The heartbreaking story of Zak and Cori Salazar first gained attention in 2023 when Zak was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a terminal form of brain cancer, and Cori with thyroid cancer, which required immediate surgery.
Then, in February 2025, doctors discovered a spot on Cori’s pancreas, leading to the removal of her spleen and part of her pancreas. In November 2025, an MRI indicated new tumors had formed in Zak’s brain—but after launching into a new round of chemotherapy, that diagnosis proved to be a false alarm.
Despite everything they’ve faced, the Salazars remain determined to stay strong for their daughters. Their story of grace in the face of tremendous hardship was most recently featured on ABC 7’s Eyewitness News and in publications as far away as New Zealand.
Donations to assist the Salazar family can be made at their GoFundMe page.
