Adam’s brain tumor and health journey

04/30/2026

Today is Donor Remembrance Day. I honor Adam Hanshaw for the hero he was and is. From going to Afghanistan as a helicopter mechanic with dreams of being a helicopter pilot right after finding out his dad died to living his life ironically with his head on straight as he battled brain cancer, epilepsy, and strokes. He moved through transitions with courage and preparation. I loved that about him. I would feel scattered and ungrounded with change and he would inspire me to feel grounded too.

He liked things to be clean and organized. It would inspire me to maintain our living space too. He balanced making art look how he wanted it to look with patience and non-obsessiveness. He taught me to take my time and enjoy the comfort of home.

He shaped me into a more grounded, patient, home loving, clean, organized person. I feel like I can be that inspiration for my loved ones now. I keep those traits of Adam with me in life.

I thank Adam as I’m grateful for these developments. He’s a part of me and is always in my heart. 🤍

03/10/2026

I miss you today and everyday 🤍

11/14/2025

Our superhero 🤍🪽

09/24/2025

Adam’s celebration of life Oct 4 at the VFW in Ellsworth 2-5pm. You’re welcome to think of any memories of Adam you would like to share with the group or in conversation 🤍

View Adam C. Hanshaw's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

02/26/2025

For the first time in about a year, Adam’s MRI results came back without any changes compared to the last MRI two months ago! He is now able to get MRIs every 3 months instead of two.

He also received glasses. Our new concern at the moment is his addition to pop/soda 🙄🫠

10/26/2024

This reminds me of Adam and my relationship. Other than his wild health journey, most of the time he’s my calm and I’m his wild 💕✨

10/23/2024

Two months ago, Adam’s MRI came back with more suspected damage to the linguistic side of his brain from radiation. The most recent MRI from last week, he didn’t have any more damage, but he did have extra cerebrospinal fluid that’s putting pressure on his optic nerve. We are doing what’s called a MR venogram (MRV) to examine his blood vessels in that area.

On a positive note, Adam received an electric wheelchair from our local disabled veteran’s group!

06/07/2024

Adam’s MRI from Wednesday, June 5th showed slight movement, about 1mm, in the area that had more significant change last MRI. He will keep getting MRI’s every two months to monitor these changes for at least a year. They still predict that the changes are damages from radiation. It’s in the part of his brain that controls word finding and connection. He’ll keep doing speech therapy to strengthen these areas around his brain that aren’t affected by the damage— it’s a continuous fight for growth vs damage.

Also, we’ve been working on getting a ramp for a couple months now, and we finally have it all set up.

Adam enjoys getting out and going to eat. The picture is him eating at one of his favorite restaurants, Barry Dyngles.

04/08/2024

Update: The Cleveland Clinic tumor board suspects that the MRI imaging is actually showing effects of radiation rather than brain tumor growth!