Soap opera fans were taken aback when the beloved “General Hospital” star, John J. York, announced a “brief hiatus” from the longstanding daytime drama. While the reason was initially shrouded in mystery, with York leaving a cryptic message for fans saying, “Hang tight, and I’ll be in touch,” the actor recently unveiled the somber truth behind his decision.
Battling Bone and Blood Disorders
Reaching out to his legion of supporters, York shared in a poignant video, “Last December of ’22, I was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndromes, or MDS, and multiple smoldering myeloma — two blood and bone marrow disorders.” Such an intimate reveal was accompanied by an image of him in character as Mac Scorpio, a role he’s passionately portrayed for years.
The National Cancer Institute sheds light on these conditions. MDS involves immature blood cells in the bone marrow that don’t mature into healthy blood cells. On the other hand, multiple smoldering myeloma is a precancerous condition that doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms but significantly alters certain blood proteins. Alarmingly, nearly half diagnosed with this condition will see it evolve into multiple myeloma within five years.
Enduring Treatment and Seeking Support
York detailed the rigorous journey he has undertaken since his diagnosis, “Over the past many months, I’ve had three bone marrow biopsies, many chemo treatments… and I’m closing in on a blood stem cell transplant.” With unwavering optimism, the 64-year-old actor shed light on his collaboration with Be The Match, emphasizing the quest to find a potential donor.
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
Extending his plea to the public, York passionately 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… go to bethematch.org/matchformac.”
A Temporary Farewell with Hope
Reassuring his fans, York added a touch of humor, hinting at a future return post-recovery, “This isn’t goodbye, this is just, ‘So long’. I’ll have to take a break for at least three, maybe four months, but I’ll be back.” He then playfully referenced Arnold Schwarzenegger’s famous “Terminator” line, ensuring fans that his departure is but a brief intermission in his illustrious career.
Gratefully concluding, he expressed, “Thanks a lot. Check out Be the Match. Do whatever you can. And thanks for your patience, thanks for your time, thanks for your prayers. I’ll keep you updated. Talk to you soon.”
For over three decades, York has been an integral part of television history. His role in “General Hospital” since 1991 has cemented him as a daytime drama legend. The news of his diagnosis is not just a blow to the industry but to the countless fans who have followed his journey on and off the screen.
Source: Foxnews
