While on the run, Dowden allowed cameras to film her receiving regular chemotherapy injections to depict the reality of living with the disease.
"It was important to show the reality of cancer," she said. She explained that the diagnosis alters life permanently, far beyond the initial treatment phase.
"Unfortunately, a cancer diagnosis is like a life sentence," Dowden said. She expressed hope that displaying her continuous treatment on television would spark important discussions in households nationwide.
Her partner Gu initially had some reservations about the physical strain of the show before agreeing to join her.
"Then I mentioned it to you [Carlos], I do think you were a bit wary to begin with," Dowden said.
She jokingly added that the intense demands of the challenge quickly tested his patience on set.
"I think he's a friend that just trusts me, and then I think he wanted to kill me actually after day one," she said.
Gu admitted he was initially shocked by the experience but was driven by his personal connection to the cause.
"I was like, 'What's she done to me'," Gu said. He affirmed his commitment to supporting his friend through the grueling production.
"But I know how much she wanted to do it, as a friend, and I want to do it for her," Gu said.
He highlighted how personal losses in his own family motivated his participation.
"But also I have family members who suffered from cancer who didn't survive, so I think it's a great cause for me to do something… I'm absolutely glad and I'm pleased that I did it," Gu added.
