July 31, 2007

Cancer survivor hosts fundraiser for Relay for Life
Treatment won't cancel Andrea Trujillo's casino night.
By JAIMEE LYNN FLETCHER
The Orange County Register

LA HABRA — When she found out she had cancer nine years ago she didn't cry and she didn't get angry.

Andrea Trujillo simply replied, "Whatever it is, make it quick. I have things to do," – a lighthearted response characteristic of her strong-willed and bubbly personality.

At the time, she was working on a double bachelor's degree at California State Fullerton and didn't want treatments to interfere with her school work.

In February 1998, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, a year later doctors discovered a brain tumor and in 2000, she was told she had breast cancer again.

Three consecutive years, three different cancers.

Yet, the La Habra resident bounced around the St. Jude Medical Cancer Center as if nothing were wrong – making friends with doctors and giving the nurses a chuckle.

"I would say this is like a second home to me, but I don't really want this to be like home," she said laughing.

For the past six years, Trujillo had been in remission and made it a point to reach out to individuals and families struggling with cancer.

She started a walk team for the Relay for Life in 2001, which is held in October at Sonora High School. "Andrea's Angels" proved to be a popular group for the fundraiser.

"It's a great event for family and friends," she said. "That's why I got into it."

But Trujillo wanted to take her contribution to the Relay for Life a step further and opted to organize her own fundraiser.

Last year, she hosted her first Casino Night at the La Habra Community Center to raise money for the charity.

Only 50 people showed up.

"I picked the wrong night," she said giggling. "It was opening night for high school football – bad choice."

This year she is confident the event will pull a larger crowd and, at $25 a head, she is hoping to make a substantial contribution.

However, organizing the event will be more of a physical challenge than Trujillo had expected.

After six years of being cancer-free, she was diagnosed a month ago for a fourth time. A hysterectomy revealed a cancerous tumor and she has gone back into treatment.

Five days a week, she visits St. Jude for chemo and radiation. Although she is finding she is a little more tired than usual, she is focused on her fundraiser and keeping a positive attitude.

"It is absolutely essential to keep a positive attitude," she said. "If you don't, time drags on."