> At a Glance
> – Lori Coble, who lost her three children in a 2007 freeway crash, was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma in July 2025
> – After multiple brain surgeries and a stroke, she is now preparing for hospice care at home
> – Why it matters: Her story highlights the emotional and financial toll of terminal illness on families already shaped by tragedy
Lori Coble’s life has been marked by unimaginable loss and resilience. After surviving the death of her three children in a 2007 car accident and later giving birth to triplets, she now faces terminal brain cancer with the same determination that has defined her journey.
The Crash That Changed Everything
On May 4, 2007, Lori was stuck in traffic when a big rig slammed into her minivan. Her three children – Kyle Christopher (5), Emma Lynn (4), and Katie Gene (2) – all died in the crash.
Lori and her husband Chris vowed to support each other and continue living. They later pursued IVF and welcomed triplets – Jake Christopher, Ashley Lynn, and Ellie Gene – nearly a year after the tragedy.
A New Battle Begins
In June 2025, Chris noticed Lori was becoming clumsy. By July, she showed stroke-like symptoms. A hospital visit revealed a large, aggressive glioblastoma.
Doctors gave her two options:
- No treatment: 1-2 months to live
- With treatment: 12-15 months
Lori chose to fight.
Surgeries and Setbacks
Lori underwent two major brain surgeries:
- First surgery (July 12): Removed part of the tumor; recovery was promising
- Second surgery (Aug. 1): More invasive; carried a 30% risk of losing motor control on her left side – she fell into that 30%
Five days later, she suffered a massive stroke and was placed in a medically induced coma for 40 days.
| Event | Date | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| First surgery | July 12, 2025 | Quick recovery |
| Second surgery | Aug. 1, 2025 | Lost left-side motor control |
| Stroke | Aug. 6, 2025 | Induced coma, 40-day hospital stay |
Home Care and Hospice Transition
Lori eventually returned home, where Chris created a mini-hospital to provide the care she needed. She received chemotherapy and radiation, but infections and declining health led to more hospital visits.
After a third surgery in November to treat a brain infection, Lori made it clear: no more surgeries.
Now, the family is preparing to bring her home for hospice care, surrounded by her children and dogs.
Chris, on unpaid leave since September, is caring for her full-time. A GoFundMe has raised support for $30,000/month in-home health care.
> “I want her to be alive for as long as possible. And I don’t know how long that is,” Chris says. “I would give my life for hers in a heartbeat. But I can’t do that. I’m helpless.”
Key Takeaways
- Lori Coble lost her three children in a 2007 crash, then had triplets through IVF
- Diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in 2025, she chose aggressive treatment
- After multiple surgeries and a stroke, she is now transitioning to hospice care at home
- Her husband Chris has become her full-time caregiver, facing emotional and financial strain
As Lori’s journey nears its final chapter, her courage and the love of her family continue to define her legacy.
