Actor Andre Braugher Dies From Lung Cancer, Kate Micucci From “Big Bang Theory” Announced Lung Cancer Diagnosis and More

December 15, 2023
Rylan DeStefano
Rylan DeStefano

Rylan DeStefano is an assistant editor working for CURE®, and has been with MJH Life Sciences since June of 2023. Rylan is a graduate from Muhlenberg College. When she’s not writing, Rylan loves to read, travel and spend time with family and friends.

As Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell from “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” dies from cancer and former tennis player Chris Evert announces cancer diagnosis, here is what’s happening in the oncology space this week.

Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell from “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” died from cancer.

Anna Cardwell, who appeared on “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo,” died from cancer this past Saturday. Cardwell, 29, had adrenal carcinoma.

Cardwell’s mom Shannon, also known as “Mamma June” wrote on X, “She passed away in my home last night peacefully at 11:12 PM. She gave one hell of a fight for 10 months she passed away with her family around her like she won’t and we will be updating y’all with more information as we get it today. We love y’all and continued prayers and thoughts for our family during this difficult time.”

Cardwell was diagnosed with stage 4 adrenal carcinoma this past January, which was found in her liver, kidney and lungs. The diagnosis was spotted after Cardwell noticed stomach aches. The cancer was revealed as terminal in May and during this time, Cardwell underwent chemotherapy.

“She’s just going through the emotions like anyone would be (with) cancer,” Shannon, Cardwell’s mom noted. “We’re going through emotions as a family. Mentally, it’s always on my mind.”

The reality television show, ‘Here Comes Honey Boo Boo’ was canceled in 2014 on TLC, allowing for the family to venture onto their own new projects. Cardwell explored a platform on TikTok, where she revealed her radiation treatment and autoimmune therapy in November.

“I really don’t know what to say, as my heart is completely broken,” Alana Thompson, Cardwell’s sister wrote. “Watching my 29-year-old sister this (past) year battle this horrible disease hasn’t been easy.”

Actor Andre Braugher died months after lung cancer diagnosis.

Andre Braugher received a lung cancer diagnosis just a few months before his death last week. Braugher’s death was announced this past Monday. Braugher’s publicist, Jennifer Allen, told CNN this past Thursday.

Known for his roles in “Homicide: Like on the Street” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” Braugher became a two-time Emmy-winning actor and a “beloved actor to many,” according to CNN Entertainment.

Allen had mentioned that Braugher died of a brief illness, but a 2014 New York Times profile had announced that Braugher was extremely private, mentioning that he had “stopped drinking alcohol and smoking years ago.”

Terry Crews, Braugher’s co-star on NBC’s “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” wrote a statement on Instagram in honor of Braugher.

“Can’t believe you’re gone so soon. I’m honored to have known you, laughed with you, worked with you and shared (eight) glorious years watching your irreplaceable talent. This hurts. You left us too soon. You taught me so much.

“I will be forever grateful for the experience of knowing you. Thank you for your wisdom, your advice, your kindness and your friendship. Deepest condolences to your wife and family in this difficult time. You showed me what a life well lived looks like.Rest In Peace, Andre. I love you, man.”

Braugher is survived by his wife and actress, Ami Brabson.

Former tennis player Chris Evert revealed re-diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Chris Evert, former tennis player and ESPN analyst, announced that due to a recent second diagnosis of ovarian cancer, she will be unable to report at the 2024 Australian Open. Evert announced her re-diagnosis this past Friday.

The former tennis player who won 18 grand slam singles titles and three grand slam double titles, landing her a spot in the Tennis Hall of Fame, announced her re-diagnosis this past Friday.

“Since I was first diagnosed with cancer two years ago, I’ve been very open about my experience. I wanted to give all of you an update. My cancer is back,” Evert noted, according to CNN.

Evert revealed that she had been diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer in Jan. 2022, later undergoing her sixth chemotherapy session in May 2022, which was also her last.

Read More: Tennis Player Chris Everet Is Cancer-Free, Duran Duran Guitarist Discusses His Disease and More

“While this is a diagnosis I never wanted to hear, I once again feel fortunate that it was caught early. Based on a PET CT scan, I underwent another robotic surgery this past week. Doctors found cancer cells in the same pelvic region. All cells were removed, and I have begun another round of chemotherapy,” Evert stated.

Evert’s sister, Jeanne Evert Dubin, died from ovarian cancer in 2020, but Evert didn’t test for the cancer until last November.

“Be your own advocate. Know your family's history. Have total awareness of your body, follow your gut and be aware of changes,” Evert said in 2022, according to Daily Mail. “Don't try to be a crusader and think this will pass.”

Ken Hudson Campbell showed appreciation for GoFundMe towards cancer surgery.

Home alone actor Ken Hudson Campbell discussed his appreciation after receiving an overflowing amount of donations on his GoFundMe page for his cancer surgery.

The page was established on Dec. 1 by Campbell’s daughter to raise money for the upcoming “10-hour surgery.” Campbell was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in October.

"A tumor had elusively grown on the bottom of his mouth and it began encroaching on his teeth,” Campbell’s daughter wrote on the GoFundMe page.

The page received over $100,000, with donations from Steve Carell, Yeardley Smith and Bill Prady.

"Cancer was removed successfully, and his jawbone has been reconstructed from his fibula and attached,” announced Campbell’s daughter.

"The day after surgery, they took him off the respirator. He is in very good condition. He's giving us hand signals at times, writing his thoughts down and trying his hardest to communicate with us, even though he cannot speak," she added. "He's been making small improvements in different ways as each day goes by."

Campbell plans to be treated with radiation, following a six-month recovery period, with the possibility of chemotherapy afterward.

Kate Micucci, actress in “Big Bang Theory”, announced lung cancer diagnosis.

Kate Micucci, “Big Band Theory” actress and comedian, revealed her lung cancer diagnosis this past Saturday. Micucci, 43, is known for her role as Lucy on “Big Bang Theory.”

Micucci posted a video on TikTok of her in the hospital after receiving surgery to remove the cancer.

“Hey everybody, this is not a TikTok, it's a ‘Sick Tok,’” Micucci stated, according to People. “I’m in the hospital but it’s because I had lung cancer surgery yesterday. They caught it really early.”

Micucci explained how she had never smoked in her life, saying, “It’s really weird, because I’ve never smoked a cigarette in my life so uh, you know, it was a surprise. But also, I guess it happens and so the greatest news is they caught it early, they got it out, I’m all good.”

The post also featured Micucci walking around in a hospital gown and an IV drip.

“It’s been a little bit of a trip and (I’ll) probably be moving slow for a few weeks but then I’ll be back at it,” Micucci stated.

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