When Paulo was 36 years old, we learned he had a 9cm mass in his left frontal lobe, discovered unexpectedly and without any symptoms. In an instant, our focus as a young couple shifted from building a life together to prolonging his. 
 
That day, we were 1 of the 9 people to receive a brain cancer diagnosis.  
 
For 33 months, Paulo underwent two brain surgeries, a post-operative infection, 18 months of oral chemotherapy, 55 rounds of radiation, experienced multiple grand mal seizures, and faced countless extended hospitalizations, ultimately developing medication-induced type 2 diabetes. 
 
 In the face of a harsh diagnosis that could harden anyone, he approached each day with a combination of gentleness and strength. 
 
While following the life-prolonging standard of care and holding onto hope, we searched tirelessly for other treatment options. Sending his extensive medical file to hospitals in the US, fighting for access to Avastin at an out-of-pocket astronomical price tag so high, we listed our home. By the time we secured some funding for it, he was no longer a candidate as the risks heavily outweighed the benefits. 
 
All we wanted was a few more weeks so we could share one last Christmas together. 
 
As the disease advanced and tested the very core of his being, Paulo remained steadfast in his determination to live. 
 
Paulo fought this battle with remarkable resilience, one of the many things we admired about him. 
 
From the moment you first met him, his commanding presence overshadowed the quiet gentleness beneath his striking exterior. You had to truly get to know him to discover the genuinely big heart within him, filled with warmth and kindness that made him truly irreplaceable. 
 
Loving him was easy, losing him was hard. 
 
He is missed beyond measure, and the space he left in our lives is unfillable. 
 
Paulo was a loving son, an incredible brother, a fun uncle, a loyal friend, and the love of my life – my superman. 
 
Jessica Soares 

@jess 
 
(Jessica, honours her late husband’s legacy by serving on the Board of Directors for BCC).