Orange County couple with dual cancer battles chooses life with their kids while facing death
ABC7 Los Angeles • • general
Key Points:
- Zak and Cori Salazar, a Mission Viejo couple with three young daughters, are both battling cancer simultaneously, with Zak diagnosed with terminal glioblastoma and Cori fighting pancreatic cancer for the second time.
- Despite the grim diagnoses, the couple focuses on providing a loving and safe environment for their children, using children's books about grief to facilitate open conversations about their situation.
- Zak's recent MRI showed a suspicious spot on his brain, prompting immediate chemotherapy, but a second opinion at MD Anderson Cancer Center revealed it was a false alarm, allowing him to stop treatment.
- Cori has engaged with death doula Alua Arthur's "Going with Grace" workshops to prepare for the dying process, emphasizing living fully in the present despite the uncertainty of their prognosis.
- The family finds strength in prayer and cherishes moments together, with their children offering emotional support during this challenging time.
