Anderson addendum

Yesterday's post on Anthony Hitchens and his live-in family, the Andersons, in Lorain, Ohio, had to leave out some info. It was one of those stories I had fun writing and so didn't pay attention to length.

I received some more info from Connie Osborn, Brad Anderson's sister.

-- A female cousin of Brad Anderson, Rhonda, gave ups 63 percent of her liver to save Brad's life through a live donor transplant. "

"Rhonda not only saved his life, she gave him new life!!!" Connie wrote in an e-mail. "If not for her, we aren't sure where Brad would be today!"

-- The family also designed the "Where there is LOVE, there is LIFE!" T-shirts that were a part of the fundraiser.

-- I also didn't get into the post Amy's occupation. You won't be surprised, it speaks directly to the family's giving nature.

Connie Osborn is president/CEO of the Neighborhood Alliance in the Lorain. It's mission statement is "To serve Lorain County and its neighborhoods to address basic needs, enhance individual and family life and improve neighborhoods and communities."

Amy is director of Connie's Lorain child enrichment site where, according to Connie, 98 percent of the families Amy helps live below the poverty level. Amy also manages the  home delivered meal program. She feeds over 400 home-bound seniors everyday, Connie wrote.

-- As you can imagine, the hospital bills for Brad's liver transplant are significant, more than $800,000.

Iowa people, you continually amaze me with your hearts. I know I've asked a lot from you in the past couple of years, but we've done some nice things. Let's get the band back together and do it again.

Here's the

Brad Anderson Fund website. Every little bit helps. I've only gotten to know the Andersons in a small way, but I think we all can agree that we'd have them over for burgers, corn on the cob and football.