Funeral for Andrea Rotella

****3/20/23

Shortly after the last update, Andrea passed away on 3/15/23, after her nearly year-long battle with colorectal cancer. She is no longer in pain or suffering and is with her Parents and God in Heaven, completely healed. Now it is time for Janet's healing. She went above and beyond what most humans would do, and was an amazing caregiver and Sister. Never leaving her side, Janet was with Andrea throughout this entire journey, sacrificing her own business and income, personal and social life, and even in-person church. She often slept sitting up in a chair, with Little Big Daddy on her lap, at Andrea's bedside, so she wasn't scared or alone. Her dinner was often the extra crackers that came with Andrea's soup, so she didn't have to leave Andrea even for a second to get food. If she wasn't there already, Janet drove to whatever hospital Andrea was in to feed her 3 meals a day, EVERY DAY, which Andrea often argued with her about. In one instance, Janet went as far as she could into an OR, so as not to leave Andrea alone, and so she could be the first reassuring, comforting and recognizable face that Andrea saw when coming out of anesthesia. The list goes on and on. Janet TRULY went through every step of the Cancer battle with Andrea, and never left, to provide the best life she could for her, especially the last 9 months. This did not stop upon her death. Janet is planning, AND PAYING FOR, ALL of Andrea's final expenses completely on her own, along with TWO celebrations of Life to honor her sister, both in FL and NJ, in order to accommodate those who can't travel. Many are asking what she needs or what they can do for her, but Janet will never ask for help. If your heart is inclined to do so, please give what you can to ease this burden for Janet and give HER a chance to heal and recover, letting her know that she is NOT alone. Any amount will help her and is most appreciated. You can donate here or to her Venmo at @Janet-Rotella or Zelle at [email redacted]. Thank you for your generosity and support, it is most appreciated.

***3/9/23 UPDATE:

Andrea has been in an acute care hospital since January, after being in JMC since November, for treatment of a stage 4 bedsore wound. Due to the severity of this wound, they could not treat her cancer with chemo, radiation or immunotherapy, as they feel that would kill her sooner than the cancer itself. All this time, she has received NO pharmaceutical or medical treatment for the cancer - only for her other complications. With that being said, we have not left it untouched, but are treating her holistically, which unfortunately, is not covered by insurance. Every treatment and "tincture" she receives is paid for out of pocket by Janet herself. Many of these are very expensive. All of the Go Fund Me dollars will be spent towards Andrea's Holistic Cancer Treatments. So far, whatever Janet is doing is working, as they told her on November 25, 2022 to "say good-bye" to Andrea, and as of this writing, in March 2023, not only is Andrea STILL alive, she is improving each and every day. Let's keep it going. If you are looking to help, here is the way. Thank you!

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Hi, I am Janet’s cousin, and she needs help. Her only sibling, Andrea, who is special needs, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and had surgery for an ostomy bag. Treatment has yet to begin, and Andrea is really struggling. Andrea has the mind of a small child (about 4 or 5)

Janet is self-employed and trying to help in every way possible. Recently, another bomb was dropped on her. Andrea’s group home gave Janet notice for her to find another place for Andrea to live. Andrea has been in the hospital all month until Janet can find her a new home while her condition continues to deteriorate.

Andrea can not be alone, and the medical and behavioral care she requires is beyond what Janet and her own home can accommodate. Janet has spent endless hours at Andrea's side at the hospital, taking care of all the "business" that comes with caregiving, finding her proper medical housing etc. It consumes all of her time; beyond that, she is just trying to spend time with Andrea for comfort. Janet's family lives out of state, so she is alone has been at the hospital around the clock for months now, without help or a break, and has been unable to work due to all of this. Being self-employed, she has no income coming in. Money is getting tight - not to mention gas prices (Andrea and her Drs are currently 30 miles one way from Janet.) and additional medical supplies, treatments, etc. that she needs for Andrea. Insurance doesn't cover everything or get supplies to her quickly enough, so Janet is paying out of her own pocket for many of these expenses, and there is always something.

Janet has a lot of pride, and she would not ask for help on her own, but she is always the first to help others, so please find it in your heart to help Janet and Andrea through this crisis. Taking some of the financial burdens off of them will really help and be able to give Janet the time she needs to dedicate to Andrea's health needs and spend time at her side without the worry of financial pressures. Let's give Janet one less thing to worry about, and please pitch in and share where you can. Thank you