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The US Sun
Iron Chef star Simon Majumdar battling ‘rare form’ of brain cancer as he undergoes ‘grueling’ surgeries and treatment
By Phillip McDonald,
2024-08-06
IRON Chef judge Simon Majumdar has revealed he’s battling a rare form of brain cancer.
The Food Network star shared the scary diagnosis and his cancer treatment journey with fans in an X post on Tuesday.
Simon, 60, wrote , “I have some personal news to share.”
He continued, “This is a very hard thing for me to write. So, please bear with me while I share some personal news.
“Almost two and a half years ago, doctors found a tumor in my brain and they diagnosed me with Oligodendroglioma or ‘Oligo,’ for short.”
Simon explained, “I understand that this is a very rare form of brain cancer.”
The Cutthroat Kitchen star continued, “It, of course, affects everything I do in my life — my speech and my memory being the main things that matter.”
“Normally, I would keep this on the down low. I guess, this is a British thing.
“While my family, friends, and colleagues have been aware and supportive of my journey, I am now ready to share my experience with the wider world,” he stated before adding, “In case it helps people with oligo and anyone else who is suffering from any other type of cancer.”
Simon went on to discuss his treatment and the procedures he’s endured to combat the disease.
“Since finding out about my diagnosis, I have undergone two brain surgeries, grueling radiation, and multiple cycles of chemotherapy,” he wrote.
The Next Iron Chef judge added, “So if some people might have been wondering why, on social media posts, the pictures or videos show me wearing hats when I am at restaurants, it’s because I have not been ready to show my battle scars.”
HOPEFUL FUTURE
Simon routinely posts photos and videos of himself tasting delicious foods, shopping at food markets, trying different restaurants, and visiting shops on social media.
On a hopeful note, Simon wrote, “So far, my fingers are crossed. While it has been a long and challenging journey, with the help of my beautiful wife, I have found myself living a relatively normal life.
“She has been amazing dealing with doctors, medications, insurance, and so much more. She is everything to me.”
Simon married his wife, Sybil Villanueva, in 2010.
While my family, friends, and colleagues have been aware and supportive of my journey, I am now ready to share my experience with the wider world.”
Simon Majumdar X
The couple met while the TV personality was traveling in Brazil.
“I have also been fortunate that my fantastic family, friends, the chef communities and the broadest communities have been very kind and supportive during my cancer journey,” he continued.
Simon wrote, “I am hopeful about my future as a cancer survivor.
Since finding out about my diagnosis, I have undergone two brain surgeries, grueling radiation, and multiple cycles of chemotherapy,
Simon Majumdar X
“And that is, in part, thanks to organizations like [Oligo Nation], who I know are working very hard to find ways to fund more research into new and effective ways of treating oligodendroglioma.
“Perhaps, one day in the very near future, a cure for this dreadful disease will soon be found.”
LEMONS TO LEMONADE
Always the chef, Simon stated, “I have also decided to make lemonade out of this very big lemon by helping — Oligo Nation fund more research into oligodendroglioma.”
He continued, “I hope that you can join me as I support Oligo Nation (https://www.oligonation.org/) with their efforts. And, very soon, I’ll be announcing a very special event — featuring some of my favorite people from the chef communities — that will hopefully get us closer to the goal of eliminating oligodendroglioma.”
“Be sure to watch this space,” the chef continued.
I am hopeful about my future as a cancer survivor.”
Simon Majumdar X
“In the meantime, if you or your loved ones are going through his tough cancer journey, please do know that I am one of your biggest cheerleaders. You have got this,” Simon concluded.
And signed off, “With all my love.”
Though he didn’t begin his career in the entertainment industry. Simon became a judge on Cutthroat Kitchen, Iron Chef America, and The Next Iron Chef.
When he was 40 years old, he quit his job as a book publisher and started his new mission – to “Go Everywhere, Eat Everything,” per Food Network .
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