Andy’s Angels initially started as a social site by a dear friend named Rabiah Burk as a kind gesture of support. On April 5, 2022, I was to have what my friends and family thought was a quick surgery to remove colon cancer and I would subsequently be on my way to living life to the fullest, as I always had.

Sadly, after severe complications and spending 243 consecutive days in the hospital, and other medical and rehab facilities, I was finally released to my home on November 27, 2022 with a terminal diagnosis. I was told on Thanksgiving Day that the cancer had metastasized to Stage 4 Liver Cancer. The doctors indicated that I had approximately 3-5 weeks to live because I was too weak to survive any surgeries, let alone chemo and radiation, and released me to Hospice care. The Hospice staff advised me that they would make me as comfortable as possible and hoped I could make it to Christmas.

When I came home, I was overwhelmed and excited to see a beautiful, fully decorated, freshly cut, Christmas Tree in the corner of my condo. The way this happened was Rabiah was at another friend’s house, Craig Waldenmeier, at the exact moment his tree arrived from a Ponte Vedra church tree lot. They asked if they could purchase a tree for a friend in hospice. The tree guys not only insisted on donating the tree, but immediately cut a tree, followed them to my place and set it up. Another good friend, Susan Glaize, arrived with decorations and lights. In spite of being released home to hospice, my home was magical. It kept me positive and truly uplifted my spirit and soul throughout the Holidays.

That is when Kathryn (Kat) McCollum spearheaded the idea that Andy’s Angels should become a tree-gifting holiday event. Her idea was, with the help of Andy’s Angels they could memorialize me (Andy) and in my name, donate fully decorated Christmas Trees to folks in Hospice and/or struggling families in need of Holiday cheer.

Fortunately, in January, following what I thought was my last Christmas, I became strong enough to come out of hospice and begin treatment. I never thought I’d still be alive to write about this. It truly takes a (Christmas) village. (Maybe that is why they call it the tree of life?)

So, our goal is to provide Christmas Trees to those in need of Christmas cheer, hope and happiness during the holiday season.

We have partnered with The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, V’s Pizza V for Victory, Hospice of Florida, Angie's Subs, Lone Warrior Foundation, and other local charities to assist with locating recipients for our tree giving event. Collectively our goal is to help as many recipients as possible who are fighting cancer this holiday season. I would greatly appreciate any and all support and assistance for anyone who would like to participate or contribute to this magical holiday event. We currently are in need of Christmas trees, poinsettia’s, tree stands, delivery vehicles, and decorators.

Thank you,
Andy