A new season of the Netflix hit series America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders has just been released. The documentary series follows the lives of the esteemed cheerleading squad and the people that make the team tick, including head choreographer Judy Trammell and director Kelli Finglass.
Fans tuning into the brand new season, released today (June 16), may be unaware that one of the show's stars received a cancer diagnosis, as it is never mentioned on the series. Kelli, 61, shared her diagnosis via social media in February this year and explained that she had actually attended the doctor for a routine examination.
In a video uploaded to Instagram, she said: 'Well, good morning. My grandmother, Grandma Polly, has always told me not to talk about health with people. But I'm compelled to just because I was in somewhat of a light-hearted way, letting people peek in on some cosmetic treatments that Dr Singer and I have explored. But in doing that I always have to do my skin checks. So you've all asked 'What happened with Kelli's biopsy?', so here we are fresh off the press: I got some good news and some bad news.'
She then displayed five mole-like marks on her body - four which returned completely clear and one on her forehead that did not. Kelli gestured to her temple and said: 'This little guy right here. This one is squamous cell carcinoma so I get to schedule a MOHS.' She was referring to a Micrographic Surgery. 'I call it scoop and stitch,' she quipped. 'They scoop out the skin and stitch you up like a football.'
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is a prevalent type of skin cancer that most commonly affects areas of the skin exposed to the sun, such as the face and ears. Kelli revealed in the caption accompanying her video that she was thankful the cancer had been detected early. She explained that she and her doctor 'went in for a routine skin check before cosmetic treatments... and this is exactly why skin checks matter.'
She continued: 'What we didn't expect to find ended up being something that truly needed attention, a Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Early detection makes all the difference - and this is your reminder that skin health always comes first. Thankful for thorough care, proactive screening, and having these conversations out loud. If you've been putting off a skin check, let this be your sign.'
Supporters flooded the comments section to express their solidarity. 'So glad you were able to detect it early. Thank you for sharing this,' wrote one Instagram user. 'This is such an important message, well done Kelli,' commented another. While a third posted: 'Sending you giant hugs.'
Kelli is most recognised as the director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, a role she has occupied since 1991. Throughout the years, she has elevated the squad into an internationally celebrated ensemble that aspiring cheerleaders from around the globe have travelled to Texas to try out for.
The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.
America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is now streaming on Netflix.
