Former “The Real Housewives of Orange County” star Jeana Keough’s two children, Kara Keough and Shane Keough, who fans have also watched grow up on the Bravo series, shared a hopeful update on their mom as she seeks treatment for tongue cancer.
Kara and Shane first shared the news that their mother was diagnosed with cancer in a joint Instagram post on Sunday, July 19, and started a GoFundMe page where Kara revealed her reality TV mom was in her fifth week of chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.
Jeana Keough’s Son Shane & Daughter Kara Open Up About Mom’s Cancer Diagnosis
Jeana Keough’s two older children, Kara and Shane Keough, spoke to Us Weekly just a day after they shared on Instagram that their mom was diagnosed with tongue cancer.
Both Kara and Shane shared an optimistic outlook amid their mom’s cancer diagnosis and revealed how the RHOC OG is staying “strong” throughout the difficult journey.
“She’s strong through this. She’s got a good support network down there,” Shane, who resides in Florida, told the outlet.
He continued, “Colton, our younger brother, is there [in Orange County, California], so she’s on the right path. But you know, it’s tough for everybody, and we’re just trying to make sure she stays on her program so she’s strong when this is done.”
Kara, who also lives in Florida, tells the outlet that the family is still waiting to learn more about their mom’s diagnosis but remains hopeful. Pointing to Jeana’s determination, she said, “I think she’ll get cancer to bend to her will, like she does with everything else in life. We’re choosing to stay in that mindset.”
Kara added, “She refuses to acknowledge that she’s sick, and I think that the cancer will believe her and follow suit.”
Vicki Gunvalson, Tamra Judge & More RHOC Stars Show Support for Keough
GettyAfter Keough’s children shared their mother’s diagnosis, they set up a GoFundMe, which will “go directly toward expenses, everyday living costs, nutrition, and the additional support she needs while undergoing treatment.”
RHOC stars like Vicki Gunvalson and Tamra Judge donated, as well as Bravo boss Andy Cohen, who donated $5,000 to the Keough family.
Gunvalson also shared an Instagram post urging her followers to help financially support Jeana and the family as she undergoes treatment.
“By now most of you have heard my incredible friend @jeanakeough is battling cancer. Her daughter Kara explained her journey on this below GoFundMe post. Please donate if you can, and lift her up in healing ❤️🩹 prayers. Jeana, you have been there for so many people through your life, now it’s our turn to be there for you! We love you girl 💪🙏❤️ LINK IN BIO TO DONATE,” Gunvalson shared.
Judge also did the same, sharing a photo posing alongside Keough and RHOC former stars Quinn Fry and Tammy Knickerbocker.
“We love you, Momma Jeana. ❤️ 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. 🙏,” she wrote.
Both Gunvalson and Judge were original cast members of RHOC along with Keough. Keough ultimately left the series after season 5, but appeared as a guest and friend on multiple seasons.
In an Instagram Story on July 19, Kara shared that her mom was “blown away” by the overwhelming outpouring of donations made in support of her.
“She cried when I showed her how many of you have donated, sent prayers and offered advice and help. We’re reading all your encouraging words and my sweet mama is blown away by the kindness and generosity of so many of you,” she shared.
“As her kid — knowing the scale and depth of her current struggles — I will sleep so much better tonight because of all of you. … Truly. You’ve helped her in more ways than I can tell you,” Kara added.
