'Survivor' Alum Sunday Burquest Diagnosed with Cancer Again 8 Years after Beating Breast Cancer
Eight years after beating breast cancer, Sunday Burquest, of "Survivor" fame, is facing another health challenge — she was diagnosed with esophageal and ovarian cancer.
Burquest made the revelation in a video she shared on her Instagram page on Sunday evening that showed her wearing a t-shirt with the words, "I Survived esophageal and ovarian cancer." She said:
"Today, I was told that...esophageal cancer started and traveled to my ovary..."
Photo of "Survivor" alum Sunday Burquest on her Instagram page. | Photo: Instagram/@sundaysurvivor
Despite the new health challenge facing her, Burquest didn't look downcast in any way but instead, she said:
"I do know that I have already survived cancer once and I will survive it again. That is why I am...saying right now that I survived it."
Public figure, Kristie Bennett, commented with multiple red heart emojis, while another fan wrote, "You are in my thoughts and prayers you CAN and Will Survive this."
Many of Burquest's fans also reacted to the announcement. One fan said that Burquest is a queen, while another fan said that the author could defeat cancer again.
The 49-year-old Burquest was a contestant in "Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X," and was a pastor when she competed. She is hoping that her faith will keep her mentally strong as she begins her treatment.
In 2012, Burquest, also the author of the book, "Grit Girl: Power to Survive Inspired by Grace," battled breast cancer and underwent several surgeries and chemotherapy radiation. She won the battle just in time to make it to "Survivor" in 2016.
She eventually lasted 35 days in the show, with her social skills and ability to work well with younger contestants playing a huge role in her longevity and final position of seventh.
A friend of Burquest, Zeke Smith, who also contested on "Survivor," after hearing about the former's diagnosis, took to Instagram to show support to her.
In his post, Smith described Burquest, a mother of four, as a relentless person and that esophageal and ovarian cancer didn't stand any chance against her.
Smith added that he's got Burquest's back and was willing to do anything that could make this period a little less painful. Accompanying his touching post was a picture of him hugging Burguest tightly during their time together in "Survivor."