William Shatner and his daughter, Melanie Shatner Gretsch, have revealed that they were quietly fighting separate battles with stage 4 cancer at the same time.
In a new interview with People magazine on Wednesday, July 22, the father-daughter duo shared how they leaned on each other during treatment and are now both cancer-free.
Melanie, 61, told the outlet that she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2022 after finding a lump. Just one year later, the trip to the stars Legend, now 95, learned he had stage 4 melanoma that had spread to his lungs and brain, turning an already difficult period into an emotional challenge for the entire family.
Melanie underwent chemotherapy, HER2-targeted therapies, a double mastectomy and 30 rounds of radiation, but admitted she cared more about her father than herself. “I remember vividly thinking, ‘I don’t have the strength to take care of myself and at the same time lose my father,'” she said.
Shatner discovered his own illness after noticing a lump on his cheek, which was confirmed to be a growing tumor. After surgery, he completed two years of immunotherapy.
Melanie also recalled how her father immediately stepped in to help her with medical costs, telling her, “I don’t want you to worry. Just send me the bills.”
Now recovered, the couple launches the podcast. There is no time but nowwhere they plan to speak with health experts and fellow cancer survivors.
