California lost a bright and inspiring spirit on January 16, as Andrea Andrade, a former beauty queen, succumbed to colon cancer after a nine-year fight. Her passing has left family, friends, and her wider community in mourning, while her resilience and dedication continue to inspire others.
In a deeply moving tribute shared on Instagram, her husband, Chris Wilson, expressed his grief: “My eternal love. I know this isn’t goodbye. I’ll see you on the other side baby. Keep your heavenly arms around me, I love you mi amor.”
A Life Transformed by Diagnosis
Andrade’s journey with colon cancer began in 2017, when she was diagnosed with stage III disease. Doctors at the time delivered a sobering prognosis, estimating she had just six months to two years to live. Yet, Andrea defied these expectations, living an additional nine years and filling them with purpose, love, and service to others.
Her diagnosis reshaped her life but never diminished her drive or optimism. Despite the challenges, she maintained a positive outlook and continued to pursue her passions, both personal and professional. Those who knew her describe her as courageous, vibrant, and unwavering in her determination.
A Remarkable Career in Pageantry
Andrea Andrade’s life was marked by achievements in beauty pageants, where she earned multiple titles. Over her career, she was crowned Miss West Coast, Miss Nuestra Belleza USA, Miss Fresno County, Miss Regional West, and Miss California Congeniality. However, those who knew her well say that her pageant titles never defined her.
“She was authentic, positive, and encouraging,” Wilson said. “I fell in love with her soul and what made her who she was. She gave me confidence. She believed in me. And for her to love me the way she did, I’m forever grateful.”
Her focus extended beyond personal accolades to making a tangible difference in the lives of others, especially children facing serious medical challenges.
“Not All Heroes Wear Capes”: Bringing Joy to Children
One of Andrea’s most significant contributions was co-founding the program Not All Heroes Wear Capes with Wilson. Inspired by a young boy she met wearing a superhero costume during chemotherapy, the initiative aimed to bring happiness to hospitalized children. Andrea and Wilson frequently visited hospitals dressed as superheroes, accompanied by mascots and other characters, to deliver gifts, smiles, and moments of relief during incredibly difficult times.
“This time of year is always bittersweet for me,” Andrea wrote in an April 2025 Instagram post. “I love seeing the smiles but I know the pain these children and their families are going through, and it always hurts my heart. This year I broke my own record, I promised myself I wouldn’t cry, I lasted a whole 2 minutes then I was bawling like a baby!”
Wilson reflected on the program’s impact, noting, “She said it was one of her most rewarding things of her entire life. She felt it was a great way to put a smile on families’ faces during what had to be challenging times.”
The Return of Cancer and Declining Health
Although Andrea experienced periods of remission, her cancer ultimately returned, spreading to her reproductive system and progressing to stage IV. Her condition worsened in October 2025, but she managed to spend the holiday season with loved ones before being hospitalized shortly after Christmas.
Throughout her illness, she remained focused on her family and the causes she cared about. In a 2017 interview with Inside Edition, she shared the weight of responsibility she felt as her parents’ only daughter: “I look at my parents. I am thinking, ‘I am their only daughter,’ and I think, ‘What would they do without me?’”
Despite the hardships, Wilson said one thing never wavered: “She never, never stopped fighting. She was just so inspirational to so many people.”
Early Symptoms and Diagnosis
Colon cancer is particularly dangerous in younger adults because early symptoms often go unnoticed. Common signs include abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. These subtle indicators can delay diagnosis and treatment, making the disease harder to manage.
Andrea’s first symptoms appeared when she was just 26 during a family trip to Mexico. She experienced severe cramp-like pains and heavy bleeding. Initially, the symptoms seemed consistent with her previous diagnosis of endometriosis, delaying her recognition of a more serious condition.
The situation escalated quickly, leading to an emergency hospital visit where doctors revealed she had lost three pints of blood. The hospital lacked sufficient blood for a transfusion, and her survival was uncertain. Her grandmother contacted Andrea’s parents to say goodbye.
Determined not to accept that outcome, Andrea’s father mobilized the local community to donate blood. Once the transfusions were completed, Andrea stabilized, and a series of tests confirmed the life-altering diagnosis of stage III colon cancer.
Inspiration Amid Adversity
Throughout her treatment, Andrea drew strength from her family and her faith. An aunt told her, “God gives his toughest battles to his strongest warriors,” a message that remained with her and now adorns the chemotherapy bell she donated to a cancer center in Fresno. The bell symbolizes triumph for patients completing treatment—a milestone Andrea, sadly, would not live to see herself.
Her resilience extended to all aspects of her life, from her family to charitable work and her public presence. She showed that life could still be rich and meaningful, even in the face of a life-threatening illness.
Legacy and Survivors
Andrea Andrade leaves behind a loving family, including her husband Chris Wilson, her parents, and three brothers: her older brother Junior and younger siblings Eric and Jose. She also leaves an indelible mark on the children and families touched by her advocacy, her charitable work, and her unwavering positivity.
Her story serves as a reminder of both the growing threat of colon cancer among young adults and the extraordinary impact one person can have despite personal struggles.
Her courage, compassion, and determination continue to inspire those who knew her and even those who only knew her story. Though her fight has ended, her legacy of love and service will endure.
Rest in peace, Andrea Andrade. Your strength and generosity will not be forgotten.