Wednesday's Child - Andrew

(WTNH) - News Channel 8 first met Andrew in June at the Connecticut Children's Medical Center. Since then, he has been growing and and progressing and all he needs now is a loving home.

Because of medical complications, Andrew was born paralyzed from the chest down. A ventilator helps him breathe, and he'll likely need a wheelchair as he gets older, but it's unclear for how long. Specialized medical care will be essential, but the support and security of a family makes a real difference in just how well children like Andrew do.

"It helps them grow, develop, it gives them the structure that they need to develop on target," said Andrew's social worker, Danielle Turner.

For Andrew, it will take a team effort. Starting out, he'll need 16 hours of nursing care each day, and a family with the organization and communication skills to keep it going.

"He needs a family that is dedicated to his needs, that is able to work with a team. There will be a lot of nurses, a lot of doctors, a lot of service providers that will be working with him," Turner said.

And as much as a nurturing family helps a child physically, you can't overlook what it does emotionally.

"They're happier, they're more outgoing, more active," said Turner.

If you are interested in adopting Andrew or if you'd just like to learn more about becoming a foster parent, call 800-842-6348.