that.
She tells me that you are an “extreme” optimist and that you have been a true hero throughout this whole experience. A “hero” you say? Dictionary.com defines a hero as, “a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.” While you may not be a man in physical stature, you definately are handling this chapter of your life as good as any “man” would hope to, and with many heroic qualities to boot.
There is one thing that is hard for “heroes” though, and that is allowing others to nurture them when they have been wounded in battle. So remember, God has given you many people to help nurture you back to health (especially your mom, sister, and grandparents) and letting them care for you (and yes even fuss over you) provides them a blessing and ultimately lets you put more effort in to healing. Lean into God, he doesn’t cause hard things to happen to us, but allows them to happen so that we can grow from the experience. He also tells us in the Bible that he will not give us more than we can handle.
Keep up the good work and progress, Hero Vanderploeg, you are an inspiration to this man!
February 26th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Andrew, You met me and my dog Rocky a couple of summers ago. Rocky is a therapy dog at St Luke’s he visits kids all the time. He told me that he would love to come see you when you feel like it. Have your mom call me 424 1382, if you would like to have a Rocky visit. Love to you, Wendy Stevens
February 26th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
HI ANDREW, I HOPE TO COME AND SEE YOU SOON. I AM HAPPY TO HEAR YOU ARE DOING WELL. I WILL TRY TO CALL YOU SOON, MISS YOU . ED
February 26th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
ANDREW!!!!! My BFF! What is happenin? I love you!