Birth date: Jun 27, 1999 Death date: Sep 10, 2023
Andrew “Drew” John Cunningham, son, brother, grandson, nephew, hero, 24, passed away September 10, 2023 in Boulder, CO. He was born and raised in Syracuse, NY. Andrew dealt with the effects of something called multi-core myopathy Read Obituary
I just learned of Andrew's passing. He used to come watch the Bills games with our Backers group here in Boulder. Andrew was a great dude to hang with and I even had the pleasure of changing out his battery several times. I only really communicated with him on Twitter and I just researched him after not seeing or hearing from him for a while.He will truly be missed by all of us here. He really loved the Bills just like the rest of us. GO ANDREW! GO BILLS!
Although we didn’t know Drew personally, we felt we knew him through our daughter Sydney, one of his caregivers in Boulder and the many stories she shared with us about him. We are so grateful for the love and friendship that Drew shared with his Boulder family. He had such a positive impact and even left life lessons about caring for and even sometimes losing those we choose to connect with on our journeys. Thank you for all the laughter and memories Andrew shared with our daughter. From our family to your family, our hearts are with you!
I had the pleasure of teaching Andrew for a General Biology class at OCC and will forever remember his smile, humor, kindness, and love for learning. His determination in the lab to not let being in a wheelchair define him or restrict his ability to participate was a life lesson for us all that semester. I am very sorry to hear of his passing but know that the world has one incredible angel looking down on us. Thank you for sharing your love for life, Andrew.
-Maryann Page
Dear Cunningham family,
While we have been largely out of touch from our chemical engineering days at the University of Rochester, just reading about Drew lends me to believe that you passed down to him all the gifts that life has to offer - especially the joy of being on a team and/or rooting for another. We send you our love and prayers,
George & Karen Gomba
Dear Tom, Judy, Tommy and Ali, I remember Andrew and Tommy fondly from Bellevue Heights Nursery School where I worked as a special education teacher for a few years. My children went to Westhill as well and I have heard news of Andrew from time to time throughout the years. I want to express my deepest sympathies for your great loss and also commend you for the amazing job you did advocating for and supporting Andrew in so many endeavors and adventures. You were all as much a gift to him as he to you. May your love for each other and the support of friends and family help comfort you. Best, Maripat Murphy
Judy and family. What an amazing young man Drew was. I didn't know him personally but met briefly through Jonathan's connection. He was an extraordinary young man as were you as his mom. My heart breaks for you and your family as your mourn this loss. Denise Foeder
I first met Andrew when he came to class as a freshman and learned very quickly exactly how competitive he was. We would watch ESPN in the morning during football season, while working out of course, and his knowledge of players and the game amazed me. He occasionally had “suggestions” for me during football season. He would have plays drawn up and most of them were pretty good.
Andrew shined on the soccer field. When I first saw him play I was taken aback at how skilled Andrew was at controlling the ball with his chair. From that point on I was hooked and enjoyed watching him play.
Andrew’s sense of humor always kept me on my toes. One day he said he wanted to play ping pong. It was pretty funny, he came out with safety glasses and a paddle and said “who serves first?”
Andrew became more than a student with unique abilities, he became a good friend and inspiration to me. You will certainly be missed.
RIP my friend
Gary
Tom, Judy and family, our family grieve with you for the loss of Andrew. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We are grateful to have been a small part of his life.
So many great memories! When I close my eyes I can see young versions of Andrew, Tommy, Ali, and Alex playing in our yard, driving decorated Crazy Coups, and running lemonade stands. I can hear them singing "Down by the Bay" loudly, as they were swinging or climbing on the play set. I can see their smiles as they discovered tadpoles swimming in a big puddle. Throughout all of these childhood memories, Andrew was not defined by his illness. He fought his multicore myopathy with such courage and perseverance. Andrew told us all to "Reach for the moon, because even if you miss, you land among the stars." What an amazing young man.
I never met Andrew but heard so much about him from my friend and Andrew’s Aunt Peg. She always talked about how much he enjoyed power soccer and how good he was at it and how much she enjoyed watching him play. May he be at peace and his family lifted up in the love of our Father. So very sorry for your loss and much love. Mary Kay Hilty
I feel blessed to have been able to grow up next door to Andrew and the Cunningham family. I even remember the day Andrew and Tommy were born! Andrew, you will be missed.
To the Cunningham family, I’m terribly sorry for your loss. My family and I are praying for you during this difficult time.
In Him,
Adam Jannetti (and Rhonda, Ethan, Henry, and Hazel)
