The physician and surgeon is remembered for her courage, compassionate spirit, and unwavering commitment to helping others.
Powers succumbed to glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, which she was diagnosed with in 2020. Her diagnosis came after a severe incident where she collapsed in her apartment, sustaining multiple injuries, including a cracked skull and bruises.
Her father found her unconscious in a pool of blood and called 911. “After tests, imaging & further evaluation, I was diagnosed with a BRAIN TUMOR (**I cannot believe I’m actually writing that as I’m still in disbelief**). I was transferred to a more specialized hospital and am scheduled for brain surgery on Monday,” Powers shared on Instagram.
After her diagnosis, she was overwhelmed with fear, anxiety, and anticipation but also held onto faith. She expressed her struggle to process the reality of what lay ahead, including surgery and its challenges.
Powers penned, “I write this post to kindly ask of you all for a small prayer &/or positive vibe in my honor to watch over me during surgery & in my healing thereafter.”
The physician’s courage shone through as she underwent three brain surgeries, several rounds of radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
While managing her health challenges, Powers and her husband, Steven Doll, aspired to start a family. Her cardiologist advised against pregnancy due to her condition, so they opted for surrogacy. Bennett was born on March 20, 2021, at 10:04 a.m. as Powers continued undergoing treatments.
A happy Powers posted a collage of pictures of her newborn with her and her husband on Instagram, writing, “We are all doing well & so happy to start this new adventure as a family of 3 (well, family of 5 with Nigel & Lucy 
).”
Powers then experienced a period of remission and expressed immense gratitude for her blessings. However, on February 24, 2024, she shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram that her cancer had returned, posting imaging of the brain tumor.
Remaining resilient, she stated, “Riding high, then shot down 
But, nope…this lil’ nugget is not going to win. Caught it early and a lot of tests & scans are favorable. 
I got this
.”
Conventional chemotherapy and radiation proved ineffective after the cancer returned. Therefore, Powers’ family went for a groundbreaking therapy, offered by CeGat, which they said represented her best chance for survival. The family launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the innovative treatment available exclusively in Germany.
They required financial assistance as the cost of the treatment was not covered by insurance. Additionally, the family was relying on a single income making the treatment a significant financial burden. The campaign successfully raised $88,009 before being closed after Powers’ demise.
Family and friends are now mourning Powers, remembering her as a brilliant and kind human being. Her remarkable qualities were evident throughout her life, including her time at several prestigious institutions. Powers attended St. Bartholomew’s School and graduated from the Academy of Our Lady of Good Counsel High School.
Rachel Dickerson and Dr Kelly Powers from a post dated December 3, 2024 | Source: Instagram/msrachd
She completed her undergraduate studies at Baruch College in New York and went on to attend the New York College of Podiatric Medicine for medical school. She further earned a Master of Science degree at the University of San Francisco and completed her residency programs at Georgetown and Boston Universities.
The physician is also celebrated for the vibrant and amazing life she led. Her obituary reads, “She was a brave and beautiful soul who could make friends anywhere she went. Kelly had a love for people and she was dedicated to helping others.”
Her friend, Rachel Dickerson, spoke of the lovely person she was, “I don’t know where to begin. It’s impossible to even fathom that @drkellypowers is no longer here. She was so full of light and love, boundless energy, down for anything and everything, and so passionate about LIVING.”
Dr Kelly Powers and Rachel Dickerson from a post dated December 3, 2024 | Source: Instagram/msrachd
Dickerson felt fortunate to have been friends with Powers for more than 40 years. Still, she mourned that she would always feel, “robbed of the other 40+ that would have made us the Golden Girls.”
Dr Kelly Powers and Rachel Dickerson from a post dated December 3, 2024 | Source: Instagram/msrachd
She shared a collage of photos showcasing their close and loving friendship, adding, “These words, these photos aren’t enough to sum up what you were and always will be. Love you forever, my friend. 
.”
Powers led an exciting life with many passions, including gardening, surfing, ballet, biking, running, horseback riding, and travel. She has also been celebrated for her achievements as a skilled physician and surgeon who garnered media attention through TV appearances and magazine features.
However, her obituary notes, “Most important to her was her family.” She is survived by her husband, her son, her parents, Joan Marie and Joseph Powers, and her in-laws, Daniel and Laraine Doll.
