David Johansen, the iconic frontman of the New York Dolls, has courageously disclosed his battle with a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis, which he learned about five years ago. Despite facing significant health challenges, Johansen had chosen to keep his condition private until now, taking a brave step to share his journey publicly.

According to a recent statement, during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Johansen discovered that his aggressive form of cancer had advanced, resulting in a new diagnosis of a brain tumor. This diagnosis has led to a series of complications that have affected his health profoundly.

Following a serious incident the day after Thanksgiving, Johansen suffered a fall that resulted in two fractured vertebrae in his back. Although the surgery to correct this injury was deemed successful, he has since been left in a state of being “completely bedridden and incapacitated.” He now relies on constant care and support, as the statement emphasizes that “to continue his treatment and give him the best chance of recovery, [Johansen] will need full-time assistance.”

READ MORE: 5 Reasons New York Dolls Should Be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

To alleviate some of the financial pressures stemming from these recent medical challenges, Sweet Relief, an organization dedicated to providing essential services and financial aid to career musicians and music industry professionals, has established the David Johansen Fund. This fund aims to help support Johansen and his family during this difficult period.

The fundraising efforts will assist the 75-year-old musician by covering the costs of full-time nursing care, physical therapy, and daily living expenses that are crucial for his well-being. With the hope of receiving “professional specialized care,” the Johansen family remains optimistic that David can regain some level of mobility and independence.

Reflecting on his health struggles, Johansen shared, “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.” He expressed the severity of his pain, stating, “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.”

“Sweet Relief is honored to support David and his family during this challenging time,” remarked Aric Steinberg, the executive director of Sweet Relief Musicians Fund. “Our Directed Artist Funds can provide a meaningful solution when the community rallies around the recipient, and we anticipate that David?s community will be eager to help here.”

“His impact on the music scene with the New York Dolls is undeniable, and his multifaceted career as an actor and artist has touched countless individuals across the globe. Though he?s faced significant setbacks, we’re committed to helping him rise again with the support of his family, friends, and a wide community of admirers.”

Explore the Incredible Music Legacy of David Johansen

David Johansen?s musical journey began in 1971 when he co-founded the flamboyant and groundbreaking New York Dolls. The band’s self-titled debut album was released in 1973, produced by the renowned Todd Rundgren, and it played a pivotal role in shaping the emerging punk rock scene.

After releasing their second album, 1974’s Too Much, Too Soon, the Dolls disbanded, prompting Johansen to embark on a successful solo career that produced four albums by 1984. In 1987, he reinvented himself as Buster Poindexter, a charismatic performer specializing in swing, jump blues, and novelty songs, which garnered him significant commercial success.

This transformation not only marked a high point in his music career but also opened doors to the film industry, including notable roles in films such as Scrooged and Car 54, Where Are You?

In 2006, Johansen revived the New York Dolls with original guitarist Sylvain Sylvain, releasing three additional albums: One Day It Will Please Us to Remember Even This (2006), Cause I Sez So in 2009, and Dancing Backward in High Heels in 2011. Following a tour in support of the last album, the band disbanded once more.

More recently, Johansen?s life and career were the focus of the Martin Scorsese documentary, Personality Crisis: One Night Only, highlighting his profound impact on the music and entertainment landscape.

For further details about the David Johansen Fund, please visit the official website.