In a recent announcement, General Hospital star John J. York revealed that he will be taking a break from the soap opera to focus on his health. The actor is currently battling two blood and bone marrow disorders, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and multiple smoldering myeloma.
York shared the news through a video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on September 13. He explained that over the past several months, he has undergone three bone marrow biopsies and numerous chemotherapy treatments. He also mentioned that he has another chemo treatment scheduled in a couple of weeks and is preparing for a blood stem cell transplant.
For those unfamiliar with these conditions, myelodysplastic syndromes occur when the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow become abnormal. It is a serious condition that affects the production of healthy blood cells. On the other hand, multiple smoldering myeloma is a blood and bone marrow disorder that can serve as a precursor to multiple myeloma, which is a rare blood cancer.
Amid his health battles, York expressed gratitude for the support he has received from his fans. He also mentioned his collaboration with Be The Match, a bone marrow donation program, in search of a potential donor on their registry. This highlights the importance of bone marrow and stem cell donations in providing life-saving treatments for individuals like York.
It’s undoubtedly a challenging time for the actor, but it is admirable that he is prioritizing his health and taking the necessary steps to combat these disorders. Fans of General Hospital will undoubtedly miss his presence on the show but will undoubtedly understand and support his decision.
We can only hope for the best for John J. York as he undergoes his treatment and continues his fight against these disorders. His courage and determination serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the importance of health and taking care of ourselves.
