Austin Bradshaw Reflects on Kaelin’s Courageous Cancer Fight
Austin Bradshaw has shared a heartfelt tribute to his late wife, influencer Kaelin Bradshaw, who passed away on October 27, 2023, after a courageous nine-month battle with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare form of bile duct cancer. In an interview with Today.com, Austin opened up about their journey and the impact Kaelin had on both their lives and her followers.
Initially, the couple believed in a positive outcome following Kaelin’s diagnosis. Her symptoms began with persistent abdominal pain, leading them to an emergency room visit where doctors diagnosed a torn oblique muscle and identified a sizable growth on her liver. At the time, the medical team did not suspect cancer, primarily due to Kaelin’s young age of 28.
The situation escalated dramatically four months later when Kaelin experienced excruciating pain. A return to the emergency room resulted in a devastating diagnosis of Stage 4 cancer. “It hit us like a brick wall because that’s not what you plan on hearing when you’re 28,” Austin recounted. He described the subsequent months as a relentless fight against a disease that typically afflicts older individuals, noting, “It was nine months of fighting our asses off. It’s a lot of fight for a little reward each time.”
Kaelin’s passion for life was evident in her approach to her illness. Austin explained how she used her platform on TikTok to connect with others facing similar challenges. Her account gained over 100,000 followers as she aimed to share her experiences and encourage those in the same situation. “Her name in the oncology field was being spread around probably faster than her name on TikTok,” he said, highlighting the impact she had beyond social media.
Through their ordeal, the couple maintained a hopeful outlook, focusing on positivity even in dire circumstances. “We told ourselves that over and over again: We need to be strong and we need to be positive,” Austin expressed. This mantra guided them through moments of despair, as they sought to inspire others dealing with cancer.
Reflecting on Kaelin’s spirit, Austin remarked, “She was strong, positive and beautiful from the start until the end.” Her legacy continues through the messages of strength and resilience she shared with her followers, who looked to her for guidance and hope during their own battles.
In honoring Kaelin’s memory, Austin emphasizes the importance of staying positive in the face of adversity and the need for increased awareness about young adults facing cancer. Their story serves as a testament to the power of love and hope, even when confronted with life’s most challenging moments.
