Dr. Kelly Powers, a well-regarded surgeon and a familiar face in medical media, sadly passed away this past Sunday after a long and courageous fight against aggressive brain cancer. She was 45 years old. She passed away at her home in New Jersey, and arrangements for memorial services are underway as family, friends, and colleagues mourn the loss of a devoted physician whose professional achievements were only rivaled by her genuine kindness.
Powers was familiar to numerous television viewers for her segments where she talked about health-related subjects. Throughout the years, she shared her knowledge with numerous programs on major networks, providing valuable medical insights and advice. She shared her insights on Fox News and Fox Business, along with other platforms, tackling important health topics, breaking down intricate medical ideas, and occasionally providing live reports from various locations. People frequently commented on her knack for turning complex medical terms into easy-to-understand information, a talent that won her the affection of both everyday viewers and those in the industry.
Born on May 13, 1979, in Yonkers, New York, Powers showed a dedication to education and helping others from a young age. She completed her undergraduate studies at Baruch College in Manhattan, ultimately choosing to turn her passion for helping others into a career in medicine. Following her time at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, she expanded her knowledge further by obtaining a master’s degree in science from the University of San Francisco. She refined her surgical skills and deepened her medical knowledge during her residency programs at Georgetown University and Boston University.
Dr. Powers was known for her impressive skills as a surgeon, but she also gained recognition as a popular figure in the media. By blending clinical knowledge with a caring touch, her segments offered more than just statistics; they delivered practical tips that viewers could apply to enhance their own well-being. Her colleagues were always impressed by how she could stay calm and compassionate, whether she was sharing the latest findings in medical research, tackling a public health issue, or participating in a lively discussion on a panel show.
In 2020, Dr. Powers faced a tough challenge when she learned she had glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive and hard-to-treat type of brain cancer. This diagnosis came after a series of professional successes and personal aspirations that had been put on hold for quite some time. For years, Powers and her husband, Steven Doll, faced the painful struggle of infertility. After twenty years of hardship, her happiness at finally becoming pregnant and later welcoming their son, Bennett, was beyond words. Even as she welcomed motherhood, cancer lingered in the shadows, challenging her strength in ways that few could truly understand.
Her family and friends remember her unwavering determination and hopeful spirit throughout her treatment. Powers faced numerous surgeries, chemotherapy sessions, and radiation therapy with incredible determination. She openly discussed her challenges, often sharing personal reflections in interviews or through her social media posts. She discovered laughter even in the bleakest times—once joking that, thanks to her treatment-related hair loss, she and her baby boy had matching haircuts. During these challenging moments, her knack for discovering joy and optimism brought solace to those in her presence.
In her first fight against glioblastoma, Powers accomplished what many viewed as a medical miracle: she successfully went into remission. In this time, she truly enjoyed being a mother, was amazed by Bennett’s development, and treasured her moments with Steven. These were truly cherished months that gave her the chance to enjoy family life to the fullest. Still, cancer can be quite unpredictable. Earlier this year, she received the devastating news that the cancer had come back, now more resistant to the usual treatments.
In light of this happening again, her friends and loved ones came together to support her. They set up a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for experimental treatments that regular insurance plans usually don’t cover. The campaign swiftly gathered significant funds—almost $100,000, as some reports indicate—showing the profound admiration and love that her community had for her. The overwhelming support showed not just how much she meant to those closest to her, but also the admiration she earned from viewers who saw her genuine kindness on screen.
Even with such an incredible show of support and her openness to explore unconventional treatments, the disease remained unyielding. She was surrounded by her family when she passed away at the age of 45. Holmdel Funeral Home in New Jersey shared an online obituary stating that she passed away on a Sunday, with visitation scheduled for Thursday. The obituary portrayed her as a “brave and beautiful soul” who effortlessly connected with others and made friends wherever she went. It showcased her commitment to assisting others and her profession as a doctor and surgeon, where she not only thrived in her specialty but also imparted her expertise through various media engagements.
The obituary highlighted just how important her family was to her throughout her life. Despite her numerous accomplishments in medicine and her prominent public image, the most important thing to Dr. Powers was the love and happiness of her family. Friends say she discovered her deepest joy not in the spotlight of studios or the hustle of operating rooms, but in the simple, heartfelt moments spent at home with Steven and Bennett.
Since her passing, her husband has chosen to keep a low profile, dedicating his attention to their young son and navigating the challenging times that lie ahead. People who know the family say that the support from friends, neighbors, and colleagues has been overwhelming. Warm meals have arrived at their doorstep, letters of condolence have filled their mailbox, and tributes to Dr. Powers have been shared online, with many remembering her gentle demeanor, uplifting counsel, and steadfast professionalism.
Colleagues remember Powers not just for her exceptional skills as a surgeon, but also as an inspiring role model for women in the field of medicine. She moved through a male-dominated field with poise and assurance, inspiring younger practitioners to pursue their own paths. Her features in magazines and on TV played a significant role in clarifying complicated procedures, enhancing the public’s grasp of medical care and the importance of patient advocacy.
Although her media career wasn’t the main focus of her professional life, it certainly boosted her visibility and allowed her to connect with a broad audience. From Fox News to Fox Business, CNN to NBC, and more, she contributed her voice to important conversations—heart health, preventive screenings, managing chronic conditions, and the significance of early detection. Many viewers have turned to social media to express how her insights motivated them to finally book those long-overdue doctor appointments or to adopt healthier lifestyle choices.
During her fight against cancer, she consistently expressed gratitude for her life and was resolute in finding meaning amid her struggles. During a live segment, she found herself facing the irony of discussing heart health while dealing with symptoms of her own. She transformed that experience into a powerful moment of advocacy, highlighting to audiences that health issues can arise without warning and that even doctors are not exempt from life’s vulnerabilities.
As the community gets ready to bid farewell during the visitation and funeral service—set for Friday at Tower Hill Church in Red Bank—there’s a lingering feeling of both loss and deep admiration. Dr. Kelly Powers showed incredible resilience while facing unimaginable health challenges, demonstrating repeatedly that unwavering dedication can illuminate even the harshest situations. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, medical knowledge, and, most importantly, a resolute spirit. In a world facing the challenges of serious illness, her legacy shines as a symbol of resilience and compassion.
Even though her time here was brief, the mark she left will echo on. In every patient she assisted, every viewer she educated, and every friend or family member she comforted and uplifted, pieces of her essence linger on. Dr. Kelly Powers leaves behind her husband and young son, as well as a rich legacy of lives she impacted through her dedication to healing, her kindness in challenging times, and her unwavering optimism for what lies ahead.
Fox News contributor Dr. Kelly Powers dead aged 45 after devastating health battle https://t.co/vBfNPIfoK3 pic.twitter.com/P54DvREmh4
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) December 3, 2024
