In honor of Sergio Andres Ardila
Who he was
Sergio Andres Ardila was 26 years old. A non-smoker, healthy, active — father of a 3-year-old boy named Mateo, and my partner for over 10 years. My partner in life.
His mission
Sergio was a financial security advisor. But beyond his profession, he had a mission: to help people.
He wanted to protect as many families as possible from financial nightmares, bankruptcies, and insecurity. To guide, support, and advise with humanity and authenticity. His goal was simple: to help people live stable, fulfilling, and secure lives.
He had an enormous heart.
His role as a father
He was present, involved, and fully committed.
He had infinite patience and unconditional love for Mateo. He was just beginning to teach him how to skate so they could play hockey together.
He had a thousand plans in mind: sports, travel, father-son adventures. He worked incredibly hard to give Mateo a rich life — rich in love, experiences, laughter, education, and happiness.
Then, everything changed.
A persistent cough, a dry throat, shortness of breath. At 26, you don’t think the worst. Antibiotics for pneumonia. The symptoms persisted. Back to the hospital. More antibiotics. Again and again.
Stage 4 lung cancer.
The tumour was already very advanced. Fluid had accumulated around his lungs. Two to three weeks after the diagnosis, he received his first chemotherapy treatment.
He passed away after that first treatment, from cardiac arrest.
Everything happened too fast.
What he left behind
Sergio left behind a 3-year-old little boy and a partner who became a single mother and a widow at 26. We had been together for over 10 years. I am now learning to live through the unthinkable.
What I am going through, I would not wish upon anyone. And I feel so heartbroken for him. He had so many plans. He never got to see his son grow up.
Before he passed, Sergio told me he was afraid people would forget him.
I want people to celebrate my birthday. – SERGIO ANDRES ARDILA
Today, on his birthday
Let’s celebrate Sergio together.
This fundraiser supports the Quebec Lung Association — to raise awareness, fund research, and hopefully spare other families from living what we have lived through.
Let’s make sure his story helps protect other lives.