Andy Candelario has passed away peacefully 3-18-24

UPDATE 3/18/24:

Aloha everyone. It's with a sad heart that I tell you Andy passed away peacefully this morning about 3:30 am Hawaii time. He had Dani and Renie with him so he wasn't alone in his final moments. Hospice Maui has taken wonderful care of Andy and and has been so very supportive of those visiting Andy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who donated to him now and after the fire and for all who visited with him here while I have been recently been away. Deb

From his brother Mark who is here on Maui: "I just wanted to reach out and say thanks from the Candelario family for your support helping Andy. Andy comes from a great community and the support and well wishes have been overwhelming. I can't thank you enough. Mahalo, Mark C."

UPDATE 3/13/24:

I wanted to share a little update on Andy with his family's blessing. As you may know by now, Andy has been battling stage 4 cancer for the last 5 years and then the Lahaina wildfire took its toll with Andy losing his place and having to move around over the past 7 months. Andy went into the hospital Sunday night (3/10/24) and the prognosis isn't good. His cancer has spread all over and he is battling an infection, acute liver failure and more. He goes in and out (mostly out right now). Andy's brother Mark is on the way and one of his mainland besties Mandie already flew in for a quick visit. Andy has been getting visitors which is really good for him even if he's not quite aware at that moment. Today-Wed, 3/13/24, they just moved him to Hospice Maui at 400 Mahalani St, Wailuku room 5. Visiting hours are 24/7, you just sign in at the lobby.

A huge hug goes to Dani Schaffer for staying by his side and to everyone who has visited already. You can text him. Dani has his phone and reads him texts when he is alert. As you may know, times have been really tough here on Maui financially so any donation you can make will help Andy's family and our Maui family to get Andy through this time and after.

Deb

Original Post:

Aloha, I'm one of Andy's Lahaina besties. This photo is from when I first found Andy in our Wahikuli neighborhood the day after the fire. Andy moved to Lahaina in the 80's and has lost his home in the Lahaina wildfire on August 8th. Many of you may not be aware that Andy has been dealing with Stage IV cancer for the last 5 years. He worked at UFO Parasail and for the Gemini catamaran the last 20 years plus but has retired due to his situation. He has been holding his own until this devastating Lahaina wildfire that not only took his home, but our whole town. He escaped with his truck, the clothes he was wearing and little else. After moving around from place to place like most people, he is now settled in Napili. Rents have skyrocketed on Maui since this crisis happened. Everyone says why not move to the mainland to be near his family? Andy desperately wants to stay here by his doctors that he has grown to know and trust, and be close to his friends of the last 40 years.

Remember, gofundme only takes out the credit card fee (you can tip gofundme or not for their services).

If you are a venmo person, Andrew Candelario's venmo is

@Andrew-Candelario-1

This has been physically and emotionally exhausting for Andy. Peace of mind is hard to come by right now with so many uncertainties. Any help you can give Andy would be so ever helpful. We know a lot of people have reached out before to Andy, and we appreciate each and every one of you.

Andy Candelario and Dig Me Deb Patton