We all know that every single caregiver who provides the love and support needed by a cancer patient deserves this award. But some just seem to stand out, like Gayle Nuffer.

From husband Carl’s glioblastoma diagnosis, Gayle was by his side. In year one, she was the consummate coordinator, scheduling radiation and chemo treatments, MRIs, informing family and friends of progress and setbacks on CaringBridge. She was relentless investigating potential life-saving therapies. Just ask Dr. Piccioni. In year two, Gayle weathered grueling post-seizure ER admissions and even learned how to manage home IV infusions. She endured sleepless nights and stayed vigilant of Carl’s cognitive lapses. She loved Carl that much.

Carl’s fierce desire for independence and freedom was manifested in his insistence on riding his E-bike to radiation treatments. Although it scared the living hell out of her, Gayle conceded and crossed her fingers. She loved Carl that much.

Gayle made it her mission to plan as many memory-making events as possible; trips to places they loved, family dinners, walks on Sunset Cliffs, attending their sons’ musical performances. She pushed Carl to keep playing his harmonica in his band. She loved Carl that much.

Even amid Carl’s struggles ─ thinking of others ─ Gayle spearheaded the establishment of a brain cancer research fund at UCSD to support the Neurological Surgery Patient Tissue Bank to advance the understanding and treatment of brain tumors.

Faced with a seemingly insurmountable struggle, any of us would be blessed to have a resilient, courageous Gayle by our side. She would love you that much.