Taking a stand against Neurofibromatosis, one soda at a time

There’s a saying out there you may have heard, “Good things come in small packages.” There’s proof of that right here in Idaho Falls. A young boy suffering from a rare disorder is fighting back.

Every Saturday morning, Andrew Truscott sets up shop to raise money for Neurofibromatosis — a genetic disorder that runs in his family.

“He has it, one of his little brothers has it, his mom, my wife, has it, and his grandfather has it. So it’s for generations in our family,” Drew Truscott, Andrew’s dad, said.

Andrew came up with the idea of selling sodas for the Children’s Tumor Foundation.

“So they can find a cure for Neurofibromatosis, so it’s not a thing anymore,” Drew Truscott said.

“Of course when your kid asks you to raise money for charity you say yes,” Drew said.

Andrew comes out to the corner of Flora Circle and 8th St. every Saturday during summer, and this is turning out to be a very successful second year.

“We have a main customer that comes every day when they’re available. Our main customers usually have lots of kids, so it’s lots more money,” Andrew said.

Open for the fourth weekend this summer, word of Andrew’s soda stand is spreading fast. The family made more than $70 a week last year, but this year, they are already pulling in more than $100 a week. Andrew also received a $8,000 donation from the Fairwinds-Sand Creek Retirement Community.

“It’s just been amazing. The people we’ve met, the awareness that it’s spread, just all the good that has come out of a little boy just wanting to raise a little extra money and donate it to charity. To say I’m proud of him, my wife and I are both so proud of him, it’s an understatement,” Drew said.

Andrew’s mother, Terha Truscott, had a 7-pound tumor removed a few year ago’s as a result of the disorder. She says living with Neurofibromatosis is painful, but seeing her son’s determination to help while he’s living with it, too, is awe-inspiring.

“As they grow, and depending on the location, they can be painful. My son is incredible. With a big heart, and at the age of 10 to want to do such a big thing that could affect so many people, I am so proud of him and the love that he has for people in wanting to be that chance is incredible,” Terha Truscott said.

Andrew’s soda stand is open every Saturday this summer from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the corner of Flora Circle and 8th St. in Idaho Falls.

Click here to make donations to Andrew or to the Children’s Tumor Foundation.