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"The Real Housewives of Orange County" original cast member Jeana Keough has been diagnosed with tongue cancer at 70.
The former reality star's daughter, Kara Bosworth, detailed Keough's recent cancer fight in a $50,000 GoFundMe launched Sunday, July 19.
"A few months ago, while visiting Shane and me in Florida, my mom mentioned a painful spot on her tongue. She assumed a tooth had been rubbing against it and had even gone to the dentist multiple times to have the tooth filed down," Bosworth, 37, wrote, noting Keough recalled having the pain for nearly a year. "A biopsy confirmed our worst fear: squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue."
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She continued, "After surgery to remove the cancer, we were hopeful that the hardest part was behind her. But when doctors recommended a second surgery to remove lymph nodes, they discovered the cancer had spread. Jeana is now in her fifth week of chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy."
USA TODAY has reached out to Keough for comment.
Bosworth called the treatments "relentless," with Keough feeling "exhausted, struggling to stay awake" and unable to eat because of the tongue and throat pain. "Every day is a battle just to get enough nutrition and hydration to continue treatment."
Keough, who works as a realtor, has been unable to work during treatment, which has become an "enormous financial burden," Bosworth said, adding that she and her brother have felt "helpless" supporting from afar and, now that Bosworth has been able to visit, realize the ongoing support their mother needs during treatment. "Most of all, your generosity will remind her that she is not fighting this battle alone," Bosworth wrote.
Longtime "Orange County" star Tamra Judge shared an Instagram post on Sunday, in collaboration with Keough, encouraging followers to support the fundraiser.
"We love you, Momma Jeana," Judge captioned a photo of herself, Quinn Fry, Tammy Knickerbocker and Keough. "Keeping you in our prayers every step of the way. If you're able to support her, the GoFundMe link is in my story and in my bio. Every donation, no matter the size, truly helps."
The fundraiser has received nearly $42,000 of its $50,000 goal in less than 24 hours, which Bosworth said will go toward "expenses, everyday living costs, nutrition" and additional support.
Keough starred in Seasons 1-5 of "The Real Housewives of Orange County" from 2006 to 2012, later appearing as a friend and guest of the show. The former actress, model and music video star served as narrator for the series in Season 15.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Real Housewives of Orange County' star diagnosed with tongue cancer
