Andre’s Army: Operation Lipstick on a Pig

Join us for *Operation Lipstick on a Pig: Andre and Kim’s “Barracks” Cleanup*! We're rallying amazing humans and businesses to volunteer their time to help Andre & Kim clean up their home. This is the first step towards transforming their living space into a new, handicap-accessible home where Andre can comfortably rehabilitate his legs.

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ANDRE'S STORY

Imagine waking up one day and finding yourself paralyzed from the neck down. This is the reality that Henry Andre Buford, known as Andre, faced in August 2020. He went to bed one night as usual but awoke unable to move anything below his neck. Andre was diagnosed with Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligaments (OPPL), a rare condition causing spinal cord injuries.

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Dr. David M. Allen, a Podiatric Physician, met Andre and his wife Kimberly when they came to his office for a routine visit regarding leg wounds on March 15th. Andre, a former college football player and educator, had suffered from back pain and falls, leading to surgeries and ultimately his paralysis. Despite these challenges, Andre and Kimberly, both highly educated and deeply connected, faced their new reality with remarkable strength and faith.

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The story highlights the everyday difficulties Andre endures, such as being confined to his power chair 24/7 and the struggle to navigate a home not designed for his needs. Their house is on a steep hill, and its narrow doorways limit Andre's access, making basic tasks like showering impossible.

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Andre's condition has led to numerous medical consultations and treatments. He underwent surgery in October 2020, followed by extensive physical therapy. Despite making significant progress during his rehabilitation stays, insurance coverage limitations forced him to return home before he could fully benefit from the therapy. This cycle repeated several times, each time causing a decline in Andre's condition.

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The financial burden is immense. For instance, transporting Andre to physical therapy costs $197 per trip because their house lies just outside the county line for affordable paratransit services. Additionally, Andre developed significant leg wounds requiring home health care, which further complicated his access to necessary physical therapy.

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Dr. Allen's encounter with Andre and Kimberly was a turning point. Witnessing their struggle, he felt compelled to help beyond his professional capacity. During a home visit, Dr. Allen learned more about their situation and was moved by their resilience and faith. Kimberly, who had become an expert in wound care for Andre, balanced her career as a school administrator with her role as his primary caregiver.

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Dr. Allen realized that transforming Andre and Kimberly's home was crucial. He mobilized a team, including a professional videographer and a garage door company owner, to make the house more accessible. They planned to build ramps, widen doorways, and install a roll-in shower. However, Dr. Allen recognized that these efforts alone were insufficient; they needed a broader support network.

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Thus, "Andre's Army" was born, a call to action for the community to help provide a safe home environment, daily physical therapy, and resources to enhance Andre's quality of life. Dr. Allen’s plea is for people to join this effort, ensuring Andre can regain independence and enjoy activities like taking his grandson on a road trip.

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In summary, Andre and Kimberly Buford's story is a testament to resilience in the face of life-altering adversity. Their journey underscores the need for a supportive community and the impact of compassion in transforming lives. Dr. Allen's initiative aims to rally an "army" to ensure Andre receives the care and environment he deserves.

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Will you help us? Will you be all that you can be and join our army?

GOALS:

• New Home that can be handicap accessible with a heated pool (needed due to thermoregulatory issues related to spinal cord injury), pool allows for decreased weight and pressure while providing full body resistance.
• Physical therapy and safety equipment are needed so Andre may have DAILY therapy in a safe manner.
• Fully handicap accessible bathroom/shower/home
• Life Insurance for Kimberly with investments. (If Kimberly were to pass before Andre, who will care for him)
• Honeymoon for Andre and Kimberly

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Your support can make a world of difference! Let's rally together for Andre and Kimberly!

Andre's Army Facebook

News Story

Before and After Photos

Final Numbers

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