Life After Loss
- Wolfgang Van Halen, son of legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen, recently shared a sweet photo of him with his late father. Eddie died in October 2020 after battling various forms of cancer.
- Losing a parent to cancer can cause immeasurable pain. But in that pain, many people find new ways to move through life that honor the loved one they lost. Naturally, Wolfgang Van Halen has turned to music to honor the extraordinary life of his father.
- Other children of people who battled cancer that we spoke to say they too find outlets to honor their parents. Camila Legaspi turned to writing after her mother died of breast cancer.
- Psychiatrist Dr. Lori Plutchik says speaking with a therapist, or joining support groups of people going through similar situations, can help people process their emotions.
Wolfgang, and his mom actress Valerie Bertinelli, lost Eddie in October 2020 after the legendary rock star of Van Halen fame battled multiple forms of cancer, which reportedly included tongue, throat and lung cancers.
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“Happy Father's Day, Pop. I'm trying,” he wrote under the touching photo.
What made the post even more sweet was the loving comment left by 63-year-old Bertinelli, Eddie’s ex-wife. Valerie has previously opened up about the love she shared with Eddie despite their divorce, calling him her “soulmate”.
“You're exceeding,” Bertinelli wrote to Wolf.
Losing a Parent to Cancer Like Wolf Van Halen
Losing a parent to cancer can cause immeasurable pain. But in that pain, many people find new ways to move through life that honor the loved one they lost.
Naturally, Wolfgang Van Halen has turned to music to honor the extraordinary life of his father. He currently leads his own band called Mammoth WVH.
"The name Mammoth is really special to me." Wolf said of his band.
"Not only was it the name of Van Halen before it became Van Halen, but my father was also the lead singer. Ever since my dad told me this, I always thought that when I grew up, I'd call my own band Mammoth, because I loved the name so much.
"I'm so thankful that my father was able to listen to, and enjoy the music I made. Nothing made me happier than seeing how proud he was that I was continuing the family legacy."
Other children of people who battled cancer that we spoke to say they too find outlets to honor their parents.
Camila Legaspi turned to writing. After her mother’s death from breast cancer, Camilla made sure her mother’s creativity lived on as she got involved with her college’s student magazine.
"I've learned to have it impact me in a positive way and have it not just be a sad story… instead, I'm using it for a better purpose," Camila said of her mother’s passing.
Sadness Is Not Always a Bad Thing Coping after Losing a Parent to Cancer
In coping with such a heartbreaking loss, Camilla says she’s learned that sadness does not have to be all bad.
"I learned that it's OK to be sad sometimes. It's OK to carry sadness with you… it's not always a bad thing,” she said. “It makes you who you are and it gives you a story to tell and it helps you teach other people to cope with their sadness."
If you are struggling with your feelings after losing a loved one to cancer, know that there are resources to help you cope.
Psychiatrist Dr. Lori Plutchik says speaking with a therapist, or joining support groups of people going through similar situations, can help people process their emotions.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Here are some questions you may consider asking your doctor if you are struggling with your emotions:
- I am struggling with my mental health, where can I seek additional support?
- Are there any support groups in the area for people like me?
- Can you recommend a mental health professional for my situation?
- Does my situation warrant medication for my mental health?
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.