058: Running Toward Hope - Rhett Austell’s Race Against Cancer

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.