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One of the most enduring symbols of Andrea’s legacy sits in a cancer center in Fresno. Years ago, she donated a chemotherapy bell—a tradition where patients ring the bell to signal the end of their treatment. Engraved on that bell are the words her aunt told her during her darkest hour: “God gives his toughest battles to his strongest warriors.” Though Andrea would never get to ring that bell herself, she ensured that hundreds of others would have the chance to do so, buoyed by the strength she left behind. Her life was a testament to the fact that “finishing” isn’t always about the cure; sometimes, it’s about the grace with which you run the race.
Andrea Andrade is survived by her devoted husband, her parents, and her three brothers, Junior, Eric, and Jose. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the rising rates of colorectal cancer in young people and the vital importance of early detection and self-advocacy in medical settings. Because of her age, cancer was the last thing her initial doctors suspected, a delay that cost her precious time. By sharing her story so openly, Andrea likely saved lives by encouraging other young adults to take their symptoms seriously.