Survivor: Palau Jennifer Lyon Dies Of Breast Cancer

 

Jennifer Lyon, who took fourth place on Survivor: Palau in 2005, passed away of breast cancer at her home in Oregon last night at the age of 37.

The former nanny turned reality TV star was first diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer a few months after Survivor, and opted for a modified, radical bilateral mastectomy, followed by courses of chemotherapy and tamoxifen, a drug used to prevent recurrence.

In 2005 Lyon told People:

“In the summer of 2004, I felt something in my right breast that didn’t feel normal.  I thought it was probably scar tissue related to my breast implants. So I let it go – for a long time.”

She says being on Survivor boosted her spirits and provided an inner strength to battle her disease:

“Survivor taught me there’s an end in sight.  As hard as it is, it will be over, and you have to appreciate every day.”

Through the years Lyons hosted many fundraisers for breast cancer research. Most recently, she opened a Christmas tree lot with proceeds going to her cause.

Our hearts are with her family and friends during this difficult time.