A former Survivor contestant is sharing some earth-shattering news. Reality TV fans were introduced to Ken McNickle on the 33rd edition of the show called Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X. He was the runner-up of that season.
While Ken didn’t walk away with the $1 million prize, he was a strong physical competitor, winning four individual immunity challenges.
Ken has shared that he has cancer. On his social media handle, he discussed neglecting his health for a long time before bravely sharing this news.
Ken McNickle has revealed his cancer diagnosis
It’s a word many in his season are all too familiar with: cancer. Sadly, many of Ken’s seasons have been impacted by that in some way.
On his Instagram account, Ken said, “I’ve made some mistakes in the process and should have taken care of myself better and sooner.” He said when hearing the word cancer, “everything becomes muted.” He urged anyone with a health concern not to sit back but “get yourself checked.”
Ken is 43 and says he initially felt defeated with that news. He says that his daughter and the lady in his life are among those he thinks about. Ken ads that these days he’s trying to be optimistic while vowing to fight the cancer.
A few years ago, one of Ken’s castmates revealed that she had cancer. Sadly, Sunday Burquest was diagnosed with ovarian and esophageal cancer in 2020. She passed away the following year.
Fellow contestant, Adam Klein, shared in a confessional that season that his mom was dealing with stage 4 lung cancer. Sadly, she died before the finale. Adam wound up winning the season, getting all 10 of the jury votes.
Initially, Ken admitted feeling hesitant to share with others. He did say that he will share more as he goes through treatment.
Ken admits to waiting close to a year before seeing a doctor. His skin was starting to tear open, prompting him to see a specialist.
His news comes nearly two years after the death of Survivor: Africa runner-up Kim Johnson who was 79.
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