A makeup artist to the stars and TikTok personality has died after repeatedly ignoring warning signs of cancer.
Charlie Teo Foundation Ambassador Marcela Zemanek talks about Brain Tumor Awareness Month. 17 years ago, radio legend Stan Zemanek passed away after a battle with brain cancer just one year after being diagnosed. He was 60 years old. When asked about her experience losing her husband, Zemanek said, “I don't think it ever gets any easier.” “Brain tumor awareness and talking to my family has helped me get back on my feet,” she said. “We talk about him all the time.”
On Thursday, mourners in Anka Molnar's native Romania lined the streets and applauded as her coffin passed by.
They held up pink and purple umbrellas and threw white petals onto the red carpet, according to Romania's Pro TV.
Molnar, 35, died Tuesday morning from a brain tumor.
Her husband, Claudiu, said his wife had given him and their son Patrick “the best years of our lives”.
Before his death, Molnar wrote an emotional post on social media saying he had fought the illness “until his last drop of hope”.
Celebrity influencer Anka Molnar was well known in Romania. Photo: Instagram.
Anka Molnar passed away at the age of 35. Photo: Instagram.
She was known in the European country for her makeup skills on local celebrities and had amassed a loyal following on social media.
Molnar's close friends said she had been ignoring a series of headaches that could have been a sign of cancer.
“She began to suffer from more frequent and severe headaches.
“At first, she didn't really mind it because that's just how we are, but then she noticed she was struggling to do her daily tasks consistently,” Alina Radi said.
Influencer mourners attend a funeral in Romania. Photo: Pro. TV.
Molnar, from the western Romanian city of Timisoara, first went to the doctor a little over a year ago after the pain became severe, Radi added.
She was diagnosed with the disease, but doctors in Romania said the cancer had progressed to the point where it was almost untreatable.
Anka Molnar ignored a series of severe headaches until he was diagnosed. Photo: Instagram.
Headaches can be an early symptom of a brain tumour, according to Cancer Australia, which says that while headaches are common and very often not a sign of illness, anyone concerned should see their GP.
Symptoms may also include seizures, weakness or paralysis of parts of the body, and loss of balance.
The average age of an Australian with a brain tumour is 59. Prognosis for brain tumour patients varies, but for benign tumours that can be removed, “there is a high chance of recovery”, says the Cancer Council.
Anka Molnar has undergone two brain surgeries. Photo: Instagram.
Molnar then travelled to Turkey, where he underwent brain surgery and radiation and chemotherapy, according to reports.
After the first surgery, the cancer went into remission, but a second tumour was found soon after, forcing her to undergo surgery again.
Molnar detailed his treatment on social media, including pictures of himself in a hospital gown and with a bandaged head.
Recently, Molnar praised her husband, Claudia, for his support.
“In good times and bad, I have the strongest and best man by my side. Thank you, my love.”
On Tuesday, the day she died, Molnar posted photos to her Instagram and TikTok accounts of views above the clouds from an airplane on a beautiful, sunny day.
“I came here, lived beautifully and left for another world. I fought with all I could…until my last drop of hope was left,” the caption read.
“I am so grateful for how beautiful my life has been.
“May my smile remain as proof that I lived my life to the fullest.”
“I have just one final recommendation: Live beautifully and to the fullest.”
Celebrity influencer Anka Molnar with her husband Claudiu. Photo: Instagram.
Molnar's funeral took place on Thursday, with her husband paying tribute to his wife.
“Farewell, my love! You gave us the best years of our lives. You made us strong men who will never forget,” he wrote in a statement, Romanian website Spy News reported.
“May He be proudly watching over us from heaven!”
“Patrick and I, the fruit of our labor, say goodbye to you today.
“Thank you for fighting so hard for us. You may have left our people, but you will never leave our hearts! Pass in peace my love!”
