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Joey Cialkowski
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Andrew Hollitt was a man of strength and honor who lost his battle to cancer after a valiant fight.
"If I were stranded in the middle of nowhere and in serious trouble with only one call to make---I'd call Andy. And, he'd be there, no questions asked...I know beyond a shadow of a doubt he'd show up with a big grin on his face. He had a heart the size of Texas."
So remembers Dave Mabry of his best friend Andrew Hollitt, who lost a 16-month battle with cancer in January 2008 - just two weeks shy of his 35th birthday. Andrew's friends and family remember him as both a gifted leader and a loyal friend, noting a trademark passion and commitment he applied to everything he did. Whether serving in the Army's 3rd Infantry Division in Savannah, leading military recruiting for The Lucas Group, being a loving and devoted husband to his wife Amy, going fishing with the guys, or just enjoying a Saturday watching college football in his La-Z-Boy recliner, Andrew brought a spirit and warmth to life that touched everyone who knew him.
"Andrew was truly larger than life. In his nearly 35 years on this earth, he impacted so many peoples' lives in such a short period of time," recalls Andrew's wife, Amy. "He was so dynamic and charismatic – all wrapped in an extremely humble package – that you just couldn't help but want to always be around him and listen to what he had to say."
Never was that spirit more apparent than during Andrew's fight against cancer. Diagnosed with a brain tumor in September 2006 after terrible headaches brought him to the ER, Andrew instantly went on the offensive. He pursued aggressive treatments, determined to beat the cancer, and maintained an always-positive attitude throughout. In his online journal on CaringBridge.com, through which he kept friends and family updated, Andrew peppered the ups and downs of his condition with humor and prayer. And in his typical selfless way, he regularly deflected attention away from himself: asking people to stop sending him flowers; contacting friends who were themselves enduring hard times to offer support; and asking that those praying for him also pray for the service men and women fighting overseas. His own fight, he noted, was small and insignificant compared to theirs.
"We were so fortunate to call Andrew Hollitt our friend," said Chris Lopez, a friend who also is a volunteer for Family Reach Foundation. "About a month after Andrew's diagnosis, we found out that my wife's father was seriously ill. Andrew immediately sent Wendy a note of encouragement, letting her know that he and Amy were there for her. He was unbelievably generous that way, in every sense of the word."
For as long as possible, Andrew also remained incredibly active. Between chemotherapy sessions, he longed to return to the job he loved, and did so whenever possible. When he wasn't there, he encouraged and praised his colleagues via phone and email. Always committed to giving back, he also made a point to talk with other cancer patients and their families to give guidance and support, as well as participate in events in his local community, like the Dallas-Ft. Worth Angel Adventure 5K Walk to promote brain tumor education and research.
Andrew left behind his loving parents and sister, legions of admiring friends and colleagues, and his devoted wife Amy. Not to be forgotten is Andrew's adoring yellow Labrador, Texas, who continues to be a source of great comfort to Amy. "Tex" never left Andrew's side – and now, never lets Amy out of his sight.
Andrew's friends and family were inspired by his courage and commitment – and even as he was fighting, they began to donate to Andrew's cause through the Family Reach Foundation. They kept their donations anonymous, knowing that Andrew was as proud as he was strong. Today, donations continue to pour in to help other families in Andrew's name.
"Andrew and I were planners and planned for a rainy day, but we were never prepared for the storm that was before us," said Amy. "We will forever be grateful for the generosity that the Foundation gave to us during such a difficult time." |
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Pay tribute to a loved-one through Family Reach.
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"When you remember me, it means that you have carried something of who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on who you are...It means that even after I die, you can still see my face and hear my voice and speak to me in your heart..." - Frederick Buechner |
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