Living for Today.

BY ALYSSA QUACKENBUSH

Dean Andersen sweet “Deano,” passed away just before his 5th birthday in April 2019 due to heart transplant complications and his congenital heart condition. He lived most of his life at Boston Children’s Hospital, and the Andersen family was able to work very closely with the Ethan M. Lindberg Foundation throughout his life. Janet Kalandranis, Dean’s mother, describes Dean as being “spirited, determined, sassy, hysterical”--he was the type of kid to make friends wherever he went.

The Ethan M. Lindberg Foundation exists to support the families of children who have to deal with congenital heart diseases and the subsequent treatment. The foundation provides an array of services to the families who seek their help, which include grants, music therapy (a favorite of Dean’s), and housing for families whose kiddos are having extended stays in the cardiac unit of Boston Children’s Hospital. The idea is to create a community around the idea of “heart strong,” to be a support system for families in situations where it is easy to feel alone, uncertain, and afraid. Connecting with the foundation and other families in similar situations provides a lot of comfort to those who seek their services.

The Ethan M. Lindberg Foundation also focuses research resources on the socioeconomic impact of having a child with congenital heart disease rather than the medical implications. Through this research, they are able to establish how they can best assist these families.

At a time when so many local businesses, organizations, and individuals are struggling financially, most people’s focus is on donating to those most impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. At first glance, this raises concern over the Ethan M. Lindberg foundation’s ability to fundraise.

However, the foundation has made a conscious decision, instead of asking for financial donations, to focus on community building and raising awareness. The initial pivot was to a “Heroes for Healthcare” campaign, which consisted of donating shirts to centers to boost morale and let them know that they were standing behind them. The shirts were so well received that they were eventually made available for purchase on the For Hearts Shop where all proceeds go to the Ethan M Lindberg foundation.

Janet, for the second year in a row, is planning to run the Falmouth Road Race on Team Dean. Team Dean had over 30 participants last year, many of whom are Marshfield/South Shore locals, and they were looking to recreate it this year. The Falmouth Road Race will look quite different this year given the pandemic, but Team Dean will show up with the same spirit. New Balance provided the team with 5 bibs, and instead of traditional fundraising this year, they’re encouraging people to help out however they can, whether that’s just by showing up or by donations and fundraising.

The Falmouth Road Race will be a remote 7 miles over 7 days, and Janet is pushing herself even further and running 7 miles every day for 7 days, because, in her words, “why not?”

Team Dean will likely have a social-distancing friendly tent set up soon, likely on Ocean St., where there will be photo ops and something interesting to look at beyond the walls your own home, so be on the lookout for that.

Dean’s memory lives in the propagation of his beautiful attitude; Janet mentions how he made the best of every situation. His family has learned to do the same, and it’s accessible to everyone--live for today, make the best of what you have, and don’t worry about tomorrow.

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