Leroy Sievers - veteran broadcast journalist died on Friday at age 53 - losing his battle with colon cancer.

Sievers had built a massive online cancer community through his account of battling cancer on the 'My Cancer' commentary, blog and podcast on NPR (National Public Radio).

Over the past two years, Sievers wrote candidly about his ongoing battle with cancer on the daily "My Cancer" blog, and invited its online community - which grew to include thousands of readers and contributors - to share their comments and experiences. Sievers could also be heard in regular commentaries about living with cancer on Morning Edition and a "My Cancer" podcast.

The blog 'My Cancer' will be continued by Siever's family and friends.

Read NPR's tribute to Leroy Sievers and full story of his death here.

[Photo Credit: NPR]