Cancer on Zonk Media

I'm 52. My Childhood Friend Died. I'm Dreading the Funeral & Don't Have the Words

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

At 52 years old, I’m facing something I’ve been dreading: the funeral of a childhood friend who recently lost her battle with pancreatic cancer. This isn’t just about saying goodbye to someone from my past—it’s about confronting the weight of loss and the reality that people from your formative years aren’t going to be around forever. What’s hitting me hardest isn’t just the sadness itself, though that’s definitely overwhelming. It’s the feeling of being completely at a loss for words. How do you sum up a lifelong friendship? How do you express grief that feels too big to articulate? I’m heading to this celebration of life knowing I’ll probably struggle to find the right things to say, and that uncertainty is adding to the heaviness I’m carrying into this.

Someone Watched Adam the Woo During Chemo. It Changed How I Think About This Channel.

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

When my wife Rachel was going through breast cancer treatment, I used to sit in the oncology center and watch the other patients. Everyone was looking for an escape, and I always wondered what they were watching on their phones or tablets. I wondered if I ever started a vlog, what kind of content could I offer someone sitting in that chair, going through one of the toughest challenges of their lives. I never really had an answer to that question, until my own comment section provided it. In this video, I share what I learned from the people who found my channel and connected with the content, and how Adam the Woo’s videos meant so much to them during their own difficult journeys. As a creator, it’s a powerful reminder that the simple things we love to share can make a bigger difference than we ever realize. Rachel is now cancer-free, and we’re grateful every day. But the lessons I learned from those patients in the oncology center will stay with me forever. Sometimes, the most meaningful impact we can have is simply by being ourselves and talking about what we’re passionate about.

Our New Subscribers, Tom Wilson in Simi Valley, Health Checks and a Joyful Simi Valley Reunion

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

Wow, what an exciting time for my personal vlog! Our subscriber count just keeps growing, and I can hardly believe it. It’s so rewarding to know that more and more people are tuning in to see the videos my wife Rachel and I create. We love interacting with all of you wonderful viewers in the comments - it truly makes this whole vlogging journey even more fulfilling. In this video, we cover a lot of ground. From my daughter’s not-so-happy day at school to my morning Huel routine (which almost led to a hilarious call to KROQ!), it’s clear that life in the Wilson household is always eventful. But the real highlight was our trip to Simi Valley, where we got to hang out with YouTube star Tom Wilson and run into our favorite bartender. And of course, we couldn’t leave without checking in with the team at Kaiser Permanente for an important health update on Rachel’s cancer journey. Through it all, we feel so grateful for the love and support of our growing community.

A Cancer Journey & Adam the Woo's Celebration of Life Changed Us - This Is Why We Vlog

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

Wow, I’m still in shock over the incredible response to my last video. My wife Rachel and I never expected it to reach over 10,000 views and gain us hundreds of new subscribers. We’re so grateful and humbled by the support. As our new viewers get to know us, I want to make sure you understand that we’re not your typical vloggers. We’re not going to be taking you on Disney adventures or exploring abandoned locations like our friend Adam the Woo, who we recently honored at his Celebration of Life. Instead, our focus is on cherishing every moment we have left on this planet. Rachel’s cancer journey and Adam’s passing have really put life into perspective for us. We want to share our gratitude for simply being alive and inspire others to do the same. So while the content might be a bit different from what you’re used to, we hope you’ll stick around and join us on this meaningful journey. We can’t wait to connect with more of you and celebrate life together.

Here's What Inspired Me to Vlog Instead of Worrying About Dying.

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

I headed out for a much-needed haircut and used the drive to talk about something heavy that’s been on my mind for most of 2025: death. It started with a close friend being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which stirred up the grief from losing another friend about ten years ago, right after he turned 40. Then my wife Rachel was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer, and that was when it really hit home that we’re all here on borrowed time, even the people closest to me. I know death is a reality. I’m just paralyzed by it, and that fear bleeds into my family life and my work.

Adam the Woo's Celebration of Life is SOLD OUT -- Wish I Could Go!

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

We’re in the car on the way to the Pantages Theater, and I couldn’t stop thinking about Adam the Woo, so I decided to talk about it on the drive. This channel exists because of the inspiration I got from him. He was a vlogger who did his thing for a very long time, and he passed away on December 22nd. I honestly didn’t pay much attention to him while he was alive, other than stumbling on a couple of his filming-location videos for movies I liked. It wasn’t until Brickey broke the news on his channel that I really dug in and binged his content.

Wife's Cancer-free Birthday with KROQ 106.7 Klein Ally Show and Daughter Meets Postmaster Johnny

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

January 30th was Rachel’s birthday, and we had a lot to celebrate. Not only was she a year older, she’s also cancer-free, which means this is the first of many birthdays to come. I gave her a couple of presents related to everything we’ve been through this past year, just to express how much I admire how she handled it. Then we headed to a meetup put on by our favorite station, KROQ 106.7, for the Klein Ally show.

Starting an AI Atari Project, Birthday Stuff and Adam the Woo’s Legacy

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

I’ve got a few things on my mind this week. It’s Rachel’s birthday, and we’re taking Friday off to go to a KROQ event here in Los Angeles. She’s a huge fan of the station and the morning show, so she’s looking forward to it far more than I am. Birthday presents are tough in our house because we usually just get what we want right away. This year was special since she’s now cancer-free, so I got her a little trinket with some writing on it about how she inspired me and what she went through. It was hard being the husband on the sidelines, and I can’t read it out loud without getting emotional.

