Jill Lulay's life took a devastating turn in 2009 when her 38-year-old husband was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma brain cancer. Just a year later, Jill received her own diagnosis of a non-cancerous meningioma brain tumor. Despite the challenges they faced, Jill and her family persevered.
In 2011, Jill's husband's cancer recurred, and he underwent an eight-hour surgery that removed almost the entire right side of his brain. Though he was left paralyzed on his left side after the surgery, the family stayed strong for their 12-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter.
Unfortunately, the cancer returned and took Jill's husband from them on September 10, 2012. Jill was left to raise her children alone and struggled with the deep pain of loss. Her son, in particular, was hit hard by the loss of his father and battled depression and suicidal thoughts. Despite her best efforts to help him, he tragically took his own life on November 14, 2021.
Now, Jill and her daughter are left to carry on without their beloved Zachary Austin Charley. They hold each other close and cherish their memories of him every day.
Jill's story is one of immense bravery and perseverance in the face of overwhelming tragedy. She has shown that it's possible to find strength in the midst of pain and loss.
Her advice to others is to never give up on life and to seek support from those around you. Even when it feels like no one could possibly understand what you're going through, there is always someone who cares and is willing to help.
In loving memory of Zachary Austin Charley 10/26/1999 - 11/14/2021
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