Diem Brown lost her long battle with cancer on Friday, Nov. 14, at the age of 32, but throughout her multiple diagnoses and lengthy career on MTV, the reality star remained honest and optimistic. In June 2012, Brown did a photo shoot for Us Weekly shortly after hearing the difficult news that she had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer a second time.
“My doctors said there was no way it would come back,” the Real World/Road Rules Challenge star told Us at the time.
Looking healthy, confident, and determined, Brown posed for photos, her long blonde hair framing her face. She would eventually have to shave it during chemotherapy treatments.
“I don’t care if I have to throw on a wig or a scarf,” she told Us. “I’m going to get MedGift in all New York hospitals.”
MedGift is a charity founded by Brown in 2005 that works like a wedding registry, allowing donors to help patients pay for treatments.
One big concern for CT Tamburello’s off-again love was the possibility of one day having children. She made sure she froze her eggs before having another ovary removed.
“I’ve always wanted a huge family,” Brown told Us. “Chances of success are small, but I have faith. I just want a sliver of hope in some dang freezer that I could have a munchkin! But if it’s God’s plan for me to adopt, I’ll do that.”
As she prepared for yet another round of chemo, Brown remained upfront and honest about her feelings, telling Us, “Do I want to lose my hair? No. I’m pissed, but I’m not sad about getting cancer again. I pray to stay positive. It’s not easy putting a smile on your face. But if you fight for that smile, you will beat anything.”
She made her final red carpet appearance at Us Weekly’s Most Stylish New Yorkers party on Sept. 10 at the Diamond Horseshoe at the Paramount Hotel.
“I’m just so excited to be out,” she told Us at the event. “It just feels really great and having so much support from my friends and my sister [Faith Brown], just everyone has been so awesome and I can’t express how much support really does help make you better.”
