In our very first guest episode, we are joined by my friend Maria Quiban Whitesell. Maria talks about her new book "You Can't Do It Alone: A Widow's Journey Through Loss, Grief and Life After", which she wrote after the death of her husband, Sean, from Glioblastoma (GBM), the most deadly form of brain cancer.  Maria shares her personal journey from getting the diagnosis that changed their lives forever, becoming Sean’s caregiver, navigating life, and raising their son after his death. It's all given Maria a new purpose - raising awareness about GBM.

01:15 Meet Maria Quiban Whitesell.

03:40 Why was it important for you to go back and get your degree as a Meteorologist?

06:10 How did you meet Sean?

08:45 Finding out Sean was diagnosed with Glioblastoma.

09:50 Seeing warning signs on a trip to Paris.

13:45 Leading a public life, how did you decide what to share publicly?

15:20 As a caregiver, why was it important to remember what you can control even though you are not in control of the outcome?

16:10 Tell us about the Samurai you wrote about in your book.

20:00 What was it like seeing the treatment Sean would undergo, and what you had ahead of you?

23:00 What was the collaboration like working with a grief counselor on your book?

24:10 How do you and your son Gus keep Sean with you? 

28:00 What is your pathfinder? (Something that has helped you along the way!)

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Follow along with our podcast Instagram: @itswhywerehere

https://www.instagram.com/itswhywerehere/?hl=en

Connect with Maria Quiban on Instagram: @mariasearth

https://www.instagram.com/mariasearth/?hl=en

Buy the Book, You Can't Do It Alone: A Widow's Journey Through Loss, Grief and Life After

https://www.amazon.com/You-Cant-Do-Alone-Journey-ebook/dp/B07YSN4NB2