Couple Set Out to Complete 18,000-Piece Puzzle amid Husband’s Cancer Diagnosis. 2 Months Later, Her World Came Crashing Down

Grace Nguyen, an Instagram influencer best known by her handle @gracepuzzles, has shared the heartbreaking news of her husband Zach’s passing following a strenuous battle with cancer. The couple’s journey took a tragic turn when Zach was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of the disease in October 2024, shortly after they married.

In an emotional post shared on May 6, 2025, Grace conveyed her deep sorrow to her 42,900 followers, describing how Zach had died two weeks prior, on April 22, coinciding with what would have been their one-and-a-half-year anniversary. “Not a fun puzzle post to share. My husband passed away two weeks ago,” she wrote, reflecting on the surreal reality of the loss. Grace expressed her gratitude for the time they shared, whilst also articulating the challenges associated with processing such a profound grief.

Two months before this announcement, Grace began recording her progress on an ambitious 18,000-piece puzzle that Zach had gifted her during a visit to the Mayo Clinic, where he was undergoing clinical trials. In the days leading to his death, she shared poignant memories of how the couple’s lives intertwined with the puzzle project. “When we were at the store, I wanted the 3,000-piece puzzle. He told me that was lame and he was only getting me the 18,000-piece one,” Grace recounted. This choice demonstrated not just a sense of humour but also Zach’s understanding of the difficult times ahead.

Grace first created her Instagram account to document the puzzle as a means of coping, initially expecting a modest following. However, her heartfelt updates struck a chord, and her account rapidly grew in popularity, amassing tens of thousands of followers within weeks. “I figured I would just post a puzzle update once a month. I posted my first video talking about starting it and by the end of the day, it had 100 views,” she recalled. The quick transformation from 20 followers to almost 20,000 reflected the community’s compassion and shared experience.

Zach was enthusiastic about the online engagement Grace received, excited to see her reach and support grow. “He has endured so much pain and suffering lately and it made me happy to see him so excited about this,” Grace shared, outlining the mutual joy that arose from her newfound platform. However, amidst their shared moments of joy, the couple received devastating news about Zach’s health, steering them into a phase of living life to the fullest—culminating in trips, including two cruises and adventures in Las Vegas and Japan.

Grace’s posts during Zach’s illness were not just updates; they offered glimpses into the couple’s resilience in the face of adversity. She detailed the difficult decision-making process surrounding medical treatments, revealing that their ambitions to move to Honolulu had been thwarted by Zach’s deteriorating condition. Instead, they found joy in each other’s company and the support of their friends during these challenging times.

In the wake of Zach’s death, a GoFundMe campaign has emerged, aiming to offer financial support to Grace as she navigates the complexities of life without her partner. The funds will assist with medical bills and living expenses during this painful transition. “Despite everything, Grace and Zach have shown incredible strength and kindness,” wrote Wendy Weston, who created the fund. The community has rallied, reflecting the couple’s longstanding commitment to helping others throughout their struggles.

Weston later updated followers with the distressing news of Zach’s death, poignantly highlighting the couple’s shared dreams and the immense loss of those dreams cut short. “Zach deserved a full life. He was an intelligent, athletic, and selfless human being,” Weston expressed, reminding those who had contributed to the campaign of the legacy Zach leaves behind.

Grace’s story is one of heartbreak and resilience, capturing the admiration of many online. By sharing their journey, she aims not only to honour Zach’s memory but also to provide solidarity for others facing similar battles. As she navigates her new reality, Grace has emphasised the importance of connection during difficult times, stating, “And hey if anyone else can relate in any way, I hope you know you are not alone.”

Through her continued updates, Grace seeks to foster a community of support, using her platform to illuminate the struggles faced by those affected by cancer while celebrating the love and memories cherished during their time together.