Andrea Andrade was a celebrated beauty queen whose life was cut short on January 16 when she succumbed to colon cancer. The 35-year-old had been diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2017, a year in which she was told doctors gave her six months to two years to live. She defied that prognosis, living nine additional years while pursuing her passions and helping others.
At a Glance
- Andrea Andrade passed away at 35 after a nine-year battle with colon cancer.
- Doctors initially estimated 6-month to 2-year survival, yet she lived nine years.
- She won five major pageants and co-founded a charity that brought cheer to hospitalized children.
- Why it matters: Her story highlights the power of perseverance and community support in the face of a life-threatening illness.
Early Life and Pageant Success
Andrade grew up in California and quickly made a name for herself in the pageant world. She claimed titles such as Miss West Coast, Miss Nuestra Belleza USA, Miss Fresno County, Miss Regional West, and Miss California Congeniality. Her achievements were not just about beauty; they reflected her vibrant spirit and commitment to service.
Pageant Titles
- Miss West Coast
- Miss Nuestra Belleza USA
- Miss Fresno County
- Miss Regional West
- Miss California Congeniality
Her reputation as a charismatic and compassionate contestant earned her a dedicated fan base and the admiration of judges across the state.
Cancer Diagnosis and Fight
In 2017, Andrade received a stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis. Doctors warned her of a limited life expectancy, but she chose to fight. Over the next nine years, she underwent treatments, experienced remission, and later faced a recurrence that progressed to stage 4 in her reproductive system.
> “I look at my parents. I am thinking, ‘I am their only daughter,’ and I think, ‘What would they do without me?'” she told Inside Edition in December 2017.
Despite the grim prognosis, Andrade remained determined. Her resilience became a source of inspiration for many, including her husband, Chris Wilson.
Husband’s Tribute
Wilson posted a heartfelt message on Instagram: “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.” He also reflected on their partnership:
> “I was punching above my weight class for sure,” Wilson said. “I was so surprised she ever gave me a shot. But what I realized really quickly was her authenticity.”
> “I fell in love with her soul and what made her who she was: positive, encouraging. I was her biggest fan and she was my biggest fan. She gave me confidence. She believed in me. And for her to love me the way she did, I’m forever grateful,” he added.
Charitable Work
Andrade’s commitment to giving back led her and Wilson to found Not All Heroes Wear Capes, a program inspired by a young boy who wore a superhero costume during chemotherapy. The couple visited hospitals, distributed goodies, and shared smiles with children and families.
> “This time of year is always bittersweet for me. I love seeing the smiles but I know the pain these children and families are going through, and it always hurts my heart,” Andrade wrote in an April 2025 Instagram post.
The program’s impact was profound. Wilson told the Fresno Bee that the charity was “one of her most rewarding things of her entire life.”
Highlights of the Charity
- Visiting hospitals across the Central Valley
- Distributing toys, books, and themed costumes
- Collaborating with local mascots like Bluey and the Fresno Grizzlies
- Spreading cheer during challenging times for families
Family and Legacy
Andrade was survived by her husband, mother, father, older brother Junior, and younger brothers Eric and Jose. She and Wilson had spent eight years together, two of which were married, according to the Fresno Bee.
Funeral services were scheduled at St. Anthony’s in Reedley, with a public viewing on February 4. Wilson shared the details on social media, ensuring the community could pay their respects.
Final Days and Reflection
After her cancer returned in October, Andrade spent the holidays with family. She was admitted to the hospital just after Christmas. Throughout her illness, she remained a beacon of hope, refusing to let her diagnosis define her.
> “She never, never stopped fighting,” Wilson told Your Central Valley. “She was just so inspirational to so many people.”
Her story continues to inspire those facing similar challenges, underscoring the importance of resilience, love, and community support.
Key Takeaways
- Andrea Andrade defied a grim prognosis, living nine years beyond her initial cancer diagnosis.
- She balanced a successful pageant career with a deep commitment to charitable work.
- Her partnership with Chris Wilson and the founding of Not All Heroes Wear Capes left a lasting legacy.
- The community mourns her loss, remembering her as a source of positivity and strength.
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