Dr. Kelly Powers, a familiar face on Fox News and a respected voice in the medical community, has passed away at the age of 45. Known for her insight and candor, Powers was a regular on the late-night talk show Red Eye and appeared frequently on Fox Business, sharing her expertise on health risks and medical advancements.
Her contributions to the network often reflected her passion for public health, making complex issues accessible to millions. Behind the scenes, Powers was quietly waging a battle far more personal. Diagnosed with Glioblastoma in 2020, she underwent three surgeries, rounds of chemotherapy, and cutting-edge immunotherapy treatments. The aggressive brain cancer initially went into remission, offering a brief reprieve.
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Glioblastoma, or glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is an aggressive and deadly form of brain cancer that originates from astrocytes, the cells that support nerve function in the brain. Classified as a Grade IV glioma, it grows rapidly and invades nearby brain tissue but rarely spreads beyond the central nervous system. While its exact cause remains unclear, genetic mutations and prior radiation exposure are potential factors.
Sadly, the disease returned earlier this year, leading to a renewed fight. Despite her struggles, Powers continued to advocate for health awareness, often using her platform to encourage preventive care and early detection for others. She raised almost $90,000 on her GoFundMe.
Powers earned her undergraduate degree from Baruch College in New York, followed by medical training at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. She furthered her education with a Master of Science degree at the University of San Francisco and completed residency programs at Georgetown and Boston Universities.
She was known for her warmth, bravery, and dedication to helping others. An accomplished doctor and surgeon, she gained recognition through TV appearances and magazine features, yet prioritized her family above all. Her hobbies included gardening, surfing, ballet, biking, running, horseback riding, and travel according to her obituary.
In an interview with Preferred Health Magazine in 2018, Powers shared the profound challenges of her health journey, detailing her fight and survival against heart failure followed by her battle with brain cancer.
“Here I was – a doctor talking to the public and giving expert advice… Meanwhile, I was missing the subtle signs in myself of heart failure…” Powers said at the time. “My frightening experiences changed the way I treat my patients – now, I encourage them to be their best advocate and get as many opinions as they need to make the right decisions for every aspect of their health. You have to make sure you have the best care around – whether it’s your surgeon or practicing doctor. Ask all the questions.”
“It’s crazy – I went into heart failure while doing a report on Fox Business – live – on heart health and talking about the subtle signs that women often miss,” she continued. “You can’t make this up! I was actually diagnosed with heart disease by accident when my gallbladder was failing and I had to have it removed. That led to my heart being examined and …I couldn’t believe it – here I was in my late 30s, experiencing a health condition that a much older person would be diagnosed with.”
She is survived by her husband, Steven Doll; their son, Bennett; her parents; and her in-laws, Daniel and Laraine Doll.
