'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Actor John J. York, known for playing Mac Scorpio in the popular soap opera "General Hospital," recently provided his fans with a health update.
In a video posted on social media, York disclosed that he has been receiving medical care for two blood and bone marrow disorders - myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and multiple smoldering myeloma. York has been battling the two disorders since December 2022.
York also spoke about going through some tests on his bone marrow and getting different treatments with meds to deal with his health situation in the last few months.
General Hospital star John J. York talks about his recent health update
Trending
Right now, he's getting ready for a procedure where blood stem cells are going to be transplanted into his body.
He has been collaborating with an organization called 'Be The Match' to find someone who could donate him stem cells. Moreover, York encouraged his fans to sign up as potential donors, highlighting how crucial it is to support this cause.
Even though he had to take a break from "General Hospital" to prioritize his well-being, York maintains a positive and hopeful outlook.
John J. York revealed that he has been diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
MDS is a type of cancer where the bone marrow produces immature or abnormal blood cells.
Smoldering myeloma, meanwhile, is a precancerous condition characterized by an abnormal increase in plasma cells in the bone marrow without any symptoms of advanced myeloma disease.
He expressed his thankfulness for the support he has received from fans throughout his career. While going through his treatment, York keeps motivating and encouraging others with his messages of optimism and perseverance.
York is an icon in the soap opera world, having appeared in nearly 650 episodes of "General Hospital" since his debut in 1991. He has also made appearances on other popular daytime dramas, including "The Bold and the Beautiful" and "Port Charles."
The news of York's diagnosis has prompted an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues. Fellow "General Hospital" cast member Laura Wright tweeted:
"Love you John J. York. We are here for you. Stay strong and keep fighting."
Despite the gravity of his diagnosis, John J. York's spirits remain high. He has been undergoing mild chemotherapy treatment in pill form and has even been walking three miles a day.
The early detection of the cancer is thanks to his proactive approach to his health. The chemotherapy treatment began in March, and he underwent treatment every 28 days till August. He's set to have his next infusion in September.
Although York has been flying back and forth between Tennessee and Los Angeles to film for General Hospital, he's facing months of isolation after his bone marrow transplant.
He's currently testing family members to find a donor, but he's also encouraging others to register as donors with BeTheMatch.org. He's excited about his progress and remains optimistic about his future.
