Lived life to the fullest
Drew had a huge heart and would do absolutely anything for his family, friends or strangers. He was funny, charismatic, smart and athletic; good at everything he attempted. Though he loved all sports, baseball was his favorite. “We spent every summer and fall on a baseball field and loved every minute,” his mom said. ‘Drew was a catcher and had the biggest cheering section, and definitely the loudest mom cheering him on.’
At 19, Drew was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), which reduced his mobility and caused him to use a walker to move around. During treatment, Drew’s strength and perseverance were admirable; he never complained and didn’t let his AS slow him down. He had a goal to get a degree in business and start his own company. “His life was just beginning, he had so much potential and much more life to live,” his mom said, ‘The possibilities were endless for him.’
Drew’s biggest accomplishment in life was the impact he made on people. “When he passed away, elementary teachers, coaches, former co-workers, bosses and an entire community stood in line for nearly 3 hours to say goodbye to my son,” his mother stated. ‘To know he touched that many lives was such a beautiful gift.’
His mom misses everything about Drew; their talks, phone calls, his scent, and his voice. She misses him saying, “I love you, Mom.” And she will never forget his awesome dance moves, which prompted his friends to call him D Swagg! His mother said, “Addiction has forever shattered our family; none of us will be the same again and our hearts will never be whole.”
Drew’s mother, Jackie Aegerter, provided the information for this narrative.
February 20, 1994-August 25, 2016
Age 22-Lived with addiction 4 years
