Diem Brown, who rose to stardom on MTV’s Real World/Road Rules Challenge, has lost her long battle with cancer. The 32-year-old MedGift founder passed away this morning in a New York City hospital with loved ones by her side.
Brown was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 23 and then again in 2012. After beating the disease twice, she got the devastating news that cancer had returned to her body this time in her colon and stomach. Throughout her struggle, Brown detailed her battle for readers through a blog with PEOPLE.com. “It’s important to me to share the ‘realness’ of my journey. It’s okay to admit that at times it’s hard, that it can be tough.”
In her latest blog post, Brown wrote about the importance of promoting hope after overcoming difficult times. “The world is full of hardships and when you are stuck in that dark place you yearn to grab onto any sort of light that can help you see there is hope.”
Just a few weeks ago in October, as Brown prepared to undergo surgery, doctors revealed the heartbreaking news that the cancer has spread to the liver and lymph nodes.
Despite suffering such heavy setbacks, Brown remained positive and never lost sight of the future she imagined for herself, one where she lived the quintessential American dream of being married with 2 ½ children and house surrounded by a white-picket fence. “It’s my personal perspective that you live as hard and as vigorously as you can,” she said. “My goals are something I believe in, because I believe I’m going to make it.”
“No matter what it is, you’re going to have bad days, but if you have hope throughout, you won, no matter what the results. Life is so beautiful.” With her tremendous glowing spirit and zest for life, Brown did not let cancer win.
