By Crystal Thompson
J.B. Moore, father of Andrea Moore, the Havre girl who is struggling with leukemia at the age of eight, said that the Havre community has been very generous to his family.
Andrea, who was first diagnosed with leukemia at the age of four, found out early this month that the cancer had returned. Last week, at the children's hospital in Seattle, Washington, Andrea underwent heart surgery. She is currently undergoing heavy chemo-therapy to keep the leukemia from spreading. J.B. said that his daughter was unable to keep food or fluids down due to the treatment, but is slowly beginning to eat again. Denise Moore, Andrea's mother, is staying with her in Seattle.
Apparently, Andrea is every bit as tough as her father makes her out to be. After her heart surgery last week, she told the doctors that she didn't need any pain medication. Even now, as Andrea is forced to remain in a steryl lead room to prevent infection, J.B. says that his daughter's spirits remain high.
J.B. and his son, Junior, as well as Andrea's best friend, Charlie, will be traveling to Seattle by train in November to celebrate Andrea's ninth birthday. The Salvation Army has donated the train tickets to Moore and his family. "If it wasn't for that I wouldn't be able to make the trip," J.B. said. The family's van isn't in traveling condition, said Moore.
Steve Steinmetz of Havre Ford said that he is working with his father, owner of Havre Ford, as well as local clubs and businesses to purchase a reliable vehicle for the Moore family. Any club, business, or individual interested in working with Havre Ford to provide the Moore's with transportation to and from Seattle, can contact Steve Steinmetz at 265-2246.
J.B. Moore said that he would like to express his gratitude to all those who have generously donated to the Moore family. He said he'd like to thank the Eagles Club, the French Club, Shamrock's Bar, Hi-Line Lanes, Havre Ford, the Salvation Army, and all other Havre businesses and individuals for their constant support.
Andrea is expected to remain in Seattle for at least a year. Anyone wishing to send cards or letters to Andrea or Denise can reach them at: Ronald McDonald House c/o Denise Moore, Room 205, 5000 40th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA, 98105. Any other questions concerning donations or fundraisers can be directed to J.B. Moore, 262-2973 or 262-3310.
