The Challenge’s Diem Brown looks to surrogacy in order to have a child

After reporting the sad news that Diem Brown is battling cancer for the third time, we have a happier update from The Challenge veteran: she is looking to surrogacy for her future family!

Part of Diem’s battle with ovarian cancer included an emergency hysterectomy in August. Unfortunately, that meant her dreams of carrying her own child had come crashing down. “When I came to, they told me that they couldn’t save my uterus. That was a blow. We’d fought so hard to keep it. Might sound silly to most, but it’s what made me still feel like a woman and gave me hope for a future. I felt empty … gutted,” Diem told People magazine.

But, Diem’s a fighter and isn’t giving up on her dream of having a family of her own. Two years ago, she had her eggs frozen in preparation for her future family. Even though she won’t be able to carry the child herself, surrogacy offers the 32-year-old a chance to have the family she’s always wanted. She told People back in 2012, “For my own sanity I just want to have something ‘normal’ before going through this cancer journey once again. For me something ‘normal’ is having my eggs in a freezer somewhere or knowing in my heart I have exhausted every fertility preservation option possible.”

Even though the recent surgery she underwent was successful in removing two large masses, Diem’s battle with cancer is far from being over. There is cancer present in her stomach and, as a result, Diem will be facing more rounds of chemotherapy to treat it.

While she looks as gorgeous as ever pictured with her sister below, the cancer treatments have clearly taken a toll. Diem’s substantial weight loss has stripped her of her strength so much so she needs the assistance of a walker to help her get around. Despite the challenges, Diem seems more determined than ever to maintain a normal life and kick this cancer in the butt. “You think I’m out? Watch: I’m going to get healthy, and I’m going to have my family and my dream again.”

Diem’s family has created an online support page for Diem on MedGift, an organization created by Diem to provide gifts for those suffering from serious illness.