Survival, Faith, and Music: The Story of Rafael Rubiano
“You have one year to live.” These words forever changed the life of Rafael Rubiano. A young man, full of dreams, who never imagined that at 38 years old he would have to face a stage 4 brain cancer. What seemed like an arm pain turned into the nightmare that would lead him to an emergency surgery, where doctors gave him little chance of surviving. Despite this, Rafael’s story is far from a tragedy; it is a testimony of faith, strength, and overcoming adversity.
Stage 4 brain cancer, also known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is one of the most aggressive types of brain cancer. This type of tumor originates in the glial cells (the brain’s supporting cells) and is characterized by rapid growth and its tendency to extensively invade other areas of the brain. It is very difficult to treat due to its aggressiveness and the way it spreads, making it a cancer with a very poor prognosis.
"My Wife Was Brave"
Rafael began to feel strange symptoms while playing the piano, his greatest passion. “I felt a cramp in my left arm, but I didn’t pay attention to it,” he recalls. However, the situation quickly worsened. “I forgot about my arm, I couldn’t speak… My wife helped me put on my pajamas and rushed me to the hospital.” After several tests, doctors discovered a brain hemorrhage, and immediately, surgery was scheduled. “They told me there was no hope.”
At that moment, Rafael faced what many fear: death. But he did not give up. His family, especially his wife, became his rock. “My wife was brave, she took care of me, helped me bathe, dress, and even cared for me while I was completely immobilized.” In the midst of this painful process, with a baby just 5 months old, Rafael asked God for the opportunity to stay alive: “I won’t see my little son grow…,” he lamented.
After 30 sessions of radiotherapy, which left his body weak, Rafael suffered a pulmonary infarction. Although doctors thought his cancer had metastasized, they soon realized that the issue was something else. However, recovery was arduous. He was told he would never walk again, that his life would never be the same. But Rafael’s faith and dedication to his family kept him fighting.
Declared a Cancer Survivor
Despite being declared a “terminal case” by doctors, Rafael watched as, little by little, his body began to heal. Five years later, he was declared a cancer survivor. The doctors couldn’t believe it, but he had a clear explanation: “God healed me, and my life is a miracle.”
Today, Rafael continues moving forward, not only with music but also with a deep desire to share his testimony. “Every day is a miracle. I thank God for every breath,” he says. His family, his three children, and his wife remain his greatest strength. “If I hadn’t had a solid relationship with my wife, it wouldn’t have been possible to survive this.”
Rafael has turned his pain into inspiration. Not only does he teach music, but he also gives lessons in piano, guitar, drums, and other instruments to people of all ages, from young children to the elderly. His passion for music knows no bounds, and he continues to be a testament to how, with faith, anything is possible.
“With God, everything is possible,” Rafael repeats, as he continues to play his instruments and share his story. His life is a clear reminder that, even when everything seems lost, faith, love, and determination can change one’s destiny.
If you'd like to learn more about Rafael’s incredible story and how he has overcome everything in his life, or if you'd like to support his passion for music, you can contact him at 786-695-7241.
*In Latin America, the incidence of glioblastoma is approximately 3 to 5 cases per 100,000 people per year. This can vary slightly across different countries and regions. International studies estimate that, in general, glioblastoma represents approximately 50-60% of primary malignant brain tumors in adults.
