Inside Kelley Mack’s Battle With Rare Cancer Before Her Death

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Spectators witnessed Kelley Mack’s character Addy battle against zombies on The Walking Dead. However, the actress herself was unaware that she would face a very different kind of struggle just a few years later.

Kelley, also known as Kelley Klebenow, passed away on August 2 after a tough fight with glioma, a tumor affecting the central nervous system. She was only 33 years old.

In January, Kelley revealed that she had been diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma, a rare type of astrocytoma cancer. However, she had already been experiencing symptoms for months prior to her diagnosis.

“In September,” she reminisced in a post on January 3, “I moved into a new apartment with my boyfriend, Logan.” For a month after that, I thought I had slipped a disc due to persistent lower back pain. A few weeks later, I had neuropathic itching in my right quad. Then, the shooting pains in my legs and back started, which forced me to sleep in a recliner for a month because lying down was too painful.”

Finally, “on Thanksgiving Eve,” Kelley added, “I underwent emergency MRIs at the hospital, which revealed an abnormal mass in my spinal cord.

After undergoing surgery on her spinal cord that involved biopsy, she found herself unable to utilize her right leg fully and only partially her left. This setback necessitated the use of a walker and wheelchair for mobility.

On this fresh path in life, Kelly felt grateful for the unwavering love and assistance provided by her family and boyfriend, who stood by her side throughout the entire ordeal.

She noted that this period has been incredibly tough, pushing me to my limits mentally, spiritually, and physically. Yet, despite the difficulties, I remain hopeful and at peace, knowing my recovery is underway and we will triumph.

Following her return from Los Angeles to Ohio, Kelley commenced proton radiation therapy on January 13. She marked this event on Instagram with a post that read, “First day of proton radiation [check], 24 more sessions to go.” Over the subsequent months, she provided updates about her progress, such as her physical therapy appointments. Eventually, in March, Kelley announced the completion of her radiation treatment, posting a video of herself ringing the bell. Reflecting on her experience, she wrote on Instagram, “This journey has not been straightforward, but things are gradually improving.

Kelley demonstrated one of her recent achievements last month by posting a video of herself regaining the ability to walk and climbing stairs again. She wrote in the caption of the March 26 clip, “I’ve managed to navigate these stairs twice over the past few days. It’s a significant milestone for me (Given that life has been a bit of a rollercoaster recently, I think we can all relate!).

One of her last Instagram posts prior to her demise was a celebration for the release of her film titled “Universal”. Although Kelley’s career will endure – with notable works such as “Chicago Med”, “9-1-1”, “Broadcast Signal Intrusion” and numerous commercials – those who knew her dearly will also recall the person she was away from the camera.

An obituary posted on CaringBridge stated, “Kelley was admired for her warmth, creativity, and unwavering support towards others”. She treasured time spent with her family and friends, finding happiness in teamwork and narration. Her contagious excitement and commitment to her work served as a source of inspiration for many within the industry and beyond.”

To reminisce about her life through photos, continue reading.

In 2021, Kelly marked the debut of her film “Broadcast Signal Intrusion” at the Chicago Film Festival with a celebration.

Kelley frequently shares her personal and career milestones on social media platforms, keeping her followers informed about her private life.

Many of Kelley’s posts included her boyfriend, Logan. 

The actress from the show “9-1-1” regularly shared updates about her battle against diffuse midline glioma, an uncommon type of cancer, with her followers.

Kelly collaborated with her mom on scriptwriting, including “On the Black” – a 1950s-inspired screenplay that was inspired by her grandparents’ tale from that time.

Apart from “Broadcast Signal Intrusion”, Kelly has additionally starred in “The Walking Dead” as the character Addy. Furthermore, she’s made appearances as a guest actor on both “9-1-1” and “Chicago Med”.

Kelley also did voiceover work, often sharing glimpses of the recording process.

The 33-year-old’s family were by her side throughout her health journey. 

In the spring, Kelley enjoyed a trip to Florida to spend time with family.

Of Logan, Kelley wrote, “My love, always by my side.”

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2025-08-06 21:17