Andy Andersen - Idea Man

At its very beginning, H.E.L.P. turned to Evan R. "Andy" Andersen for his warm creativity and advice. He teamed with Bill Lewis and Bill Glantz, as the Board responsible for H.E.L.P.'s launch.

From rock concert producer, to Army Counter Intelligence Corps operative, to community service leader, to IBM executive, to small business consultant, to environmental industrial cleaning product executive - and always a dedicated family man - Andy brought a huge range of practical experience to the H.E.L.P. cause. Andy's enthusiasm also helped bring his wife Jimi to the H.E.L.P. family - and Jimi now serves as a member of our Board of Directors.

Outgoing and full of fun, with a smile for all, Andy readily shared his torrent of ideas. Always articulate, he helped us look at the world, and focus and express our mission, in new ways.

Semantic Dementia, a rare form of Frontotemporal Dementia, struck Andy. Most insidiously, it robbed him of his extraordinary ability to communicate and inspire through words. After a gallant ten-year battle, Andy passed away February 13, 2004. Even in death, Andy wanted to give. He donated his brain to the University of Southern California in hopes of helping others through research.

Andy, our colleague and dear friend, is no longer with us in person - but Andy will always be a part of the fabric of H.E.L.P.

Post Script: Andy's autopsy showed that he had Alzheimer's disease associated with primary progressive aphasia, rather that Frontotemporal Dementia.

The Andy Andersen Fund