NEVER GIVE UP

‘Top Chef’ Shirley Chung Vows to Be ‘Unicorn’ in Tongue Cancer Battle

Chung admits she’s facing her biggest test yet with her stage 4 diagnosis and she’s determined to win.

Top Chef star Shirley Chung has decided to go against her oncologist’s recommendation and try chemotherapy and radiation treatment rather than lose her tongue after being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. The 47-year-old restaurateur, who reached the final of Bravo’s Top Chef show in its 11th season, heard about a “unicorn case” at the University of Chicago where another chef was cured against the odds. “Higher survival rate, or keep my tongue? I chose to keep my tongue, I am a fighter, I am a chef, I can be that unicorn too,” She discovered the cancer after suffering “a series of dental issues.” She said on Instagram that her health is improving after completing six weeks of chemo. “Your love and support will carry me through. Cheer me on, Shirley Chung 2.0 will be reborn in 2025!” she wrote after posting a video of her shaving off her hair.