Community Raises $30K To Bless Candy Vendor With Cerebral Palsy Who Works 6 Days A Week

Community Raises $30K To Bless Candy Vendor With Cerebral Palsy Who Works 6 Days A Week

For nearly a decade, Staten Island resident Andy has been a familiar and heartwarming sight along Hylan Boulevard — slowly pushing his candy cart up and down the busy street, rain or shine.

What makes his dedication all the more remarkable is that Andy lives with cerebral palsy, yet he works six days a week, greeting commuters with a smile that has inspired countless people.

This holiday season, one local woman decided it was time for Andy to be blessed in return for all the joy he brings to others.

Andy’s Candy

“This isn’t charity,” Jennifer Remauro wrote on her GoFundMe page, “it’s an investment in someone who is truly spectacular.”

Remauro shared how Andy’s daily perseverance reminded her of her late brother, Robert, who also lived with cerebral palsy and faced life’s challenges with the same unwavering positivity. Her heartfelt post struck a chord with thousands of people online — and donations quickly poured in.

“For nearly a decade, the Great Kills resident has been a fixture at the intersection of Narrows Road South and Hylan Boulevard. It’s a grueling routine: six days a week, Monday through Saturday, he’s there from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Despite living with cerebral palsy, a condition that significantly impairs his body’s motor functions, muscle coordination, and communication, Andy treats his job with absolute seriousness. His day begins at 5:30 a.m. with his alarm, followed by the demanding task of loading his vehicle before heading to his usual Concord spot.

Today, Andy is a mainstay, consistently putting in 50-plus hours a week. Over that time, he’s faced every reason to quit: brutal weather, being robbed on more than one occasion, and the loss of his commuter base during a worldwide pandemic. But with every obstacle came community support. His dedication has fostered a strong network of helpful neighbors, turning simple street-side transactions into meaningful human connections.”

Remauro wants to surprise Andy with a special gift this holiday season — something that will allow him to take a well-earned break, enjoy a short vacation, or simply buy himself something nice.

In just days, the fundraiser has surpassed $30,000.

Remauro says she plans to personally hand-deliver every donation and message of encouragement to Andy before Christmas.

“Your contribution is more than just money,” she wrote. “It’s a message of respect and appreciation that he will be able to read and cherish.”