A California couple was met with unfortunate news when both of them were diagnosed with cancer just months apart of each other. Zak and Cori Salazar are parents of three. Though up against such a challenge, they are hoping to inspire others with their story.
Both the parents are 38 years old. The mom, Cori, was the first to receive her diagnosis. Back in March, she and Zak noticed a large growth in her neck. After undergoing a biopsy, she was daignosed with thyroid cancer.
Cori went on to have the mass removed in two separate surgeries. After the first one, doctors noticed that she had an aggressive form of thyroid cancer, so she was asked to come back for a second procedure where they removed more of the mass and some of her lymph nodes.
While Cori was recovering from her surgeries, Zak would receive his own cancer diagnosis. He went to get an updated prescription for his glasses, and during his ocular exam, he was asked if he experienced headaches.
"Yeah. I do, actually. They're horrible," Zak answered. That's when the ophthalmologist told him that his optic nerves were swollen in both eyes, so she advised him to see a retina specialist right away. The specialist wanted him to have an emergency MRI done right away.
On that same day, Zak was told that a large mass was found in the right frontal lobe of his brain. He was admitted to the hospital right away, and by the following Monday, was having brain surgery to remove to tumor.
He was diagnosed with a “fast-growing type” of tumor known as a grade 4 astrocytoma. According to doctors, the life expectancy for such a diagnosis is about 12 to 18 months. But Zak is focused on beating the odds and surviving his cancer.
“It's not until real life and hardship happens that you learn about yourself, and about life, and people around you, and about God,” Zak shared. The couple expressed their gratitude for the support they have received. Over $217,000 has been raised so far via a GoFundMe in support of the family.
Zak and Cori shared that the money is helping them support their family during this time, covering needs such as rent, diapers, wipes, food, child care, preschool, and other basic needs. They also expressed that the funds will be used as a safety net for the future, just in case, according to Zak. "Should the worst happen, we need to know that the girls are taken care of, and Cori's going to be taken care of."
