|
October 7, 2005
Press Release
Andy's Light Foundation Press Conference
Sheriff Mike Brown was honored and touched when he accepted a generous supply of “Andy Bears” from the mother of the late Andy Wilks, Carolyn. Andy’s big brother, Jon, is a deputy with this agency, and the movement to carry on the spirit of Andy’s life through the supplying of Teddy Bears has pulled at the heartstrings of all his fellow Deputies.
Andy Wilks was an autistic 24 year –old young man with many challenges in his life. Despite these challenges, he was blessed with an ability to reach out and touch many lives with his big smile and special qualities. After meeting Andy, he was someone you couldn’t forget. He taught those around him to take notice of the important things in life. Andy died tragically in March of 2004 in an accident, but his spirit remains with everyone who knew him.
When Andy was 12 years old, his brother Jon joined the Air Force and left home for the first time. Jon and Andy had a close relationship and Jon was concerned that leaving could be detrimental to Andy. The night before Jon left, he gave Andy a big brown bear that had belonged to him. He asked Andy to take care of his bear while he was gone and the bear would be his friend. From that time on the bear was known as “Jon Bear”.
Andy never separated from Jon Bear; he couldn’t go to sleep without his bear. The bear became his comfort and security; a real part of his brother he could hold on to. Jon Bear was used as a part of Andy’s therapy programs at John Hopkins Hospital, went on all vacations, and became a very important part of Andy’s life.
When Andy died, Jon Bear remained by his side. Anyone that knew Andy knew the significance of the bear. That simple act of brotherly love had brought comfort, joy, security, and love to a young man for many years.
In memory of Andy and his bear, family and friends have created this project called, “Andy Bear” which is one part of the Andy's Light non-profit organization. Not only do they want to offer comfort and security to distraught children that Sheriff’s Deputies encounter all too often, but Andy’s Light also provides financial help to families with mental, physical and emotional challenges.
The Wilks family knows all too well that many mentally and physically challenged individuals slip through the ‘cracks’ of government programs and do not qualify for assistance to maintain adequate dental and medical care. Through private donations and grants, Andy’s Light intends to raise funds to help provide for such needs for the disabled and their families.
To learn more about the Andy’s Light foundation, please visit www.andyslight.org.
Donations can be made to:
Andy’s Light
C/o Brookhill Wesleyan Church
1043 Cifax Road
Forest VA 24551
Carolyn Wilks can be reached via email:
Carolyn@AndysLight.org or by phone 540.586.6893
|
Carolyn Wilks tells of the story of her late son, Andy, and the
love he had for all law enforcement, especially the Sheriff’s
Office where his brother, Jon, is a deputy.
|
Deputy Jon Wilks takes a moment to thank his fellow deputies for
remembering his late brother, Andy.
|
|
Sheriff Brown pauses for photo op with Carolyn and Deputy Jon
Wilks.
|
Andy Bears and portrait of Andy Wilks on display for the
presentation.
|
|
Bedford County Sheriff’s Deputies look on while Sheriff Brown
accepts the Andy Bear from Carolyn Wilks.
|
Contact: Robin Sundquist – Admin Officer – 540.586.4800
|
