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.