Community Support for the Family of Andy Wood

In October 2022, Andy had a seizure that led to an emergency craniotomy and ultimately, a diagnosis of grade IV glioblastoma, an aggressive and rare cancer. With no prior warning symptoms, this diagnosis turned their family's world upside down overnight.

We've known from the beginning that there is no remission, no "cure"; it is a terminal brain cancer and their neuro oncology team at UCSF has long advised to prepare for the worst, and hope for the best. Despite the prognosis, our family long held onto the hope that Andy would defy the doctors' expectations, and be an outlier to their data. Andy has always lived this way, defying expectations and skirting convention to make an impact, whether that be in his friendships or in his career as a talented designer. PMA (positive mental attitude) is the ethos that has guided him throughout his life.

Sadly, 20 months after initial diagnosis, a recent MRI has shown that Andy's tumor has taken a turn, growing rapidly and spreading to different areas of his brain including his brain stem. The tumor is no longer responding to treatment and is inoperable. He has fought so hard, and continues to fight, but soon he will need to rest. And we need to support him through this phase as best as we can.

This is obviously devastating for his entire family and everyone that loves him, but especially for his devoted wife, Marissa, and the lights of his life, his two boys Zachariah (9) and Julian (6). Marissa recently had to share the news with them that Andy is not getting better, and will leave us soon. They are all heartbroken. No child should have to hear this.

While Marissa and family are trying to cherish the little time left with Andy, they are now faced with planning for the uncertain future and life without him.

Andy has had such an impact on so many people. Many have asked how they can help support the family, so I’m creating this gofundme page for those who wish to participate. One thing that Andy has always been concerned about since diagnosis was Marissa, Zachariah and Julian’s future without him. Your donations will give Andy comfort knowing that the kids will have money set aside for their education and necessities. The funds will also go towards any medical and funeral expenses.

If you are hearing about Andy's condition for the first time via this page, the family apologizes that the news could not come in person. It has been very painful for Andy, having to share this news, and he wishes he could wrap his arms around everyone and show his love and gratitude. Thank you to everyone who has shown up for them these past very difficult 20 months. The beauty in all this sadness and suffering has always been in the relationships that they continue to hold dear.

We'd be so grateful if you could please pass this along to anyone who knows Andy and the Dominguez + Wood family.