When Maria Quiban Whitesell’s husband, Sean, was diagnosed with glioblastoma—a deadly and aggressive brain cancer—her world fell apart. Eighteen months later, she found herself a widow and a solo parent to their young son, Gus. In this powerful conversation, Maria shares the raw truth about navigating her husband’s illness, the impossible grief that followed, and how she learned to keep moving forward when it felt impossible. Now an advocate for brain cancer awareness and the author of You Can’t Do It Alone, Maria opens up about what she wishes she had known, the importance of community and mental health support, and how she’s helping others find their way through devastating loss.
Buy Maria’s Book, You Can’t Do It Alone: https://www.mariaquiban.com/my-writings/
Find Heather and Jake’s Help from Heaven:
❤️ APOY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceofyespodcast/
❤️ Heather’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/
❤️ Jake’s Help from Heaven: https://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/
❤️ Jake’s Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/
❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven
❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio
FIND HEATHER & JAKE’S HELP FROM HEAVEN ⬇️
❤️ Heather’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/
❤️ Jake’s Help from Heaven: https://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/
❤️ Jake’s Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/
❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven
❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast
Connect with us on social media:
• Heather’s Instagram
• Jake’s Help from Heaven
• Jake’s Help from Heaven IG
• Facebook
• Our YouTube Channel
Keep scrolling for the episode transcript.
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Marcy lost her 14-year-old son Andy suddenly in a car accident when they were on a family outing. This episode documents her grief journey.
Q&A With Brian, Jake’s Dad
Join Heather and Brian in a personal Q&A session as they navigate the grief of losing their son, Jake, at just four years old.



