Parents of 3 open up about facing cancer together at the same time
ABC News • • health
Key Points:
- Zak and Cori Salazar, a couple from Mission Viejo, California, are simultaneously battling cancer while raising their three young daughters and working full-time.
- Cori was first diagnosed with thyroid cancer in April 2023 and later discovered to have a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor in March 2025, while Zak was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor in June 2023 after an eye exam led to emergency surgery.
- Despite their health challenges, the couple has grown stronger, adopting the motto "We can do hard things together" and openly discussing cancer with their children after consulting a child psychologist.
- Both are undergoing ongoing treatments and monitoring, with Cori on thyroid medication and regular imaging, and Zak on daily medication for his astrocytoma with frequent MRIs.
- Their friends have launched a fundraiser to support the family, which has raised over half of its $650,000 goal, and the couple encourages others to stay hopeful, present, and to ask for help when needed.
