Secure Owen's Future: Honoring Andrea's Legacy

Introduction

We are devastated to announce that Andrea Sharbutt, a beloved mother, wife, sister, friend, and daughter, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 37 on 09/06/2024. She is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband, Dan, and their 7-month-old son, Owen.

The Story

Andrea possessed a natural motherly instinct from the moment she was born. She always played a supportive role in the lives of those around her. Andrea's captivating personality made everyone she met feel like they had gained a lifelong friend and confidant. Her positive aura could instantly brighten up any room or situation. She was selfless and would readily give someone the shirt off her back. Andrea was the lifeblood of her home, and this caring nature extended to her friends, family, and co-workers.

Andrea started her career in healthcare as a certified nurse assistant at a local nursing home. She later moved to the VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, continuing her work as a CNA while pursuing her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse. She found her true calling in the Emergency Room during her clinicals, receiving numerous awards and recognition for her kindness and dedication from patients and staff. Andrea furthered her education by obtaining a master's degree and took pride in mentoring her co-workers and providing education at the VA. In addition to her work, she was an active EMT and volunteered in Big Bend. Andrea felt fortunate to have found a career that was her true passion.

Not only was she a successful nurse, but she was also a fantastic wife and mother. Andrea and Dan met when they were both in high school and were high school sweethearts. They married on June 14, 2014, and began their life together. Andrea had always dreamed of becoming a mother. Despite some challenges, she and Dan welcomed their son, Owen, into the world prematurely on February 3, 2024. Andrea and Dan spent every waking moment with their son in the NICU. During her pregnancy with Owen, a routine scan at Aurora West Allis Medical Center revealed an ovarian cyst. After Owen was able to return home from the NICU, Andrea pursued treatment for the cyst, which turned out to be ovarian cancer. Andrea was diagnosed in May of 2024.

Andrea is often described as one of the strongest individuals someone has ever met, both physically and mentally. She displayed incredible grit, passion, and perseverance when confronted with a challenging situation, which ultimately marked the beginning of the end. Although the first four biopsies didn't provide a precise diagnosis, she began chemotherapy to slow down the cancer's progression. Unfortunately, the cancer spread from her ovaries to one of her lungs. A biopsy of the new lung tumor confirmed a diagnosis of small-cell ovarian cancer. Andrea's chemotherapy was adjusted to target this more aggressive type of cancer. The treatment was very intense to combat the rapidly growing cancer. Still, it left her weakened and unable to fight off the disease. Andrea lost the fight with cancer on 09/06/2024, leaving her family and friends devastated and lost.

Everyone Andrea has encountered throughout her life is grateful for their relationship with her and is a better human being for knowing her.

Why We Need Your Help

Now that Andrea is no longer with us, Owen will face many emotional and financial challenges. Owen will never have the chance to know his mother, who was an amazing person. We know that Andrea can never be replaced, but we are creating this page to ensure that Owen will have everything he needs. The initial funds raised will go towards Owen's education, specifically into a college fund that he will receive when he comes of age. Any additional funds will help cover Andrea's funeral expenses, and any remaining funds will be donated to Ovarian Cancer Research and Awareness in Andrea's honor.

When you donate to this cause, you can receive a Purvida bracelet in honor of Andrea. This bracelet symbolizes Andrea's strength and resilience in her battle against ovarian cancer. If interested, please email with your shipping address.

Thank You

We are deeply touched by any support you can offer, whether through donations or by sharing this page with others who may be able to help. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to us during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.