By Patricia Schallert –
Born from both heartbreak and hope, the Andrea Grace Soter-Simonson Memorial Foundation was established in 2008 following Andrea’s courageous six-year battle with ovarian cancer. Known as Andrea’s Foundation, it was created by her husband, Clif Simonson, their children Christian and Olivia, and her father, Andy Soter, to honor her life and help others facing similar challenges.
Throughout Andrea’s illness, her family witnessed firsthand the overwhelming financial strain that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis – costs that extend far beyond medical bills. Determined to turn their grief into purpose, they founded the organization to support Ventura County families navigating cancer-related hardships, ensuring no one has to face these challenges alone.
“Andrea showed us what strength and compassion look like in the face of cancer,” said Olivia Simonson. “We knew her story couldn’t end there.”
The idea for the foundation took shape during a deeply emotional gathering held on what would have been Clif’s 50th birthday. Friends and family came together to celebrate Andrea’s life, and what began as a moment of remembrance evolved into a shared commitment: to honor her legacy through helping others. From that moment forward, Andrea’s Foundation became a lifeline for families in need.
Beyond its financial support, Andrea’s legacy is also reflected in a physical space within the community. At Marina Park, Soter Point stands as a tribute to her life and love for Ventura. Even during her illness, Andrea found peace in daily walks along the beach – an enduring connection to the place she called her “paradise.”
“The work we do is in her memory,” Olivia said. “Soter Point represents everything she loved about Ventura – the beauty, the community, and the sense of connection.”
Since its founding, the foundation has supported more than 600 families, distributing over $600,000 in grants. Assistance ranges from covering rent, utilities, and groceries to helping with transportation, car repairs, and medical-related needs. For some, even a modest grant can be life-changing.
The foundation serves a diverse cross-section of Ventura County, including children, seniors, underserved communities, and individuals facing housing insecurity. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in applicants from uninsured and immigrant communities, many of whom face additional barriers accessing care.
“Since our inception, we’ve seen the need continue to grow,” said Executive Director Patricia Perrine. “This year, we’ve received more applications from individuals without insurance than ever before.”
Andrea’s Foundation works closely with local healthcare providers, including Ventura County Medical Center, St. John’s hospitals, and Las Clinicas, to ensure patients are connected with available resources. Each application is carefully reviewed to verify need and provide timely assistance.
At its core, the foundation is built on a simple yet powerful idea: turning adversity into action. Clif Simonson describes it as “turning lemons into lemonade”—a philosophy that continues to guide the organization’s mission of compassion and service.
Today, Andrea’s Foundation stands as a testament to a life defined by kindness, strength, and generosity. Through the continued support of donors and the community, it offers hope and dignity to families facing some of life’s most difficult moments.
For more information or to donate, visit www.agssmemorialfoundation.org or email info@agssmemorialfoundation.org.
