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David Johansen Faces Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis
David Johansen, renowned for his role as the lead singer of the iconic 1970s proto-punk band New York Dolls, has received a diagnosis of stage 4 cancer. Alongside his musical career, he is also recognized by his stage name, Buster Poindexter. In response to his health situation, his daughter Leah Hennessey has initiated a Sweet Relief fundraiser aimed at assisting with the financial burden of his ongoing treatment.
In the fundraising announcement, Hennessey disclosed that Johansen has been battling cancer for much of the past ten years. His condition took a turn for the worse in 2020 when he developed a brain tumor. “He’s never made his diagnosis public, as he and my mother Mara are generally very private people,” Hennessey explained. “However, the increasing financial strain our family is experiencing has prompted us to share this.”
The situation was compounded when Johansen suffered a serious fall shortly after Thanksgiving, resulting in two broken vertebrae. Following a week spent in the hospital and undergoing surgery, he now faces significant physical limitations. Hennessey notes that her mother has been providing constant care during this challenging time, while Johansen’s health has continued to decline.
Funds raised through the Sweet Relief initiative will be directed towards securing full-time nursing care, physical therapy sessions, and vital living expenses. Hennessey expressed hope that with proper care, her father may regain some of his mobility and autonomy. “With professional specialized care, we are hopeful that David can regain some mobility and independence,” she stated.
In a heartfelt message shared by Brooklyn Vegan, Johansen expressed his struggles, remarking, “We’ve been living with my illness for a long time, still having fun, seeing friends and family, carrying on, but this tumble the day after Thanksgiving really brought us to a whole new level of debilitation. This is the worst pain I’ve ever experienced in my entire life. I’ve never been one to ask for help, but this is an emergency. Thank you.”
Source
pitchfork.com