Diem Brown: Battling Cancer For The Third Time
Diem Brown is battling cancer for the third time.
After beating ovarian cancer twice, once in 2003 and the second in 2012, the MTV reality star has been diagnosed with colon cancer.
"This time around has been the scariest build up towards my cancer journey," Brown told E! News in a statement on Aug. 23. "Both mentally, physically and emotionally the most traumatic. I've been needing some hope to fight for, some light to look forward to at the end of this journey. I find that strength in my family, friends and fans. People I've never met before believe in me, I can't let them down! I won't."
According to an Aug. 23 report by PEOPLE Magazine, Brown was rushed to the hospital last week after collapsing on the set of MTV's The Challenge. She has undergone surgery twice so far, both in emergency circumstances. The first was on Aug. 17 to remove a tumor blocking her colon, and the second on Aug. 20 due to complications from the former.
"It's been a dark couple of days. But the outpouring of support has been tremendous. It's truly what will keep me fighting," the reality star told PEOPLE.
Brown is currently in stable condition but in intensive care at an unnamed New York City hospital. She is expected to stay there for at least two weeks.
In addition, Brown has set up a MedGift fund, in hopes to raise money to help her pay medical bills. As of Aug. 23, the page has raised $7,300 out of her $30,000 goal.
Longtime friend Alicia Quarles told PEOPLE, "Diem is in such high spirits today thanks to the love and support people have shown since this news was announced. I've seen Diem battle this horrific disease and come out victorious twice before. It is unfair and surreal that once again she is being put in this position."
Her sister Megan added that she "is a fighter. It's definitely an uphill battle, but I know if anyone can do it, it's her."