Guy Fieri Hosts Fundraiser for Chef Shirley Chung's Cancer Battle

Guy Fieri, the renowned host of Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” is rallying support for “Top Chef” alum Shirley Chung as she faces Stage 4 tongue cancer. Fieri announced on Instagram that his nonprofit, the Guy Fieri Foundation, is organizing a fundraising event to assist with Chung’s medical expenses. He hinted at an impressive lineup of surprise chefs who will participate, including his son Hunter and several prominent culinary figures. Chung, a finalist on two seasons of Bravo’s “Top Chef,” has been candid about her health struggles. She recently shared on Instagram that she is undergoing extensive testing at the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center. In her posts, she described the physical toll of chemotherapy, contrasting her previous experiences in the kitchen with the current challenges of treatment. The chef revealed her diagnosis earlier this summer, detailing how dental issues led to the discovery of her cancer. She has been undergoing chemotherapy and frequent hospital visits, emphasizing the emotional and physical challenges of her journey. Despite the hardships, Chung expressed her determination to emerge stronger, stating, “Shirley Chung 2.0 will be reborn in 2025.” In light of her health situation, Chung and her husband, Jimmy Lee, have made the difficult decision to close their restaurant, Ms. Chi Cafe, to prioritize her recovery. She acknowledged the support from her community and the hard work of her team during this challenging time.