Hallmark Star Brennan Elliott Mourns the Loss of Wife Camilla Row After Courageous Cancer Battle
Brennan Elliott, the beloved Hallmark actor, is mourning the passing of his wife, Camilla Row, who succumbed to stage 4 gastric cancer at the age of 45. Elliott, 49, announced the devastating news in a deeply emotional Instagram post on Saturday, sharing a poignant photo of Row smiling on a beach, a drink in hand. His words painted a vivid picture of a woman who fought tirelessly against a formidable disease, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and advocacy.
"There is no easy way to say this but I know my wife @camilla_row would have wanted me to thank every person from all over the world who prayed for her over the last 8 years she suffered immeasurably trying to survive and live with #stage4gastriccancer," Elliott wrote, his message a testament to the global support Row received throughout her battle. He then shared the heart-wrenching news: "It is with a soul-crushing, devastated heart that my beloved wife #cami passed away at 5:28 this morning."
Elliott’s tribute was a deeply personal and moving expression of grief and love. He described Row as the "rock" of their family, emphasizing the profound loss felt by himself and their two children, son Liam and daughter Luna. "Our babies and I lost our rock, a person who not only was the love of my life, my soulmate, my best friend and lover but the toughest strongest fearless person I have ever met in my life and the greatest mother to her babies."
He spoke of Row’s immense strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable pain. "The pain she endured only I might know but assure all who loved her she is in peace with no more pain. You are with the lord now my queen! You are free! Heaven is a far better place with you in it my love." He thanked her for being an exceptional wife, mother, and friend, acknowledging the significant impact she had on his life.
Elliott also highlighted Row’s impactful work within the gastric cancer community, stating, "What you did for the #gastriccancer community was immeasurable, but what you did for me as a man will last forever." He recognized the blessing her presence was to those who knew her. "For any of you who met or knew her your life was blessed because of her presence. I love and am in love and will always be in love with you my baby! I know u r dancing and are on vacation in heaven and free from the grips of cancer."
His message concluded with a promise of eternal love and reunion. "When the lord calls me and it’s my time I will c u in heaven and we will start dancing again.!! I will always be your hot mess! Missing you on this plane forever but will c u soon! THANKYOU Cami for being YOU!"
Camilla Row, a clinical psychologist, married Brennan Elliott in 2011. Beyond her professional accomplishments and family life, she emerged as a vocal advocate for gastric cancer awareness after her own diagnosis. In January, she shared a health update on her private Instagram account, expressing her faith and gratitude. "One day at a time and I know God has a plan for me," she wrote, according to People magazine. "A series of surgeries and hospitalizations have left me weak and out of treatment but I am thankful everyday of each second of life."
In a 2024 interview with Orange Coast magazine, Row recounted her initial diagnosis of stage 1 stomach cancer in 2018. She described experiencing persistent reflux pain for two years prior to undergoing an endoscopy, which revealed the cancer. "Everyone said I was so lucky to have caught it early. All the doctors said, ‘We can cure you,’" she recalled. She subsequently underwent surgery to remove her stomach and 47 lymph nodes.
Following the surgery, Row was told the cancer was unlikely to recur. However, in 2021, a routine CT scan revealed masses in her ovaries, which were later determined to be of stomach cancer origin. "I went from a stage 1 survivor to a stage 4 patient overnight. It was a lot to process. A lot of the data was suggesting that I had months to live. But I was not ready to die."
Row initially kept her diagnosis private, concerned about its potential impact on Elliott’s career. "I never wanted to impact Elliott’s career." However, her perspective shifted after being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. "But when I was diagnosed stage 4, I felt a real duty to become an advocate for other stomach cancer patients. And I had to be an advocate for myself."
She channeled her experiences into supporting others in the gastric cancer community. "What’s helped me cope is giving back to the stomach cancer community – leading support groups," Row explained. "Letting people know that you have to speak up for yourself and empower yourself with information. To know that I’m making some sort of difference makes the cancer part suck a little less."
Elliott first publicly acknowledged his wife’s cancer battle in April 2022. "Those closest to me know that my Wife Cami has had several bouts with cancer in the past but now she embarks on a new journey as a Stage IV metastatic gastric cancer patient," he wrote in an Instagram post. He praised her unwavering spirit and bravery. "There is no one I consider braver, stronger, more Fearless even when you’re Faced with a sinister opponent who never plays fair."
He also expressed his hope that her story would inspire others. "As you all know me to be a very private person, this feels scary and exposing but If there is any hope that her story can help Even one person, then her cancer Experience Was Not Done in vain."
The passing of Camilla Row marks a significant loss for her family, friends, and the gastric cancer community. Her courage, advocacy, and unwavering spirit will continue to inspire hope and empower others facing similar challenges. Her legacy will live on through her children, her work, and the countless lives she touched with her strength and compassion. The Hallmark community and beyond offer their deepest condolences to Brennan Elliott and his family during this difficult time.
