What does it take to face cancer head-on, twice, and still find the strength to run toward progress? In this powerful episode of Believe in Progress, brought to you by the AACR Foundation, Rhett Austell shares his deeply personal journey through stage 4 appendix cancer, fatherhood, advocacy, and the fight for his life.
Rhett’s story is one of resilience. From the sudden onset of cancer in his late 30s to undergoing major surgery, chemotherapy, and still lacing up to run the Broad Street Run in Philadelphia, he embodies what it means to keep going, no matter the odds. His passion for funding cancer research is fueled by both the personal loss of his father and by hope: through his father-in-law’s survival, thanks to a clinical trial.
This special extended episode includes a heartfelt epilogue recorded after Rhett’s recent cancer recurrence, where he speaks openly about the realities of a second diagnosis, his continued treatment, and what drives him to keep fighting—not just for himself, his wife, and his four daughters, but for all cancer patients and their families.
Key Topics:
- The shocking discovery of stage 4 appendix cancer at age 38
- The emotional rollercoaster of becoming a father again amid diagnosis
- Lessons learned from his father’s and father-in-law’s cancer journeys
- Running the Broad Street Run after major surgery and raising more than $9,000
- Facing a cancer recurrence and embracing advocacy with renewed urgency
- The importance of time, clinical trials, and fully funding cancer research
- What it means to believe in progress, even in the face of setbacks
Episode Chapter Markers (Timestamps):
00:00 – Introduction to Believe in Progress
00:53 – Rhett's Story Begins
03:09 – A Surprise Diagnosis and a New Baby on the Way
08:12 – Treatment, Surgery, and Finding Strength Through Family
09:28 – Cancer in the Family: Stories of Loss and Survival
14:48 – Why Cancer Research Matters Now More Than Ever
16:55 – Running Again: From the Hospital to the Finish Line
20:23 – Fundraising, Broad Street Run, and Victory
21:49 – Epilogue: Facing Recurrence with Purpose
27:34 – Rhett’s Second Round of Treatment
32:29 – Continued Advocacy in the Face of Uncertainty
36:04 – Looking Ahead: Hope, Family, and Next Goals
If this episode moves you, here’s how you can take action to advance cancer research:
- Donate to the AACR: Fuel lifesaving innovation at https://AACR.org/Give
- Share this episode: Send it to inspire others in your network
- Subscribe to Believe in Progress: Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts
Production Credits:
Host: Mitch Stoller
Guest: Rhett Austell
Executive Producer: Anthony Lopes
Executive Producer: Michael Leary
Director: Anthony Lopes
Creative Director / Director of Photography: Michael Leary
Writer: Anthony Lopes
Editor: Michael Leary
Associate Producer: Heather Holland
Believe in Progress is produced by CollegeCast LLC.
