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.
Checkout our other episodes
How Adaptive Equipment Changed My Son’s Life
“It wasn’t just a bike—it was the first time Leo could ride alongside his siblings. That moment changed everything. With the Chill-Out Chair, he’s comfortable at home, at school, everywhere. These tools gave him more than mobility. They gave him a way to be part of the world.”
Gabby Petito’s Moms on “Surviving” Mother’s Day
“The world knows Gabby’s name, but they don’t know what it’s like to wake up every day without her. Birthdays, holidays, Mother’s Day—nothing feels the same. We miss her laugh. Her light. Everything. And there are things we wish we’d said, things we’ll always carry.”
How I Cope with My Son’s Birthday Now That He’s Gone
“His birthday is coming, and my whole body feels it. People think grief fades with time, but these days—birthdays, anniversaries—they hit just as hard. I should be planning a party. Instead, I’m learning how to survive another year without him.”