Andrew's Story

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Andrew Moncheck graduated from Stow-Munroe Falls High School May 26, 2014. Accepted by two local universities, he was considering a major in Hospitality Management or Communications.  Our son loved playing football and baseball, working out at the gym, hanging out with friends and also worked for the Stow Youth Baseball League.  Like many teens his age, he was contemplating whether he should go to college, become a fitness trainer, radio talk show host or try out for the Cleveland Gladiators Arena Football team! Andrew never had the chance to make any of those decisions or plan for his future.

Our lives changed forever just two months after Andrew graduated.  The night before his graduation party, the car our son was a passenger in as well as two of his friends was struck from behind by a drunk driver.  Andrew sustained traumatic brain injuries that would end his life one week later - just one month after his 18th birthday.  I went from planning a celebration to planning a funeral in the blink of an eye!  No family should have to endure the pain of losing a child, sibling or grandchild to such a senseless act!

To honor our son Andrew's memory and provide hope and inspiration for others, in 2016 I began to share his story through The Magic of Life Foundation, an Impaired Driving Prevention program in partnership with our local court system's OVI (Operating Vehicle under the Influence of drugs or alcohol) Offender program and the Mothers Against Drunk Driving organization. As a Friends of the Angel Committee member, I lovingly handle the Stow Angel of Hope Children's Memorial brick orders that are dedicated each year in the Spring and Fall.  I have also partnered with the international grief support group organization of Helping Parents Heal as an Affiliate Leader for the Northeast Ohio area serving Akron, Cleveland, Medina and other surrounding cities.

Recognizing the growing numbers of child loss in our community and the need for a variety of resources, I decided to create this website to help other families mourning and searching for a way to heal from this ultimate loss. I understand your pain and want to share resources that continue to help me to cope and heal on this lifelong journey. My hope is that you will find something or someone here that resonates with you.  My hope is that you will learn or try something new - And that you find hope, peace and even joy again knowing you still have a connection to your child, sibling or grandchild. Love never ends!