BOSTON METRO
Boston’s largest circulation dialy newspaper
Wednesday, Frebruary 12, 2003 . Volume 2 . issue 197 . 

HELLO THERE

Andres Trevino
Parent

Your son was born with Primary Immune Deficiency. Could you explain this illness?
P.I.D. is a disorder of the immune system that affects 10 million people worldwide. It can be chronic and very severe and strikes males and females of all ages, although it frequently presents itself early on in life. The lack of unique symproms causes it to resemble many other illnesses. It is often confused with AIDS, but P.I.D. is genetic. Andy has Ectodermal dysplasia with immune deficiency, which causes repeated infections of his gut, lungs, blood and skin, as well as refractory diarrhea.

What have you done to help him?

The most important thing is to be with Andy by his side, always. His infections are constant. I decided to build a Web site in November 2000, to inform the pubilc about his condition. The Web site has successfully contributed to raising public awareness of the disease. Ir raises funds for research and provides advice for parents with children in the hospital. THe funds from the Web site go to the Department of Immunology at Children’s Hospital. We spent lots of time at the hospital battling infections and we didn’s have a diagnosis. So I published Andy’s medical records, and some doctors in Houston replied with a second opinion and advice on possible treatment.

Did you have tech experience?

I knew how to use a computer. I purchased Microsoft Front Page, off the shelf. It is so easy. I can build pages by Andy’s crib at the hospital.

How can people help?

Andy is currently waiting for a bone marrow transplant. To help and learn more, go to the Web site www.andy.org.mx, leave a commento for Andy, or purchase merchandise at “The Store”. Also you can call (617) 962 6016 or e-mail andy@andy.org.mx

Marcy Raymond