We all know how much laughter can help when we are feeling defeated. Children battling cancer can use an emotional boost and humor can help. I’m thrilled to feature a wonderful nonprofit, Andrew’s Laughing Gas that has a mission to “make warriors laugh one toot at a time.”
Andrew Mercier was diagnosed with Leukemia 2 days before his 10th birthday. This came as a surprise to his family and friends, as he had always been a high-energy, adventurous and active kid. He was known to many as the class clown, and thoroughly enjoyed that title. He loved to make people laugh, creating his own jokes and playing practical jokes on whomever he could. He was smart and enjoyed showing off what he learned in school.
Throughout Andrew’s battle, he rarely complained. He took every poke, every pill, every procedure like a true warrior. He sometimes got frustrated and would ask, “why me?”, but never let it pull him down for too long. He loved to joke with his nurses and doctors and loved it when they joked back. He binged watched Sponge Bob and must have seen every single episode during his hospital says. He loved Stranger Things and watched all 3 seasons multiple times. He went to The Great Room at his hospital to craft and create new things to display in his room. He was so proud of his crafts and showed everyone what he made.
During Andrew’s hospitalization, he was given a “farting unicorn” that he named Dookie. Dookie was a large, stuffed unicorn with a remote-controlled fart machine sewn inside. Andrew would hide the remote under his sheets and hit the button to catch his unsuspecting victims off guard. Andrew found joy in making others laugh, and Dookie was a great source of laughter for Andrew.
Sadly, Andrew didn’t make it until his next birthday. His cancer was an extremely rare type of Leukemia. His doctors said only 12 cases worldwide of his specific type, have been reported. Andrew fought hard, fought gracefully, and was an amazing source of smiles and laughter until the end. Andrew passed away from his Leukemia on December 15, 2019.
To carry on his love of laughter and practical jokes, we are starting Andrew’s Laughing Gas. We want to give every child fighting this awful disease a reason to smile and laugh, and just be a kid. We are making stuffed animals that, like Dookie, remotely “toot” to hand out to as many kids as we can reach, to spread Andrew’s laughter to others. We know Andrew would love for his laughter to continue.
Where to Order
Andrew’s Laughing Gas works closely with child life departments serving oncology patients. For a hospital donation, please send a direct email. Families can also request a stuffed animal from the ALG website.
Show Your Support
Andrew’s Laughing Gas is a nonprofit that is primarily run by volunteers. Make a donation today to help bring laughter to children coping with cancer.
Learn more at AndrewsLaughingGas.org and follow on Facebook and Instagram.
