California Beauty Queen Andrea Andrade Dies After Nine-Year Cancer Battle
The inspiring story of Andrea Andrade, a California beauty queen who captured hearts by competing in pageants while undergoing chemotherapy, has reached its tragic conclusion. Andrade passed away on January 16 at the age of 35, following a nearly decade-long struggle with colon cancer that she faced with remarkable courage and positivity.
A Diagnosis That Defied Expectations
Andrea Andrade's journey began when she received a devastating diagnosis at just 26 years old. Doctors discovered she had stage three colon cancer and gave her a prognosis of six months to two years to live, as reported by the Fresno Bee. Despite this grim outlook, Andrade embarked on a treatment regimen that would span nine years, involving multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and various surgical procedures.
Throughout this challenging period, Andrade experienced one of life's greatest joys when she met and married Chris Wilson, the love of her life. The couple shared eight years together, with two of those years spent as husband and wife in what Wilson described as wedded bliss.
Moments of Hope and Heartbreak
In 2018, after enduring several intensive chemotherapy sessions, Andrade received the welcome news that her cancer had gone into remission. This period of hope proved tragically brief, however, as the tumor returned just two years later according to reports from KSEE/KGPE. Medical examinations revealed the cancer had spread to her reproductive system, leading doctors to reclassify her condition as stage four colon cancer.
Andrade's health began a significant decline in October 2025. She managed to spend Christmas with her family at home, creating precious final memories before being admitted to hospital just days later. Her passing has left her devoted husband utterly heartbroken, with Wilson expressing his grief in a poignant social media tribute to his late wife.
Living Fully Despite Illness
What made Andrea Andrade's story particularly remarkable was her determination to live life to the fullest despite her health challenges. During her treatment, she gained national attention by continuing to compete in local beauty pageants while proudly displaying her chemotherapy port on her chest. This visible symbol of her battle became a powerful statement about resilience and normalising life with serious illness.
Andrade's pageant success was substantial, earning her five titles including Miss West Coast, Miss Nuestra Belleza USA, Miss Fresno County, Miss Regional West, and the particularly fitting Miss California Congeniality. In a 2017 interview with Inside Edition, she explained her motivation, stating, 'I felt like I just need to do this now. It's been one of my lifelong dreams.'
A Legacy of Compassion and Advocacy
Beyond her personal achievements, Andrade dedicated significant energy to helping others facing similar challenges. Together with her husband, she founded a program called Not All Heroes Wear Capes, which provided support to children battling cancer. The initiative was inspired by a young chemotherapy patient who attended every appointment dressed in a superhero costume.
The couple visited children in hospital settings, delivered gifts to their homes, and organised special outings to baseball games. Wilson reflected on this work, saying, '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.'
Spreading Awareness and Hope
Andrade also became a prominent advocate for colon cancer awareness, amassing over 20,000 followers on Instagram where she shared her personal journey and emphasised the importance of early screening. Colon cancer primarily affects adults over 50 according to the American Cancer Society, with a five-year survival rate of approximately 80 percent when detected early.
Her husband explained her motivation for this advocacy work, stating, 'She felt her mission from God was to share her story and help other people. To let it be known that even if you're diagnosed with something, you can still have an amazing life and pursue your dreams. Like Andrea did.' He added with evident pride, 'And it was an honor to be part of that.'
Following her passing, Wilson posted a touching tribute on social media that captured their enduring bond: '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.' Andrea Andrade's legacy extends far beyond her pageant titles, living on through the awareness she raised, the children she comforted, and the example she set of living courageously in the face of adversity.
