In Memory of Andrew Acalinovich: Help His Family

On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, we lost the most loving and caring husband, dad, son, and friend - Andrew Acalinovich. In early August, Andrew was diagnosed with Leukemia after experiencing light fevers, shortness of breath and some coughing. A day after his initial diagnosis he was admitted into the City of Hope Duarte under the care of their Hematology department. His medical team proceeded to create a plan of care as his condition became increasingly complicated. Andrew's mutation of Leukemia was rare and more drug resistant than others.

In late August, Andrew was able to briefly come home from the hospital to be with his family and continue outpatient treatment, but in early September Andrew was admitted once again to City of Hope with a fever that he couldn't shake. He finished 21 straight days of chemotherapy and despite the daily fevers, Andrew otherwise felt strong and was on the road to remission. He formed bonds with the incredible medical team and nurses on Unit A. He continued daily walks within the hospital and to the rose garden at City of Hope and kept up communication with friends and family. Biopsies continued to show that the chemotherapy was working and very little leukemia was left in his body. His medical team was confident that one more round of chemo would knock out the disease for good and Andrew would be on his way to a transplant. Andrew only made it to day 13 of the 21-day plan before a secondary issue - a rare autoimmune response began causing severe disruption to his lung function. On October 21, Andrew was placed on life sustaining interventions to ease the physical strain on his body. After two days, Andrew passed in the loving company of his wife, Kaitlynn, and Aria was able to say goodbye to her Daddy. Kaitlynn, Aria, Joey, and Andrew's mother are surrounded by the support of family and cherished friends.

Many of you have reached out asking for ways to show your love and support for Andrew and for Kaitlynn, Aria (6), and Joey (3), so this GoFundMe has been set up as a way to do that. Please do not feel obligated to donate; if you would like to, know that all funds will be provided directly to Kaitlynn and her children. At this time, we are not hosting a meal train to minimize food volume and to support Aria and Joey's meal preferences.