Orange County Couple Facing Dual Cancer Battles Chooses Life with Kids

Mission Viejo family with three young daughters navigates terminal diagnoses and ongoing treatment with resilience and gratitude.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:04am

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A Mission Viejo couple, Zak and Cori Salazar, are both battling cancer while raising their three young daughters. Zak has a terminal glioblastoma diagnosis, while Cori is fighting pancreatic cancer for the second time. Despite the dire circumstances, the family is focused on making the most of each day and involving their children in the process of facing mortality.

Why it matters

This story highlights the immense challenges and emotional toll that families face when both parents are diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. It sheds light on the importance of open communication, resilience, and cherishing the present moment when confronted with the prospect of losing a loved one.

The details

Zak Salazar was first diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, in 2023. Shortly after, Cori Salazar was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and then later discovered she had a slow-growing form of pancreatic cancer. Despite the ongoing medical challenges, the Salazar family is determined to make the most of their time together, involving their three young daughters in conversations about grief and mortality.

  • In 2023, Zak Salazar was diagnosed with glioblastoma and Cori Salazar was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
  • A routine scan later revealed that Cori also had a slow-growing form of pancreatic cancer.
  • Zak recently received concerning news about a potential new spot on his brain, but a second opinion at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston revealed it was a false alarm.

The players

Zak Salazar

A 39-year-old father of three who is battling terminal glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer.

Cori Salazar

Zak's wife, a 39-year-old mother of three who is fighting pancreatic cancer for the second time after previously being treated for thyroid cancer.

Luna Salazar

The Salazar's 4-year-old daughter who is navigating the emotional challenges of her parents' illnesses.

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What they’re saying

“What happens to the girls if we both go? These are not conversations 39-year-old parents should be having.”

— Zak Salazar

“The thought of me not being around for them, or both of us not being around for them, was really scary.”

— Cori Salazar

“What we don't know is how we'll die. We cannot change that trajectory, but what we can do is spend our time today living like we're going to die, which will invite us into a greater presence in our lives today.”

— Alua Arthur, Author and Death Doula

What’s next

The Salazar family will continue to navigate Zak's terminal glioblastoma diagnosis and Cori's ongoing pancreatic cancer treatment, focusing on making the most of each day and involving their three young daughters in the process.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking yet inspiring story highlights the power of resilience, gratitude, and open communication in the face of unimaginable adversity. The Salazar family's commitment to living fully and cherishing their time together, even as they confront the prospect of losing a parent, serves as a powerful reminder to appreciate the present moment.