Andrea’s Foundation

Direct Support. Real Relief. Lasting Hope.

The Andrea Grace Soter-Simonson Memorial Foundation provides direct financial assistance and access to resources to families challenged by cancer in Ventura County.

WHAT WE DO​

Andrea’s Foundation provides financial support and resources to individuals and families battling cancer in Ventura County

Since 2008, Andrea’s Foundation has delivered financial support to families challenged by cancer. These grants help cover urgent needs from basic living expenses to treatment-related costs so cancer patients can focus on healing.

950+

Families helped since 2008

$737K+​

Total grant amount rewarded

78%​

Of grant recipients used their grant for a medical expense

TESTIMONIALS

Meaningful Impact

GRANTS & RESOURCES

Andrea’s Foundation provides direct financial assistance and connection to resources to individuals and families battling cancer in Ventura County, California. Please see our application portal for additional details on how to apply and our grant evaluation process. Visit our Resources page for list of organizations to provide additional support.

Our Legacy

In 2008, Andrea Grace Soter-Simonson lost her 6-year battle with cancer. She left behind a legacy of love for her work, family, and community that is embodied in the mission of Andrea’s Foundation.

Soter Point:
A Moving Tribute

Soter Point at Marina Park in Ventura was founded in Andrea’s Memory. Today, the mermaid at Soter point represents Andrea’s Foundation, tying together the monument with the non-profit work conducted in her name.

STATEMENTS OF NEED

Our Contributions

Help Create Real Relief

A cancer diagnosis affects every part of a person’s life, not just their health, but their ability to work, provide for their family, and maintain basic stability. For many of the individuals and families we serve, treatment comes with overwhelming financial pressure, especially as everyday expenses continue to rise.

Veronica

Veronica has been battling breast cancer for over a decade. Last year, she was diagnosed with metastatic cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. The stress of the diagnosis resulted in the termination of her marriage. She is suffering from stress and depression because of the uncertainty of her future.


Andrea’s Foundation provided Veronica with a grant to cover her medical bills and give her hope in these challenging times.

Briana

Briana has brain cancer. She and her husband have 6 children — 3 of them are under 5 years old. Because of her treatment, she will be unable to work for nearly two months. With the financial pressure of treatment and caring for her family, Briana asked for assistance paying utilities for fear they would be turned off.


Andrea’s Foundation gave Briana a grant to pay for her family’s utility bills.

Daniel

Daniel is single and lives on his own. He has also been diagnosed with prostate cancer. While he undergoes chemotherapy, he is unable to work and therefore has no income. He asked Andrea’s Foundation for assistance with daily living expenses, including utilities, car insurance, personal needs, phone, and mortgage payments.

Andrea’s Foundation showed up — providing a grant that Daniel can use to cover his basic living expenses while he fights his cancer battle.

Kailee

Kailee is a young single woman with Hodgkins Lymphoma. Her chemotherapy treatments will last 6 months, and she is unable to work while she receives treatment. Kailee asked for help with her living expenses, car payment, and student loans.

Reality doesn’t stop when you have cancer. Andrea’s Foundation provided Kailee with a grant to cover her expenses while she receives treatment.

OUR PROGRAMS & FUNDS​

Supporting Families Challenged by Cancer in Ventura County

Bountiful Blessings


Each year, Andrea’s Foundation provides Thanksgiving meal cards to the oncology patients at Ventura County Medical Center.

Hope for the Holidays


Andrea’s Foundation collaborates with a local business to provide Christmas trees, decorations, and gift cards to our grant recipients during the holidays.


Relief in Reach


Our ongoing Relief in Reach program includes a fund for helping our grant recipients with daily living expenses, including gift cards for gas, groceries, and necessities. It also includes access to other local organizations that provide support with housing, food, cancer support, wigs, and more.

Medical Costs Fund


Financial assistance is provided to help families manage expenses such as treatments, medications, co-pays, and specialist visits. Your donation helps ease the financial strain so patients can focus on their health and recovery.

Cost of Living Fund


Cancer impacts every aspect of daily life. Our grants help cover urgent needs like rent, utilities, and transportation during treatment, offering stability during times of uncertainty.


Food Fund


Access to nutritious food is essential during cancer treatment. We help families cover grocery and meal costs so patients can maintain proper nutrition and strength throughout appointments, treatments, and recovery without added financial stress.

Learn more about our programs and funds.

Our programs and funds address the specific needs of the cancer patients in our community.

OUR TEAM

Leadership & Board of Directors

Pat Perrine, MBA

Executive Director

Clifton Simonson

President
Andrea’s Husband

Olivia Simonson, Esq.

Vice President
Andrea’s Daughter

Christian Simonson

Andrea’s Son​

Mark Patterson, PhD

.

Dr. Dean Smith, MD

.

Nicholas Sullivan, Esq.

Ann Drescher

.

Curtis Warn

Claire Jenks

.

David Chatfield, Esq.

Terrie Longo

.​

Darlene Compton

ANNUAL REPORT 2024