‘Leave it to Beaver’ Star Tony Dow Dies of Cancer, NFL Rookie to Miss First Season for Leukemia Treatment and More

Article

From actors Tony Dow and David Warner dying from cancer to a cancer survivor rappelling a building in the name of awareness and fundraising, here’s what’s happening in the oncology space this week.

“Leave it to Beaver” star Tony Dow died after being diagnosed with liver cancer earlier this year.

Tony Dow, who is most famous for playing Beaver’s older brother, Wally Cleaver, on the hit show “Leave it to Beaver” died, according to a Facebook post on Dow’s page on Wednesday that read, “Tony passed away earlier this morning, with his loving family at his side to see him through this journey.”

The 77-year-old’s death was prematurely announced earlier in the week, when Dow was in hospice care, but still alive.

In addition to “Leave It to Beaver,” which aired from 1957 to 1963, Dow also appeared in “My Three Sons,” “The New Leave It to Beaver,” “The Greatest Show on Earth” and others.

“We know that the world is collectively saddened by the loss of this incredible man," the Facebook post read. "He gave so much to us all and was loved by so many. One fan said it best—'It is rare when there is a person who is so universally loved like Tony.’”

Jared Kushner, son-in-law and senior adviser to the former president Donald Trump, received treatment for thyroid cancer during his time at the White House.

In his upcoming memoir, “Breaking History: A White House Memoir,” Jared Kushner, 41, revealed that he had a “substantial part” of his thyroid removed in 2019 when he was serving as a senior advisor to then-president Donald Trump.

Kushner learned of his cancer diagnosis, when the White House physician, Sean Conley, pulled him aside on Air Force One and told him about his disease.

“Titanic” and “The Omen” actor David Warner died from a cancer-related illness.

David Warner, whose five-decade long acting career included movies like “Titanic,” “The Omen” and “Mary Poppins Returns,” died from a “cancer-related illness,” according to a statement from his family. The 80-year-old was diagnosed with cancer 18 months ago.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, an actor, songwriter, playwright and filmmaker who starred alongside Warner in “Mary Poppins Returns,” wrote on Twitter, “So glad to have been able to express my admiration for David Warner's incredible versatility and career in our time together on set.”

NFL rookie John Metchie III is likely to miss his first season due to cancer treatment.

John Metchie III, who was a second-round draft pick for the Houston Texans, will likely miss the upcoming football season as he undergoes treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia, a type of blood cancer that affects blood formation in the bone marrow.

“I am currently receiving great medical care, am in good spirits and I expect to make a recovery at a later point in time,” Metchie said in a statement that was shared by the Texans. “As a result of the diagnosis, I will likely not be playing football this season. My main focus will be on my health and recovery. Thank you in advance for your support and well-wishes. I cannot wait to come back stronger than ever.”

A cancer survivor rappelled down a 14-story hotel in Madison, Wisconsin, to raise money and awareness for cancer.

After being diagnosed with acinar cell carcinoma (a rare form of pancreatic cancer) in 2019, Cathy Hannes has been dedicated to helping others with cancer. Most recently, she rappelled off down the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace to raise money for Gilda’s Club Madison.

Rappelling involves going down a steep slope (such as a mountain or side of a building) via rope.

“I am just so proud to be here and to do it. This is not me. I am not physically adventure-seeker, it comes from the heart and wanting to help people and to be motivated to do that it feels amazing and I’m so proud of everybody who pitches in,” Hannes said in an interview with WMTV.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to subscribe to CURE®’s newsletters here.

Related Videos
Andrew McMahon, wearing a white sweater and a hat, in an interview with CURE
Experts on chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Experts on chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Experts on chronic lymphocytic leukemia