Rebecca Kay Sabogal hosts an annual "Dine and Donate" fundraiser to honor the memory of her husband, Gonzalo Sabogal, and to support and accelerate brain tumor research efforts. She shares her passion for this cause below.
Our world changed overnight in July 2022. Gonzalo had been experiencing what seemed like vertigo and balance issues. We never imagined those symptoms were the first signs of stage 4 glioblastoma—an aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer. By the time we had answers, the cancer had progressed rapidly. Our daughter, Gigi, was just 2 years old, and our newborn son, Lucas, was just 6 weeks old.
From that moment, life became measured in scans, surgeries, treatments, and doctor appointments. Through it all, Gonzalo remained incredibly courageous. He taught us that joy and suffering can exist at the same time. Even in the hardest season of our lives, we made the most of every good day because we knew each one was a gift.
Gonzalo was determined to be there for Gigi’s third birthday—and he made it. We celebrated together as a family, and, just days later, he passed away. Being there for Gigi was one final gift he could give to her.
Throughout Gonzalo's illness, The Brain Tumor Center at Siteman Cancer Center surrounded us with extraordinary compassion. We are deeply grateful for the physicians, nurses, researchers, and staff who cared not only about extending life but also about preserving dignity and quality of life. Their expertise and humanity carried us through impossible decisions and gave us hope when we needed it most.
After Gonzalo died, I knew I wanted his story to make a difference. That desire led to Dine & Donate for Brain Cancer Cure Research that we held in St. Charles, Missouri. It brought together family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors to support The Brain Tumor Center's groundbreaking research and honor Gonzalo's life while investing in hope for future families.
One of the hardest parts of a glioblastoma diagnosis is hearing how few treatment options currently exist. Knowing researchers are making meaningful progress—and believing future families may have more options than we did—is incredibly encouraging. If Gonzalo's story inspires someone to support research, and that research ultimately gives another family more birthdays, more anniversaries, and more ordinary moments together, then his legacy continues to make a difference. That would be a beautiful way to honor his life.
Written by Stephanie Stemmler; Photographs provided by the Sabogal family.
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