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Couple Fights Cancer Together While Raising Young Daughters
8 Apr
Summary
- A couple is concurrently battling cancer while raising three young daughters.
- The wife was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, then the husband with a brain tumor.
- They actively discuss cancer and death with their children after psychologist consultation.
Zak and Cori Salazar, a couple from Mission Viejo, California, are simultaneously navigating cancer diagnoses while raising their three young daughters. Cori's journey began in April 2023 with a thyroid tumor diagnosis, followed by a second surgery in June 2023. While she was recovering, Zak was diagnosed with an aggressive grade 4 astrocytoma brain tumor after experiencing severe headaches.
In March 2025, Cori received a new diagnosis of a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor during an examination for kidney stones. Despite these profound health challenges, the Salazars find strength in their unity, adopting the motto, "We can do hard things together." They have also sought support from a child psychologist to help them discuss cancer and mortality openly with their daughters.
Currently, Cori manages her slow-growing pancreatic tumor with daily thyroid medication and regular imaging. Zak continues treatment for his astrocytoma with daily medication and regular MRIs. They encourage others to find joy in the present, laugh through adversity, and crucially, to ask for help when needed. A community-driven online fundraiser has been established to support the family, surpassing 59% of its $650,000 goal.
