'I'm not wasting a second’: Parents diagnosed with cancer at the same time

"I feel like my eyes are open for the very first time, and I’m fully awake and aware of what life is all about,” the father of three young girls said after his devastating diagnosis.

Parents Zak and Cori Salazar are facing the unimaginable task of raising three young daughters while each battling their own fight against cancer.

The California parents were diagnosed with cancer just months apart from each other earlier this year.

The 38-year-old mum received her bad news first, finding out she had an aggressive type of thyroid cancer after noticing a growth on her neck in March.

She went on to have surgery on June 6 to remove the mass and lymph nodes.

Just weeks later, while reeling from the life-changing discovery, her husband’s world got turned upside down.

On June 28, Zak was diagnosed with an eight-centimetre malignant brain tumour. 

His devastating diagnosis came while Cori was still recovering from her treatment, and unable to lift their three children, Juniper, 4, Delaney, 3, and Luna, 18 months.

Zak and Cori Salazar with their three daughters. Source: GoFundMe.

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Eye doctor visit led to cancer diagnosis

Zak’s cancer was discovered when he saw an eye doctor about new prescription glasses, and was told his optic nerves were swollen. He was referred to a specialist who sent him for an emergency MRI.

After the procedure, Zak learned he had “a large mass” in the right frontal lobe of his brain, and had brain surgery days later to remove it. 

It was then discovered he had one of the most aggressive, and fastest growing brain tumours, glioblastoma multiforme.

The dad-of-three has been told the tumour is not curable, and has been given a life expectancy of 12 to 18 months.

However he is determined to beat and survive the insidious disease.

RELATED: This brave boy is fighting for brain cancer cure after losing his brother

Zak and Cori Salazar were diagnosed with cancer months apart from each other. Source: Instagram.

"Financial stability has been severely compromised"

Zak will start a six-week regimen of chemotherapy in August, while Cori has to do blood testing every three to six weeks to make sure her cancer doesn’t return.

A GoFundMe page set up to support the family through their health battle has raised more than $AUD350,000.

The page explains that without disability benefits, and the parents not working, the family’s “financial stability has been severely compromised”.

 “The burden of rent, medical bills, and the pressing need to secure their children's basic needs weigh heavily on Cori and Zak's hearts,” the fundraiser states.

“Your contributions will provide much-needed relief to Zak and his family, alleviating the financial burdens that threaten their stability during this challenging time."

Speaking to People magazine, Zak said the funds would also be “safety net for the future.

“Should the worst happen, we need to know that the girls are taken care of, and Cori's going to be taken care of," Zak says.

"I feel like my eyes are open for the very first time"

The dad-of-three also shared that he felt like his diagnosis had saved his life in a way.  

"I feel like my eyes are open for the very first time, and I’m fully awake and aware of what life is all about,” Zak says.

“From here on out, every additional second that I get to spend with my family — with my wife, my girls, and the people I love — is a total and absolute gift."

“I don’t intend on wasting a single second."

Originally published as 'I'm not wasting a second’: Parents diagnosed with cancer at the same time