Austin Bradshaw has shared his heartfelt reflections on the life and battle of his late wife, influencer Kaelin Bradshaw, who passed away on October 27, 2023. Kaelin, who was only 29, had been diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare form of bile cancer, just nine months prior to her death. In an interview with Today.com, Austin described Kaelin as someone who tackled every challenge with full determination and a fierce spirit.
Her cancer journey began with persistent abdominal pain that led to an emergency room visit. Initially, doctors attributed her discomfort to a torn oblique muscle, but imaging revealed a significant growth on her liver. At that time, the medical team was not overly concerned about cancer due to Kaelin’s young age.
Things changed dramatically four months later when she experienced severe pain that left her unable to stand. Upon returning to the emergency room, she received a devastating diagnosis of Stage 4 cancer. Austin recalled, “It hit us like a brick wall because that’s not what you plan on hearing when you’re 28.”
After the diagnosis, the couple committed themselves to an intense battle against the disease. “It was nine months of fighting our asses off,” Austin said. “It’s a lot of fight for a little reward each time.” Despite the challenges, they remained hopeful, focusing on small victories throughout her treatment journey.
The couple sought opinions from specialists across the United States, including in Florida and New York. Austin noted that Kaelin’s name quickly gained recognition in the oncology community, as her case was particularly unusual for someone of her age. “The doctors were just so angry that she’s 28 years old, dealing with the cancer that only people in their 50s and 60s usually get,” he explained.
In an effort to help others facing similar battles, Kaelin began sharing her experiences on TikTok, amassing over 100,000 followers. She aimed to provide insight into what it is like to fight cancer in your 20s, hoping to inspire those in similar situations. Austin remarked, “We were very much hopeful in the outcome, and we wanted to share that truth… whether it’s chemotherapy or (the) initial diagnosis of cancer.”
Through their journey, both Kaelin and Austin focused on positivity, as he emphasized the importance of maintaining strength during challenging times. “We told ourselves that over and over again: We need to be strong and we need to be positive, even though we are just being dealt the worst parts,” he said. “She was strong, positive and beautiful from the start until the end.”
Austin Bradshaw’s reflections on his wife’s journey underscore the profound impact of her fight against cancer, both on their lives and on the community they sought to support through her story.