Why I’m Launching an AI Podcast, Vibe Coding & Salesforce Remote Dev Work: My Plans for 2026

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

In this video, I take you along for a day in the life of a remote Salesforce developer. From preparing for an important sprint demo to brainstorming ideas for a new AI-focused podcast, it’s a glimpse into the ups and downs of my work and personal life. I start by giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the agile development process we use, walking through a demo of the B2B checkout system I’ve been building. The feedback and questions from stakeholders are a normal part of my day, and I reflect on how grateful I am for my supportive team. After the demo, I head out for a much-needed walk to decompress and focus on my health goals for the new year. Rachel and I have been through a lot with her cancer treatments, and we’re now determined to get healthy together. The neighborhood stroll is peaceful, and I’m excited to reconnect with my friend Brian about potentially launching an AI podcast that would cover everything from creative tools to industry news and legislation. Overall, it’s a busy but fulfilling day that highlights the balance I’m trying to strike between my Salesforce contracting work, side projects, and personal wellness. I’m grateful for the remote flexibility and engaging work, and looking forward to what the future holds.

My Wife’s Breast Cancer Journey: From Diagnosis to Finishing Radiation

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

After a long and difficult journey navigating my wife’s breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, I’m excited to share that she has finally finished her radiation therapy. It’s been a whirlwind of surgeries, chemotherapy, and unexpected complications, but we made it through. While the process wasn’t easy, I’m grateful we had access to excellent medical care that guided us every step of the way. Now we’re on to the next phase of treatment, with a newfound appreciation for the little things in life. I hope our story can provide some comfort and insight for others facing a similar challenge.

2026 Plans: Launching an AI Channel & Recovering from a Tough Year

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

2026 is a fresh start for me after a tough 2025 dealing with my wife Rachel’s breast cancer diagnosis. This year, I’m excited to launch a new AI-focused YouTube channel where I can share my insights on the evolving world of artificial intelligence. As a Salesforce engineer, I’ve seen firsthand how ‘Agentforce’ and generative AI tools are transforming software development and the creative process. I’m particularly passionate about discussing ‘Vibe Coding’ - a technique that allows seasoned developers to architect high-quality software at a rapid pace using AI. Beyond the channel, I’m also committed to continuing this personal vlog as a way to leave a digital legacy for my kids and overcome my public speaking anxieties. Finally, I’m focused on stabilizing my career as an independent contractor and leaving the stagnation of 2025 behind. With my wife’s cancer journey improving, I’m optimistic that 2026 will be a much better year.

Tatiana Schlossberg's Story Hit Me Hard And Closing Out 2025 With Hope

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

As I sit here on New Year’s Eve, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions. The passing of Tatiana Schlossberg, a member of the Kennedy family, really struck a chord with me. Her story of being diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia shortly after giving birth to her second child was heartbreaking. Reading about her fears of not being around to see her children grow up hit so close to home, especially given my own wife’s recent cancer journey. This has been a challenging year for me and my family, but we’re determined to end 2025 with a sense of hope. While it’s been tough dealing with my wife’s radiation treatments and the power outages caused by the recent storms, I’m proud of how far we’ve come. And on a positive note, I’ve found my footing as a Salesforce developer, which has been a rewarding experience. As we look ahead to 2026, I’m feeling optimistic about the future and the opportunity to continue sharing our story and advocating for increased cancer research funding. It’s been a rollercoaster, but I’m grateful for the chance to archive our lives and move forward with purpose.

Everything Has Changed (At the Park & In My Life)

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

I recently returned to Corriganville Park, a place I used to visit frequently with my kids but haven’t been to in years. Walking through the park brought back so many memories, but also made me reflect on how much life has changed. I explored the park’s history as a filming location for old westerns and spoke about my interest in the future of AI technology. Most importantly, I opened up about my wife’s brave battle with breast cancer, and how that has inspired me to start documenting our lives more. This park holds a special place in my heart, and rediscovering it has made me appreciate the importance of being present and making the most of every moment.

My Wife’s Cancer Battle & How Reality Sets In

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

It’s the day after Christmas, and I have a lot on my mind. This year, my wife Rachel was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in April, and watching her handle the treatments with such grace has been humbling. Comparing her journey to that of my childhood friend who is battling pancreatic cancer has really made me realize how random and fragile life can be. This is why I started this vlog channel - after the passing of YouTube creator Adam the Woo, I was inspired by the legacy he left behind just by being present and hitting record. I want to do the same before everything gets swallowed up by AI. I’ve been wrestling with my own mortality and feeling the urge to create and share my thoughts more freely, without worrying about views or compensation. This channel is my outlet to unload my mind and archive my perspectives, just like a blog, without the pressure of perfection.

The Impact of Cancer Treatment on Self Image #breastcancerawareness #cancerjourney

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

You know, one of the toughest parts of Rachel’s cancer journey has been dealing with the physical changes that come with treatment. When she first started chemo, she was really dreading the idea of losing her hair. For a woman, your hair is such a huge part of your identity and self-image. Rachel had always taken pride in her long, beautiful hair, and the thought of it all falling out was devastating to her. But as difficult as it was, Rachel ended up surprising herself with how she handled it. At first, it was a real shock when the hair started coming out. She felt so self-conscious and unsure of how she would look without it. But then she just kind of embraced it, you know? She shaved it all off and wore scarves and hats, and she realized that her appearance didn’t define her. What mattered most was her health and getting through this challenge. It’s been really inspiring to see Rachel navigate this with such grace and resilience. She’s a true warrior, and I’m so proud of how she’s handled everything. Even though cancer treatment can be really hard on your self-image, Rachel has shown that it’s possible to get through it and come out the other side feeling empowered.