Brennan Elliott Mourns the Loss of Wife Camilla Row After Years-Long Cancer Battle
Hallmark star Brennan Elliott is experiencing profound grief following the death of his wife, Camilla Row, after her courageous and extended struggle with cancer. In a deeply moving and heartfelt Instagram post shared on Saturday, the 49-year-old actor announced the devastating news to his followers, expressing the immensity of his loss and the profound impact Row had on his life and the lives of their children.
"It is with a soul crushing devastated heart that I must announce my beautiful wife Camilla Row has passed away after a long battle with gastric cancer," Elliott wrote. His words conveyed the depth of his sorrow and the profound love he held for his late wife.
Elliott described Row as more than just his wife; she was his soulmate, best friend, and the love of his life. He also emphasized her incredible strength and resilience, characterizing her as "the toughest strongest fearless person I have ever met in my life and the greatest mother to her babies."
The couple, married since 2011, shared two children. Elliott’s post made it clear that Row was the bedrock of their family, a source of unwavering support and love. He acknowledged the immense pain she endured throughout her battle with cancer, assuring those who loved her that she was now at peace.
"The pain she endured only I might know but assure all who loved her she is in peace with no more pain," he shared. Elliott’s faith also shone through as he expressed the belief that "Heaven is a far better place with you in it my love."
Accompanying his emotional message was a poignant photograph of Row on the beach, a serene image capturing her spirit. Elliott also noted that Row would have wanted him to extend her gratitude to the countless people from around the world who offered their prayers and support during her eight-year fight against cancer.
He expressed his appreciation for her role in his life, stating, "Thank you for being the best wife, mother and friend Ive ever known." Elliott also lauded Row’s contributions to the gastric cancer community, emphasizing that her efforts had made a measurable impact. "What you did for the #gastriccancer community was immeasurable, but what you did for me as a man will last forever," he said.
Row, a clinical psychologist, received a Stage 4 metastatic gastric cancer diagnosis in 2022, as Elliott revealed in an Instagram post at the time. He wrote, "There is no one I consider braver, stronger, more fearless even when youre faced with a sinister opponent who never plays fair." He further described her unwavering determination, even after undergoing numerous surgeries and chemotherapy treatments. “Even after countless surgeries and chemotherapy rounds, she forges ahead into spring taking on the one of the most aggressive types of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.”
Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, represents approximately 1.5% of all cancer diagnoses in the United States each year. Metastatic stomach cancer occurs when the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, according to the Mayo Clinic. The recent death of country music star Toby Keith at the age of 62 from stomach cancer has also highlighted the disease and its potential to affect individuals at relatively young ages.
In an interview with Today last year, Row shared her personal experience with stomach cancer. She recounted experiencing severe heartburn, so intense that she initially believed she was having a heart attack. This led to her diagnosis and subsequent treatment, which included the removal of her stomach and chemotherapy.
Despite the grim prognosis that initially gave her only 24 months to live, Row had exceeded expectations. "I’ve actually just surpassed my expiration date because when I was first diagnosed (with Stage 4 cancer), the longest prognosis I got was 24 months," she told Today.
Row also spoke about her motivations for raising awareness about stomach cancer in a 2022 interview with Hope for Stomach Cancer. "Initially, I was secretive of my Stage 4 status because I didnt want people to look at me as a sickly cancer patient, but now I feel like I am on a mission to spread awareness and hopefully be an example of a Stage 4 patient who is thriving."
Prior to her passing, Row had shared on her private Instagram account in June that she was undergoing another surgery. She also noted that Elliott had been a constant presence by her side in the hospital. "Brennan has been pulling double duty, prepping for a movie & coming to see me daily, making the best of a makeshift office in my hospital room as I nap," she wrote, according to People.
Elliott’s Instagram post announcing Row’s death has garnered an outpouring of condolences and support from friends, fans, and colleagues. Actor Cameron Mathison wrote, "This brought me to tears my beautiful friend. Weve talked many times through her journey and I just love you all so much. Im so so sorry for your loss and may you hold onto her beautiful memories for a lifetime."
The official Hallmark Instagram account also expressed their sympathy, commenting, "We are heartbroken for you and your family. We are so sorry."
The loss of Camilla Row is a tragedy that has touched many hearts. Her strength, resilience, and dedication to raising awareness about gastric cancer will be remembered by all who knew her. Brennan Elliott and their children are in the thoughts and prayers of many as they navigate this difficult time. Her legacy of love, courage, and advocacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire others.
