Firefighter And Dad Of 2 Young Daughters Passes Away After Battling Cancer
Andy Valenta was a 33-year-old husband and father to 2 young daughters living in Carlsbad, California.
Andy worked for the Vista Fire Department as a firefighter and a pracademic, and he was a beloved part of his community.
“Andy is a boisterous member of the Vista Fire Family, touching the lives of all around him through his infectious smile, positivity, and compassion,” a GoFundMe page created for him and his family says.
On January 8th, Andy sadly learned that his cancer returned, and he was diagnosed as having stage 4 metastatic melanoma, also known as skin cancer.
The cancer that Andy was diagnosed with had ended up spreading to other organs in his body by the time doctors had caught it.
Facebook; Andy stands above with his wife Caylie and his 2 daughters in front of a fire truck
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“As many are aware, for the past few months Andy Valenta has been feeling ill, and unaware as to what exactly has been going on,” Andy’s loved ones explained.
“On January 8, he learned that he has stage 4 metastatic melanoma, and that it has already spread into many organs.”
“Days after discovering this, he was hospitalized in the ICU for a brain bleed secondary to the cancer. He has since returned home and has started very intense treatment.”
This past Sunday, Andy was at home with his family when he sadly lost his battle with cancer.
Facebook; Andy smiles in the above photo along with his family
“It is with heavy hearts and deepest sorrow that we must announce the passing of our Brother, Vista Firefighter Andy Valenta,” the Vista Fire Department wrote on social media.
“Andy was diagnosed with Stage Four Melanoma in January. The loss of Andy has left a gaping hole in the Fire community and although time may heal; his lasting impact and memory will never leave us. Rest Easy Brother. We’ll take it from here.”
Andy leaves behind his wife Caylie, and his two daughters; 4-year-old Lily and 2-year-old Grace.
You can donate to the GoFundMe created to help support Caylie, Lily, and Grace here.
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