ADVERTISEMENT
This selfless spirit found its most profound expression in the wake of Andrea’s own suffering. During one of her countless chemotherapy sessions, she encountered a young boy who had arrived for his treatment wearing a superhero costume. That small act of childhood defiance in the face of a terrifying disease sparked a fire in Andrea. Along with Chris, she founded “Not All Heroes Wear Capes,” a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing magic to pediatric wards. Andrea and Chris would dress as superheroes, accompanied by mascots and characters, to visit hospitalized children. Andrea spoke candidly about the emotional toll of this work, admitting she often cried in private, but seeing a child smile in the middle of their own “battle” made the heartbreak worthwhile. She turned her pain into a shield for others, proving that generosity is perhaps the most effective medicine for the spirit.
Andrea’s journey was a series of peaks and valleys. At one point, she celebrated a period of remission, a time of immense hope where the shadow of cancer seemed to recede. However, the reprieve was short-lived. The cancer returned with a vengeance, spreading to her reproductive system and advancing to Stage IV. Despite the rapid decline in her health starting in October 2025, she remained steadfast. Her primary concern was never her own comfort, but the well-being of her parents. As their only daughter, she carried a heavy awareness of what her absence would mean to them, a realization that fueled her resolve to stay present and positive for as long as her body allowed. She managed to share one final holiday season with her family before being hospitalized shortly after Christmas.
ADVERTISEMENT
