‘Bowl-out-the-dough’ for Cookie to raise money for New Hamburg man after suffering brain injury

New Hamburg resident Andy Cook suffered a brain injury while riding an ATV in Texas during a visit with a friend. A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money for his family. Contributed photo

By Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

There aren’t many people in the New Hamburg area who don’t know Andy Cook. He has been a staple in the community through sports and raising funds for local organizations, but following a tragic accident, he and his family need help.

On April 10, Cook was in an ATV accident in Fort Worth, Texas, while visiting a friend. He suffered a substantial blow to the head that caused a small brain bleed. After multiple CT scans, there was no spreading of the bleed but he was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury.

Cook was transported back to Canada last week and continues the rehabilitation process. The Gazette asked Cook’s brother, Jeremy Cook, how his recovery is going.

“That’s the most-asked question I get,” Jeremy Cook said. “I’ll get a text, or someone will bump into me on the street and ask how my brother is doing. Compared to a week ago, he’s really good. But compared to what he was before the accident, he’s not even close.”

Jeremy Cook said he visited his brother while on a business trip to Texas and admitted it was tough to see him but added his improvement now is noticeable.

“When we were getting ready to see Andy when he came home Wednesday, I told my wife this is what you are going to see. I was not accurate at all. He was holding a conversation. He’s not walking on his own but is using a walker and he is feeding himself. By the time I see him next time, it could be even better than that.”

A GoFundMe page set up by a close family friend has raised nearly $46,000 of a $50,000 goal as of press time. Anyone wishing to donate can do so at www.gofundme.com/f/team-cookie-andy-aka-drew-cook.

“I have been nosy looking at who donated and there are names from everybody’s past,” said Jeremy Cook. “People he went to high school with, people he used to work with, everybody involved in his life. It’s crazy how many people have reached out to help with things the family needs. It’s been heartwarming.”

Jeremy Cook said people have been dropping off meals at the Cook home to help out Andy Cook’s wife, Martha. Some friends even did a spring cleanup at their home.

“That’s something Andy usually does, so a bunch of people got together to do that, which was amazing.”

Jeremy Cook said he understands his brother has a long road to recovery, but everyone is hopeful.

“That’s the question. How far can he come back? We know it’s going to be a long road, but no one can tell us he’ll be at 85 per cent, or at 100 per cent. We are hopeful he will progress over time.”

Earlier this week, Andy Cook was transferred from St. Mary’s Hospital in Kitchener to St. Joseph’s in Guelph.

“St. Joseph’s has a brain trauma unit that specializes in this kind of work. For the first time since the accident, his care will be able to focus on exactly what he needs. Maybe from here he goes to Hamilton where it is even more specialized. He has been making huge progress,” Jeremy Cook said.

Andy Cook has always been involved in various community events and organizations that have raised funds for many worthy causes.

In addition to his many sports teams, he is the drummer and band member with My Cousin Otis, which has played at numerous venues in Waterloo Region.

New Hamburg Lanes has scheduled a fundraiser to support the Cook family with a Bowl-a-thon called ‘Bowl-out-the-dough’ for Cookie. On Saturday, May 24, the business is offering two hours of bowling (up to seven people per lane) for $200 or $28.60 per person, cash only. There will be two shifts, one from 4:40-6:30 p.m. and another from 7-9 p.m. Donations for raffle prizes are also welcome, and there will be a 50/50 draw during each shift.