She never stopped battling her illness.

Tragically, Andrea Andrade, a beauty queen from California, has passed away at the tender age of 39, following a courageous nine-year fight with colon cancer.

In a deeply moving message on Instagram, her husband expressed his sorrow, saying, “My eternal love. I know this isn’t goodbye.”

A Life Forever Changed

Colon cancer is increasingly affecting younger individuals in the United States more than any other cancer type. Although cancer death rates are generally declining for Americans under 50, fatalities associated with colorectal cancer are unfortunately increasing, presenting a worrying picture.

Yet, statistics merely scratch the surface. Beneath these numbers are real people like Andrea Andrade, with families and friends who are left to cope with the void she’ll leave behind.

Andrea received her diagnosis back in 2017. Despite being initially told she might have only months to live, she fought on, determined not to let cancer define her life.

Andrea bravely passed away on January 16, her battle with the devastating disease coming to an end.

After being diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2017, Andrea was set on living life fully, refusing to let despair overtake her spirit, as reported by local news outlets like The Fresno Bee.

Her husband, Chris Wilson, poured out his heart in an Instagram post full of love and grief: “My eternal love. Though it feels like goodbye now, I’ll see you on the other side, my love. Keep your heavenly embrace around me.”

The pair shared eight wonderful years together, cherishing two as a married couple. Wilson often spoke of how deeply Andrea impacted his life, saying, “I always felt fortunate that she chose me. Her kindness and authenticity shone through every day.”

Andrea defied medical expectations, outliving the dire prognosis and filling those extra years with love, achievement, and acts of kindness.

Throughout her life, Andrea earned five prestigious titles, including Miss West Coast and Miss Nuestra Belleza USA. Still, it’s evident her aspirations went beyond crowns.

After drawing inspiration from a young boy in a superhero costume, she and her husband founded the “Not All Heroes Wear Capes” program, aimed at cheering up children in hospitals by bringing them gifts and joy.

An Unwavering Spirit

The couple’s dedication touched many lives, as Andrea recounted in a heartfelt Instagram post, “It’s always a bittersweet time of year. Bringing smiles to these families is rewarding but knowing their pain cuts deep.” These visits to hospitals in costume became a significant part of her legacy.

Once Andrea reached remission, it seemed things were looking up. Sadly, the ailment returned with a vengeance, spreading further in her body, taking a sharper toll on her health in her final months.

In an emotional interview, Andrea confessed her fears while also emphasizing her desire to keep chasing her dreams, keeping her family close to her heart.

“Thinking about my parents without me was daunting, being their only daughter. But through it all, I kept my dreams alive,” she said.

Recognizing the Signs

Colon cancer is often insidious, with symptoms that can be subtle or absent until it’s more difficult to tackle. Common signs include abdominal discomfort and presence of blood in the stool, especially concerning in younger adults.

Additional symptoms may involve changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, and loss of appetite. Less frequent indicators are tiredness, nausea, or bleeding. If any signs appear, consulting a doctor promptly is crucial.

Andrea experienced alarming symptoms during a trip to Mexico at age 26. Severe cramping and bleeding, initially mistaken as benign due to her history, were quickly recognized as serious when she required a blood transfusion urgently.

Her family’s fight for her survival and a crucial transfusion led to the eventual stage III colon cancer diagnosis, changing Andrea’s life path forever.

Galvanized by such adversity, Andrea embraced life and continued her battle, embodying the phrase a relative once told her, “God gives his toughest battles to his strongest warriors.” Today, that phrase is engraved on a bell at a Fresno cancer center, symbolizing triumph.

Andrea Andrade is survived by her loving husband, parents, and brothers. Her loss is felt deeply, but the echo of her life’s impact – filled with love and service – will continue to inspire.

Rest peacefully, Andrea. Your journey touched countless hearts.