MARS HILL, Maine — A local infant has just received a heart transplant, and the region has rallied to organize a benefit supper for him and his family.
The “Super Supper and Silent Auction for Super Andrew” will be held Saturday, Nov. 5, at the Central Aroostook High School Cafeteria in Mars Hill for Andrew Nkamwesiga, son of Gil and Amanda Nkamwesiga.
Both parents serve in the assistant pastorate at the United Baptist Church in Mars Hill. Gil is from Uganda and Amanda is from Mars Hill, and they both have been missionaries in Uganda. Their son, Andrew, was born Aug. 1 with a heart condition called pulmonary atresia – a diagnosis they’ve known since before Andrew was even born.
The couple have been living in Boston since July 21. Following Andrew’s birth, he was placed on the National Donor List for a new heart. On Sunday Oct. 9, Gil and Amanda received the call that Andrew’s perfect heart was on the way. By Monday morning, Oct. 10, their son’s new heart was in and beating on its own.
Due to the transplant, Gil, Amanda and their daughter, Charis, will spend the next three to four months with Andrew in Boston, and will continue to travel for appointments and acquire medical expenses in the years to come.
Several local communities are pulling together to host the Nov. 5 benefit for the Nkamwesiga. The event will feature a superhero theme. Those attending are asked to dress in favorite superhero attire to show support for Andrew.
Donations will be accepted at the door. A pulled pork dinner and dessert will be served from 4:30-7:00 p.m. Silent auction items will also be available to bid on during that time.
For more information, visit the Super Supper and Silent Auction for Super Andrew Facebook page or contact Erica McCrum at 227-7678.
