A father in California faced with heartbreaking circumstances has unfortunately lost the battle to keep a beloved haunted house operational. This haunted attraction served as a means to fund hospice care for his 17-year-old daughter dealing with a rare and severe health condition. Augie Cowan, a 57-year-old retired psychiatric technician, revealed the closure of Caitlin Manor Haunted House by the city of San Bernardino earlier this month. The haunted house, operating for more than a decade, was a seasonal staple leading up to Halloween and aimed to cover medical costs for his daughter, Andrea, who suffers from metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), a genetic disorder impacting motor and mental functions.
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Following the disappointing news on what was meant to be the opening night on Friday, Oct. 3, Augie expressed that the closure was due to structural concerns with the building. He shared with PEOPLE that even if he were to rectify the permit issues, the city was not going to allow the haunted house to operate. Augie remains determined to reopen the haunted attraction at a new location in the future, highlighting his resilience and dedication to supporting his daughter’s medical needs. The Caitlin Manor Haunted House, known for its spooky delights, not only entertained visitors but also served as a vital source of income to assist with Andrea’s care, which can amount to $20,000 annually, according to reports.
The city of San Bernardino cited safety worries as the primary reason behind the closure, highlighting electrical and access concerns that could jeopardize visitor safety. While the city assured cooperation with Augie to ensure a safe and enjoyable haunted house in the future, specific details remain undisclosed as city officials did not respond to requests for comment from PEOPLE. Augie’s commitment to his daughter’s well-being stems from Andrea’s challenging journey with MLD. Diagnosed with the late infantile form of the disease at the age of 3, Andrea’s parents sought treatment options, including a clinical trial in Italy. Unfortunately, Andrea was symptomatic by the time they returned home, leading to significant health struggles affecting her mobility and speech.
Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) has no known cure, and treatment primarily focuses on supportive care to enhance the patient’s quality of life. Despite the grim prognosis associated with MLD, Andrea has defied medical expectations and continues to receive dedicated care from her father. Augie, alongside his wife Maria, a registered nurse, embarked on the haunted house endeavour to fund Andrea’s care and provide her with a comfortable living environment. The emotional and financial toll of caring for a child with a rare medical condition has been substantial, with Andrea now in hospice care for five years under her father’s attentive watch.
Augie’s unwavering commitment to supporting Andrea serves as a testament to a father’s love and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the recent setback with the closure of the haunted house, Augie remains focused on securing a new venue to continue funding his daughter’s medical expenses. The community’s support through a GoFundMe campaign has been instrumental in alleviating the financial burden on the Cowan family. Augie’s aspiration to establish a foundation that aids other families in similar situations underscores his selfless dedication to championing the well-being of individuals facing medical challenges.
As Andrea continues to bring joy and contentment to her family, Augie finds solace in the moments of happiness shared with his daughter. Their enduring bond and unwavering spirit in the face of hardships exemplify the strength and resilience within families navigating complex health battles. Augie’s determination to persevere in the quest to reopen the haunted house symbolises a father’s unwavering commitment to ensuring his daughter receives the care and support she deserves. Andrea’s story is a poignant reminder of courage, love, and the power of community rallying together in times of need.