Wendy Wessling began her cancer journey over a decade ago. The youngest of 11 children, she made a courageous decision early in her diagnosis to fight with every tool available to her. With her husband Tom and four children by her side, Wessling embarked on a journey she never thought she’d have to face.

Her symptoms began in the fall of 2012 while she was teaching fifth and sixth grade at Omaha’s Hartman Elementary School.

“I remember giving out Halloween candy, and I suddenly fell off the chair,” recalls Wessling. “I was forgetting words, making strange decisions, and felt aggravated by the confusion I was experiencing. I wasn’t acting like myself and didn’t even realize it.

My husband noticed the changes and, without me even asking, made a doctor’s appointment.”

Wessling underwent a brain MRI immediately. The scan revealed an aggressive, malignant form of brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme.

Glioblastoma, the most common adult brain cancer, invades healthy brain tissue. It grows quickly and spreads, which increases the chance of the tumor growing back. Although the prognosis was not good, Wessling chose to proceed with treatment.

Four days later, George Greene, MD, removed the tumor. Radiation and chemotherapy were used to slow the cancer’s progression.

Wessling knew medical treatment alone would not have given her time to experience a quality life, seeing her children grow to adulthood and have families. Wessling promised herself and God to fight with hope.

After seeking several medical opinions, Wessling met medical neuro-oncologist Nicole Shonka, MD, in September 2013 and decided to transfer her care to the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center – Nebraska Medical Center.

“I’m so grateful for Dr. Shonka,” says Wessling. “She is the most caring doctor I’ve ever met. She gives me the information I need, tenderly and lovingly.

I appreciate how involved she is with her patients, wanting them not only to survive, but to thrive.”

In the years that followed, Wessling underwent additional surgery, radiation and several types of chemotherapy when the tumor returned. Each time, she met the challenge.

“Wendy remains upbeat regardless of her circumstances,” says Dr. Shonka. “If we can keep brain tumors from growing just a millimeter or two, we can make a substantial difference for a patient’s independence and communication. Thankfully, Wendy’s MRI scans haven’t shown active growth since 2019. Wendy’s journey is really a miracle – and she is an inspiration.”

Wessling has beaten the odds. “I used to be a triathlete, now I’m in a wheelchair,” she says. “But I exercise every day, go to the gym to ride a bike and do weight training. The luckiest of us know that we all have a number on our backs. I’ve lived over 4,000 days since my diagnosis, and I’ve decided that all the little things matter.”

Wessling recalls the emotional struggle and ultimately praying, “God, use me as you see fit.” She relies on what she calls the seven Fs: Faith, family, friends, food, fight, fun, and fitness. Her daily prayer and appreciation for these values help strengthen her hope and determination.

Wessling finds purpose in being a mentor with Imerman Angels, helping others navigate and find hope in their cancer journey.

“Whether she’s doing well, discussing progression, surgery or needing more chemotherapy, she always looks at me and says, ‘I’m not going to die of this,’” says Dr. Shonka. “She is such an inspiration that, with permission, I’ve given her name to other patients so she could offer them hope too.”

Believing there’s always something to look forward to, Wessling stays determined, focusing on the positive. “I appreciate every little thing as a blessing – sunsets, eating lunch, laughing with a friend, going to church and going outside," she says. "When I wake up in the morning, I get up and focus on naming 100 things that I’m grateful for. I don’t think I could’ve gotten through without this practice and the help of my friends and family.”

Looking back, Wessling says she would not change her cancer journey. Having faith in something bigger than herself has helped her rise to the occasion, and she believes she’s a better person because of it.

“If you’re facing a cancer diagnosis, hold on to hope,” she adds. “You never know what the future holds. Fight, don’t give up! Cherish every day, and you’ll be happier for it. Life isn’t always easy; sometimes it’s difficult. I’ve certainly had my moments! But if you look for the positive, even in the darkest of times, you’ll find it.”