A Crown of Courage: Remembering Andrea Andrade
The announcement was brief but powerful. A few heartfelt words shared online confirmed what many had feared. Andrea Andrade — a former California beauty queen known as much for her compassion as her titles — had passed away after a long and courageous fight with colon cancer. She was 35.
Her husband, Chris Wilson, shared the devastating news in a message filled with love and longing: “My eternal love. I know this isn’t goodbye.” In that simple sentence, he captured not only his grief, but the deep bond they shared.
Andrea’s journey with cancer began in 2017 when she was just 26 years old. At the time, she was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer and given a prognosis of six months to two years. Instead of surrendering to fear, Andrea chose to live deliberately and boldly. She went on to fight the disease for nine years — far surpassing medical expectations.
Before and during her battle, Andrea earned several pageant honors, including Miss West Coast, Miss Fresno County, and Miss California Congeniality. Yet those who knew her best say the crowns were never what defined her. It was her warmth, encouragement, and selflessness that left the deepest impression.
Throughout her treatment, Andrea remained focused on lifting others up. During one chemotherapy session, she noticed a young boy dressed as a superhero while receiving treatment of his own. That image stayed with her. Determined to bring light into difficult hospital rooms, Andrea and Chris founded Not All Heroes Wear Capes, an organization that arranges costumed visits for children undergoing medical care. The program brought laughter, imagination, and much-needed joy to families facing unimaginable challenges.
Although she briefly experienced remission, the cancer eventually returned and progressed to stage IV. In her final weeks, Andrea was surrounded by family and friends, held closely by those she had spent years inspiring.
Her early symptoms had initially been mistaken for endometriosis — a reminder of how easily colorectal cancer can go undetected in young adults. Her story now stands as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale about the rising rates of colon cancer among younger generations.
Andrea is survived by her husband, her parents, and her brothers — and by the countless children and families whose lives she brightened.
Conclusion
Andrea Andrade’s legacy is not measured in sashes or stage lights, but in the quiet, powerful ways she chose to love while facing extraordinary hardship. She transformed pain into purpose and adversity into compassion.
Even in her most difficult moments, she looked for ways to serve others. Her life reminds us that true beauty is not about appearance or accolades — it is about resilience, kindness, and the courage to bring light into the darkest places.