“I was really excited, I've been wanting to go forever,” Andrea shared. 

When the opportunity finally came, it wasn’t just a trip, it was the realization of a lifelong wish.  

Born with cardiomyopathy, Andrea’s family knew from the start that her life would be different. Her father, Adolfo and her older sister both carry the same condition and underwent heart transplants, so the family understood early on that Andrea might one day face similar challenges.  

In 2023, Andrea received her new heart, a milestone that brought hope but also new hurdles. Post-surgery complications led to Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD), requiring six months of chemotherapy.

Alongside physical challenges like fatigue, limited ability to exercise and medication side effects, Andrea faced the emotional weight of trauma and uncertainty.

For her parents, this trip to Korea was more than sightseeing; it was a celebration of resilience. They stayed near the bustling Myeongdong Shopping Street, where K-Pop played in every shop and where Andrea immersed herself in the culture she loves.

Highlights of the trip included a visit to a radio station where Andrea had the chance to dub an animated video. The family also explored iconic landmarks such as Seoul Tower and the DMZ, crossed a suspension bridge and rode a cable car up a mountain. Even simple discoveries, like a ramen bar inside a 7-Eleven, topped Andrea’s list of favorite experiences.

For her parents, watching Andrea smile was hard to describe.

“When you go on a trip like this, for us as parents, it means the world,” Adolfo shared. “We know what she’s been through. We know everything she’s had to overcome to get to this place. There were times when we just sat back in a huge crowd, trying not to cry, because this wish was so special."