Former U.S. Representative Mia Love (R–Utah), the first Black Republican woman elected to the U.S. House, died last month at age 49 of one of the most common and aggressive types of brain cancers: glioblastoma.

 

The former Utah representative had undergone treatment for glioblastoma and received immunotherapy as part of a clinical trial at Duke University, according to The Associated Press (AP). Earlier last month, Love’s daughter shared that her mom was no longer responding to treatment.

 

On March 23, Love died at her home in Saratoga Springs, Utah, according to a statement from her family.

 

“With grateful hearts filled to overflowing for the profound influence of Mia on our lives, we want you to know that she passed away peacefully,” her family said. “In the midst of a celebration of her life and an avalanche of happy memories, Mia quietly slipped the bands of mortality and, as her words and vision always did, soared heavenward. We are thankful for the many good wishes, prayers and condolences.”

 

Glioblastomas are malignant Grade 4 tumors and considered one of the most complex, deadly and treatment-resistant cancers, according to the National Brain Tumor Society. This type of cancer accounts for about 14% of all primary malignant brain tumors. In 2023, more than 14,490 Americans were diagnosed with glioblastoma.

 

Love first experienced symptoms while on vacation with her family, according to the AP. A severe headache she developed upon landing at her destination became worse when she went to the beach and looked at the sun’s reflection on the water. X-rays revealed a tumor on her brain.

 

Many brain tumors do not cause symptoms. Some are found accidentally if brain imaging with a computed tomography (CT) or MRI scan is done for another reason. When symptoms do occur, they vary depending on which part of the brain or spinal cord is affected. Common symptoms may include: 

 

  • Headache
  • Weakness or paralysis
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Changes in vision, hearing, touch or taste
  • Speech problems
  • Mood, personality or behavior changes
  • Mental confusion, trouble concentrating or memory problems.

 

Survival rates for glioblastoma vary by age, but the average survival time is 12 to 18 months, according to The Brain Tumor Charity. Only about 25% of people survive more than one year after diagnosis and only 5% survive more than five years.

 

When Love was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2022, her doctors told her she had only 10 to 15 months to live, but she surpassed that, living another three years.

 

“My life has been extended by exceptional medical care, science and extraordinary professionals who have become dear friends,” Love wrote in a March 11 op-ed in the Deseret News. “My extra season of life has also been the result of the faith and prayers of countless friends, known and unknown.”

 

To learn more, click #Glioblastoma or #Brain Tumor. There, you’ll see headlines such as “Personalized Vaccines Show Promise for Hard-to-Treat Cancers,” “Through the Mask and Into the MRI Machine” and “A Love Letter to the NIH.”