In Loving Memory of Wannee Sornkaw Birkenstock

In Loving Memory of Wannee Sornkaw Birkenstock

With heavy hearts, we share that Wannee Sornkaw Birkenstock lost her battle with Glioblastoma on Friday, January 31, 2025. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her two loving daughters and family members. Wannee will forever be remembered as a kind, compassionate, and beautiful soul—both inside and out—who never hesitated to help others.

Wannee was diagnosed in early May 2024, after a fall at home led to the discovery of multiple masses in her brain. She underwent a cranial resection to remove the largest tumor and soon after began radiation and oral chemotherapy tablets. At the same time, she endured rigorous physical, occupational, and speech therapy sessions 3-5 times a week. Due to the location of the tumors near her brain stem, Wannee lost most of her everyday functions shortly after her first surgery. She became bed-bound, requiring the help of family members and caregivers to assist in moving her from the bed to a wheelchair, as well as with activities of daily living. Her ability to swallow was severely impaired, limiting her to only pureed foods and thickened liquids. Perhaps most heartbreakingly, her beautiful voice was silenced, leaving her with only head nods, eye movements, or pointing with her hands to communicate. Yet, on rare and cherished days, she found the strength to share her love, her longing for favorite foods, and her desire to be with family.

Doctors initially predicted she wouldn’t make it past the Fall and certainly not to Christmas—but in true Wannee fashion, she defied the odds. Over the nine month battle, Wannee underwent two major surgeries and six trips to the hospital for various complications. She fought with grace and resilience, never once expressing pain or discomfort until her final weeks. Her perseverance gifted her family the chance to celebrate one last birthday with her on December 11, as well as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve. Though she couldn’t say the words, a gentle squeeze of the hand or the soft press of her lips against a loved one’s cheek spoke volumes—she loved and appreciated every moment she had with us.

Throughout her cancer battle journey, Wannee was never alone. She was surrounded by the love and support of family, friends, and community members who visited, thought of her, and prayed for her every day. We are deeply grateful to all of the care providers who played a part in her care, including the medical teams, nurses and rehab facility staff at Berkeley East Healthcare Center, Providence St. John’s Health Center, Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Valley Pointe Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Sutter Health - Eden Medical Center and Radiation Oncology Center, and Epic Care.

Glioblastoma remains an incurable and devastating disease, affecting approximately 13,000 people annually. While treatments aim to shrink tumors and alleviate symptoms, long-term survival remains rare, with most patients living just 12 to 18 months post-diagnosis.

To honor Wannee’s memory, we ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to support her medical bills, memorial services, and the Glioblastoma Research Organization, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to funding new, cutting-edge research in the hope of finding a cure. Since its founding in 2018, the organization has provided funding for eight fully supported research projects at leading cancer centers.

Wannee will forever be in our hearts. We are deeply grateful for everyone who was a part of her life and ask that you keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she transcends into the next life.