Since a tube TV fell on Andrew Schmitt when he was 3 years old, things haven’t been easy for the teenager. He has seen upwards of 20 doctors throughout his short life, but one constant that has always been a rock for Schmitt is his best friend and grandfather, Paul Fauser (left). Fauser congratulates his grandson after competing in the Special Olympics. Submitted photo
Life goes on for Andrew Schmitt
By Chris Deback
cdeback@thefayettecountyunion.com
Life has not been the same for North Fayette Valley Middle School student Andrew Schmitt since Nov. 30, 2005.
It was like any other morning. Chris and Vanessa Schmitt got their eldest child, Spenser, ready for school, had 2-year-old Andrew off to daycare in Postville, and were dealing with Kenlin, their youngest child.
After both parents had gone to work, Vanessa received a phone call that no parent ever wants to get.
While playing with another child in daycare, a tube TV had fallen and knocked Andrew in the back of the head. The events that unfolded to this day still aren’t very clear, as there wasn’t an adult in the room when it happened. Andrew was a month shy of turning 3 years old when the accident occurred. He had been born a perfectly healthy child.
After she got off the phone with Andrew’s daycare center, Schmitt called Gundersen Clinic in West Union, which advised her to just keep him awake and not let him sleep. It was first thought he could have a concussion. However, after Andrew became more fatigued throughout the day, Vanessa’s maternal instincts kicked in. She decided to pick him up from daycare and take him to see Dr. Rasool in West Union.
“I went and picked him up, and when I got there, the side of his head was swollen out,” Vanessa recalled about the frantic events.
She rushed him to the clinic in West Union, and after being examined by the doctor he was immediately admitted to the Palmer Lutheran Health Center emergency room. A CT scan showed a blood clot on Andrew’s brain. The doctors recommended airlifting him to Gundersen Hospital in LaCrosse, Wis., but due to inclement weather he had to be taken by ambulance.
Once the child arrived in LaCrosse, it was discovered that he had suffered a traumatic brain injury and broken bones in his face. He was immediately scheduled for surgery to eliminate the blood clot, reduce the swelling and correct the broken bones. The doctors noted how courageous Andrew was through the surgery, but ackowledged that only time would tell the extent of damage his brain suffered.
