A year ago, a family in Indiana faced an unexpected and life-altering event. Brittany M. Bohacik received a call from her husband Rob, who was at the emergency room. Little did she know, their lives would change forever.

Brittany, 39, had been tending to flowers when she got the call. Rob, 43, spoke on the other end, urging her to join him at the hospital. Over the July 4th weekend in 2025, Rob experienced what seemed to be a stomachache. The couple thought it might be due to bad food, a virus, or exhaustion. Despite the symptoms, Rob continued with his work and family duties, taking care of their daughter Ava.

As the symptoms worsened, Rob drove himself to the hospital without any dramatic signs of the impending change. Brittany shared, “That detail stays with me because of how ordinary it was.” After eighteen days, their reality shifted drastically. On July 22, 2025, Rob was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The cancer had spread to his liver, leaving the couple stunned.

Brittany stated, “It felt like we walked into a cancer story overnight.” In the months following, she dedicated herself to saving her husband, immersing in research and reaching out to medical experts. She explored clinical trials and sought second opinions, learning about genetic mutations and treatment options.

Genetic testing revealed Rob’s tumor had BRCA2 mutation but lacked KRAS mutation, making it KRAS wild-type. This is less common in pancreatic cancers, which often have KRAS mutations. The couple traveled to Germany for dendritic-cell immunotherapy in a bid to extend Rob’s life.

Brittany transformed into an advocate, scheduler, and caregiver, juggling roles and responsibilities. She faced sleep deprivation and lived between present and future realities. In hindsight, she wished someone advised her to cherish simple moments with Rob, realizing their invaluable worth.

Brittany shared, “Someday, those tiny moments may be the things you would give absolutely anything to have back.”

Rob passed away at home in March 2026, leaving Brittany without a defined purpose. For months their lives were dictated by medical appointments and treatments. When Rob was gone, those demands evaporated.

Today, Brittany shares her husband’s story on social media and receives various inquiries, including non-medical questions about life and grief. Her decision to share stems from the desire to help others identify symptoms early or feel supported.

Brittany emphasizes Rob wasn’t defined solely by his cancer. He was her husband, Ava’s father, and a cherished person. His story continues, and Brittany hopes it impacts others positively.