What Couples Can Learn from Will Reeve’s Testicular Cancer Battle
From early detection to preserving fertility, ABC News correspondent and Good Morning America host Will Reeve and wife Amanda Dubin share how facing a health crisis brought them closer
Cancer is a word that can pause anyone’s world in an instant. For many, it carries a heavy, daunting shadow—but there are those who step up to face the challenge, coming out on the other side with a clear mission to spread awareness and offer hope.
ABC News correspondent Will Reeve knows this reality intimately. The son of the late Superman star Christopher Reeve and singer/advocate Dana Reeve, Will lost his mother to lung cancer at a young age after witnessing her battle. Earlier this year, the young newsman faced a diagnosis of his own: testicular cancer, which required surgery and chemotherapy over the summer.
Testicular cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic, “is a growth of cells that starts in the testicles.”
It has been an emotional rollercoaster for Will and his wife, Amanda Dubin, whom he married in January. Now officially cancer-free, Will spoke to People, sharing his desire to honor his parents’ legacy of advocating for vital health causes.
“I have felt so loved and supported and rooted for by family, friends, and strangers alike for my entire life,” he shared. “And that’s a big part of why I wanted to speak about this. I’m going to be fine. But this was a heck of a chapter.”
Will Reeve in New York, 2024. Photo from Will Reeve Instagram
During a joint appearance on Good Morning America, Will and Amanda sat down to talk about their journey, shedding light on what got them through the storm. Here are powerful takeaways every couple can learn from their story:
1. Never Delay: Listen to Your Partner and Get Tested Early
Early detection remains one of the strongest tools in treating cancer. Will credits Amanda’s persistence for prompting him to get an ultrasound after they discovered a lump in one of his testicles back in April.
By May, Will underwent an orchiectomy to remove the cancer cells. However, the path ahead brought further hurdles when testing revealed an aggressive carcinoma in some of his lymph nodes, leading to a complex six-hour surgery in June followed by rounds of chemotherapy.
Will acknowledges that acting quickly made all the difference: “I’m fortunate that I caught this early. Yes, I had to jump through some flaming hoops to get to the other side, but it could have been much worse had I ignored it or delayed going to the doctor.”
When a partner notices a subtle health change or encourages a checkup, taking action promptly can save lives.
2. Stand Together as Caregiver and Partner
Navigating a serious illness requires immense teamwork. Throughout treatment, Amanda stepped in as Will’s primary caregiver—managing medical visits, attending chemotherapy sessions, and offering emotional grounding.
When asked on Good Morning America how she coped with the sudden turn of events, Amanda reflected on the strength of their bond:
“I feel like we were shot out of a cannon 95 days after our wedding, having this hit us. But a lot of people take a gamble on getting married. It’s the most important decision you make—who you marry. And we had early validation that we chose the right person. I’m so comforted in that because we can tackle it together.”
Her perspective offers a valuable reminder: marriage isn’t just tested during smooth waters, and leaning on each other through health crises builds deep resilience.
Will Reeve and his wife, Amanda Dubin Reeve. Photo from Amanda Dubin Instagram
3. Plan Ahead for the Family You Envision
A cancer diagnosis presents unexpected questions about the future, particularly regarding fertility and family planning. Before starting chemotherapy, Will and Amanda took proactive steps by utilizing a sperm bank to preserve their options.
Looking forward, the couple plans to pursue IVF when they are ready to grow their family.
“We really want to be parents, and the great joy is that we are going to be able to have children, our own children, and that’s what we want to do,” Will shared.
For young couples confronting serious diagnoses, discussing reproductive options with healthcare providers before treatment begins ensures that long-term dreams stay alive.
4. Turn Trials into a Shared Mission
For Will, going public with his diagnosis was about breaking the stigma surrounding men’s health issues. Since sharing his story, he has interviewed other men who faced similar health battles and emerged resilient and victorious.
Advocacy is firmly part of his heritage, echoing the mission of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. His journey serves as a call for men not to stay silent out of fear or embarrassment, but to speak up, seek care, and support one another.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Reeve was diagnosed with testicular cancer after discovering a lump in April. He underwent an orchiectomy, follow-up surgery for lymph node involvement, and chemotherapy to successfully eliminate the cancer.
Will’s wife, Amanda Dubin, encouraged him to get a medical evaluation and ultrasound promptly after discovering a lump in April. Early detection allowed his medical team to treat the aggressive carcinoma quickly.
Yes. Many men preserve their fertility by visiting a sperm bank before starting treatments such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Techniques such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) allow couples to build a family after recovery.
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