Support Andrea’s Fight Against Brain Cancer
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Hi everyone!
I am fundraising for one of my best friends, Andrea Harper - soon to be Andrea Villagomez.
Exactly one week ago, Andrea was diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma.
Some backstory on our friendship: Andrea and I met in 2014 while studying abroad in San Jose, Costa Rica. We spent the fall of 2014 living with our host mama Tica and exploring every inch of Costa Rica. It took exactly one flight from Atlanta to San Jose for me to recognize that I had found a life long best friend.
Andrea was a nursing student at Georgia College and State University and I took it upon myself to help her to practice patient care. On day three in Costa Rica, I came down with a 104 degree fever and relied on my friend to get me to a hospital. Thankfully, Andrea’s Spanish fluency and medical knowledge came in handy when a non-English speaking doctor insisted that a shot in my butt was the only remedy (in case you didn’t know, pure vulnerability from the start is what really makes a best friendship). A month or so later, I propped myself on my side while Andrea administered prescription ear drops to help cure my awful ear infection. Needless to say, Andrea would be sure to pass nursing school.
Aside from her nurturing persona and natural caretaker abilities, Andrea was there by my side to help me through the emotionally challenging times. She is the type of friend who will cry with you, always laugh with you, and her presence is nothing but warm and comforting. Andrea is always there to listen, no matter how long or insignificant the story. She is a fierce friend who has always made me feel loved.
Year after year, we take a reunion trip with our other two best friends, Alicia and Solemia, and we all find that our love for each other only grows deeper as the years go on.
After graduating from GCSU, Andrea went on to become an ER nurse at Emory and she eventually found her way into travel nursing out in California and Washington. Andrea worked tirelessly through the Coronavirus Pandemic, kindheartedly treating patients while watching the death toll rise. Her job was physically and emotionally challenging, but there was some silver lining.
While in California, Andrea met Tony, a fellow employee at the hospital. Their friendship quickly progressed into a sweet, romantic relationship, Andrea had fallen in love. Not even a year later, Tony proposed and the two were engaged.
Solemia, Alicia, and I had just started planning Andrea’s bachelorette party when we found out about the tumor. Within 48 hours, Andrea was forced to process news of the tumor and mentally prepare for a lobectomy. The surgery went as well as it could have and Andrea spent the next several weeks recovering at home in the new apartment she shared with her fiance.
Exactly a week ago, the biopsy results came back and Andrea was diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma. This news was worse than anyone could have expected. In the previous post-op appointment, the team at Emory had been optimistic about recovery, stating that the tumor was not likely aggressive.
I do my best every day to block out the statistics. To block out the suffering that my sweet friend is going to have to endure on her long road to recovery. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend a lot of time with Andrea in the last few weeks. We have laughed and we have cried. I should mention, despite the heartache of this new reality, Andrea’s jokes have never been funnier. I think about her constantly and I would give anything to make this cancer disappear. In the coming weeks, Andrea will start chemo and radiation. I can’t imagine how she must be feeling, but we are all ready to support her and lift her up as best as we can.
As far as the wedding, she and Tony decided they would rather elope, as every moment suddenly seems too precious. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, most county courthouses do not currently have ordained ministers who can perform marriage ceremonies. The two of them approached me and asked if I would officiate their wedding and I have never felt more honored in my life. Within seconds of my agreement, Tony had sent me a link to become ordained (the process is shockingly easy).
This Saturday, February 12th, 2022, I am going to officiate the wedding of my best friend as she marries her best friend. My friends, family, and I have spent the last week gathering tables, chairs, and decor, writing speeches and buying plane tickets. Andrea, her sweet mom Alba, and I found Andrea a wedding dress and Andrea’s friends have planned a mini bachelorette for Friday night. We have never been so excited to celebrate love.
I have made this GoFundMe to assist with Andrea’s countless medical bills and the costs of all future treatments.
Thank you all in advance for your donations, your love, your thoughts and your prayers.
As another donation option - venmo @sammishap1 and I will make sure all proceeds go towards the cause.
Fundraising team: Andy’s team (4)
Samantha Shapiro
Organizer
Atlanta, GA
Andrea Harper
Beneficiary
Alicia Everitt
Team member
Karen Shapiro
Team member
Solemia Gainza
Team member