Andrew Crisanti is a 13-year-old boy whose life has been severely affected by an intractable seizure disorder. He has suffered from seizures since the age of 4. The seizures have interfered with his ability to learn, socialize and cope with everyday life. He has been through many hospitalizations including two surgeries to implant a Vagus Nerve Stimulator to try to control the seizures. He has been on over 20 different medications. To this date, nothing has helped.

His doctors at Schneider's Children's Hospital have referred him to Miami Children's Hospital in Florida. After having a surgical evaluation there, the doctors have given Andrew and his family renewed hope. Andrew is scheduled for two brain surgeries, the first of which is to be performed March 16. These surgeries will give Andrew a chance to be seizure free and lead a more productive and independent life.

These procedures are obviously very costly and the family has reached out to organizations in search of assistance. The John Theissen Children's Foundation, founded and run by local resident Theissen, who assists children in need throughout the year, has provided the family with the airline tickets to get them to Miami.

To help defray costs, Andrew's friends and family will be holding a fund-raiser on March 7 from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Wantagh Fire Department Headquarters on Park Avenue in Wantagh (two blocks north of Sunrise Highway just east of Wantagh Avenue). There will be food, entertainment and raffles for the whole family. The cost is $20 per person and children 13 and under will be admitted free with an adult. Tickets are being sold in advance and will also be sold at the door. To buy in advance or for more information, contact Karen and Don Bray at 796-0261 or Sheri Procopio at 221-4231. Anybody who is unable to attend but would still like to donate may send their check to Andrew Crisanti/Andrew's Second Chance, c/o 35 Silver Lane, Levittown NY 11756.