Andy Valenta spent 11 years as a firefighter for the City of Vista Fire Department in San Diego, CA. It was without a doubt his calling in life. He was a hero to his community and to his family.

With very little warning, Andy was diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma in January of 2021. It was discovered that dozens of tumors had spread through his body. Less than four months later, he lost his battle with occupational cancer. Andy leaves behind his wife, Caylie, and their two young daughters.

AVMF was created to raise awareness within fire departments and to help provide annual skin cancer screenings to firefighters. These men and women dedicate their lives to service, risking their lives for their communities. The Foundation will strive to prevent the needless loss of life to occupational melanoma.

A fate like Andy’s may be preventable for other firefighters if detected early. We hope to help as many fire families as possible in avoiding the nightmare that we have endured.

Andy’s story, as told by his caregiver Caylie Valenta, has been shared by the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.