We were saddened to learn of the passing of Gweneviere Mann, a StoryCorps friend and participant who came to us with her then-boyfriend (now husband), Yasir Salem, to share her remarkable story. Gweneviere lost her short-term memory following surgery to remove a brain tumor, and with Yasir, talked at StoryCorps about having to learn to navigate life together in a new way, and what it was like to run the New York City Marathon together. Listen to their interview together here, and watch the animation we created of their story, “Marking the Distance,” below.
Gweneviere died of a rare form of lung cancer in her home on Sunday morning, with Yasir by her side. Gweneviere was a remarkable spirit. She and Yasir have a lot to teach us all about love. Our condolences to Yasir and the rest of Gweneviere’s family.
— Dave Isay