Diem Brown, a former Real World/Road Rules challenge competitor turned prolific blogger, has died following a battle with cancer. She was 32.
Three weeks before debuting on MTV's Real World/Road Rules Challenge in 2006, Brown was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, but kept her diagnosis a secret until the first competition. She went on to place fourth that season.
After completing treatment and entering remission, she went on to compete in another Challenge, The Duel. While on the mend, Brown was open being hesitant to remove her wig, as she still had no hair following cancer treatments. But in a memorable and emotional scene, she removed her wig and scarf before a challenge. The moment was called "inspirational" by her cast members. She won that competition.
I NEED PRAyErs and advice my doctors are seemingly giving up but I won't & can't rollover. Whatever option I have to LIVE I'm grabbing!— Diem Brown (@DiemBrownMTV) November 11, 2014
Brown went on to fight ovarian cancer once more and in August, she learned she was fighting colon cancer as well.
She learned of her diagnosis while competing in her eighth MTV Challenge.
She chronicled her fight in a blog for People magazine and on her Twitter account.
Her last Tweet, sent three days ago, reflected the ever-positive spirit that Brown was known for.
Need prayers, advice, support & outreach. No is not an option. Contact @alicialquarles We know there is hope & help pic.twitter.com/08yS0iIOZq— Diem Brown (@DiemBrownMTV) November 11, 2014