This is Andy.
And this is Andy.
I actually had these pictures saved on my computer because I've posted about him before. I didn't want to forget his story. He was incredibly talented (and beautiful). When the first season of Spartacus began with Andy in the lead, the show became an instant hit. It was Andy's big break and he was magnificent. Andy WAS Spartacus.
Then he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. The network delayed the start of the second season for him and for a while it looked like he was so badass even cancer would bow its head in defeat. Andy wasn't just fighting for himself but for his wife and their two small children. He went into remission but two months later the cancer came back. This time he didn't win. He was 39 years old.
He filmed a documentary of his struggle entitled 'Be Here Now'. It's a reminder to live fully in the present without fear of the future. It's a reminder to hold the people you love close and never give up, never stop fighting. Help to finish funding this documentary over at Kickstarter so Andy can tell the world his story and help others see what a truly remarkable person he was. And also so we can kick some serious cancer ass. Join the fight.
Writers are coming together for this cause. Kathy Bradey over at Once Upon A Time in Writer Land is repped by Suzie Townsend and hosting an auction to raise money. Several critiques are up for grabs by authors/editors. Check it out.
Also thanks to Katie Mills over at Creepy Query Girl for bringing this to my attention. Really, Katie. You're not that creepy.
It's nice to see people coming together for stuff like this and that the Dark Side of the Internet Force is not always too strong.
ReplyDeleteOh, how I loved Andy Whitfield as Spartacus. Such a sad story. Love that he had "Be Here Now" tattooed on his arm. *sniff*
ReplyDeleteWow I hadn't heard of this. What a loss. I didn't know his show but he was definitely beautiful. WHat a tragedy to think of him withering away. Thanks for sharing this and the links.
ReplyDeleteI remember being genuinely shocked that he died - he was so strong and virile! I hate cancer, have lost too many family members and friends to it. You're awesome for spotlighting this.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marsha! <3
ReplyDeleteI never watched this show, but I was very surprised to hear of his death. Isn't it crazy that someone who clearly took such physically good care of themselves could just get swept up by this disease? So tragic.
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