Fans of General Hospital star John J. York grew concerned when the actor shared a troubling update on September 7 about his status with the show. "Hey kiddos, just want to let you know that I will be taking a brief hiatus from the show in a few weeks. I'm in the process of getting some important information. So hang tight, and I'll be in touch," York posted on Twitter/X.
Hey kiddos, just want to let you know that I will be taking a brief hiatus from the show in a few weeks. I'm in the process of getting some important information. So hang tight, and I'll be in touch😁
- John J York (@JohnJYork) September 7, 2023
On September 13, York updated his fans with a video message revealing that he has been battling two blood and bone marrow disorders for which he has been receiving chemotherapy. In December 2022, York was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome and smoldering multiple myeloma. "Over the past many months, I've had three bone marrow biopsies, many chemo treatments -- I have another one coming up in a couple of weeks -- and I'm closing in on a blood stem cell transplant," York shared.
According to the National Cancer Institute, myelodysplastic syndrome (MBS) is a type of cancer "in which immature blood cells in the bone marrow do not mature or become healthy blood cells." Smoldering multiple myeloma is a slow-growing form of multiple myeloma, which is a form of cancer affecting the plasma cells, causing them to overproduce one type of antibody.
York has been working closely with Be The Match to find a potential donor on their registry. "If it's possible, and you would consider being a donor, go into their registry for not just me but thousands and thousands of other people who are in need of a donor." York said. "If it's possible and you would consider being a donor, joining their registry, for not just me but thousands and thousands of other people who are in need of a donor, go to bethematch.org/matchformac. You can find out all the information you need to know to possibly join the registry, make a financial donation, anything you might want to consider."
York thanked his fans for their support over the years. "This isn't goodbye, just so long," he assured. York explained that he will be taking a break for three or four months, but he promised to be back. "Thanks for your patience, thanks for your time, and thanks for your prayers," York concluded.
John J. York celebrated his 30th anniversary with General Hospital in 2021. "General Hospital has just been such an amazing gift, and I can never live up to the enormity of what this job has meant to me. It's very special," York said at the time.
You can watch York's entire video below.
Hey gang, here's the update, Check out @bethematch if you want to support https://t.co/AxA8xTbDcq pic.twitter.com/ZBinOwIrpd
— John J York (@JohnJYork) September 13, 2023
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