Colon cancer is now claiming more young lives in the U.S. than any other form of cancer. While overall cancer death rates among Americans under 50 are declining, deaths linked to colorectal cancer continue to rise — a deeply troubling trend.But statistics only tell part of the story. Behind these alarming numbers are real people of flesh and blood, with families, friends, children, and loved ones whose lives are forever changed.One of those lives was Andrea Andrade, who tragically lost her life after a long and devastating battle with the disease. The California beauty queen refused to let cancer define her, even when doctors first warned she might only have months left.

Andrea Andrade passed away on January 16, following a long and courageous battle with colon cancer.She was first diagnosed with stage 3 disease in 2017, a moment that reshaped her life but never dimmed her determination, according to reports from the Fresno Bee and Your Central Valley, both of which spoke with her husband, Chris Wilson.In a deeply emotional tribute shared on Instagram, Wilson wrote: “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.”The couple spent eight years together, including two as husband and wife. Wilson has since spoken openly about how profoundly Andrade changed his life.“I was punching above my weight class for sure,” he said. “I was so surprised she ever gave me a shot. But what I realized really quickly was her authenticity.”