Joshua Ray Walker, the 33-year-old country singer and songwriter disclosed on Instagram that his battle with colon cancer has taken a dire turn. Walker revealed that the cancer has spread to his lungs, which means a relapse into Stage 4. He also announced that in response to the mounting medical expenses and living costs, he has set up a GoFundMe page to ease things.
In his Instagram post, he revealed that in good news, he has finished chemo treatment. He noted that while it was tough, he was grateful for the support from his fans. He also added that his body acclimated, and his immune system and strength had been improving. However, he then touched on a more dire topic, saying,
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"The bad news is that upon the completion of tests to check on the status of my cancer post treatment, multiple nodes of varying sizes were found in both my lungs."
Joshua Ray Walker says he has a "hard time asking for help"
Joshua Ray Walker revealed that prior to undergoing chemo, he was told he had a "90% chance of having clear tests post treatment." However, upon learning that there was a new growth in a different organ, he was left unprepared. He also revealed that he would be getting a lung biopsy and would start radiation soon. However, he said that he has no more information to give at this time.
Joshua then continued in his caption that he while the odds may or may not be in his favor, he will not be publicizing his health struggles, as he dubbed it "defeatist, and unnecessary." He also said that he would only come out with good news.
Furthermore, Joshua Ray Walker touched on his reasons behind setting up a GoFundMe page. He penned that he wanted to focus on ensuring his family remains stable, monetary-wise, but that things were getting increasingly difficult. He noted that the page was created to allow him "to focus exclusively" on his "health and relationships during this precious time."
"When times are hard my instinct is to figure out how to survive financially. I work harder to ensure that me and my loved ones will have basic necessities. This trait has been very useful in life, but it makes it hard to rest when life’s difficulties aren’t solely monetary. I have a hard time asking for help, even when I believe it will be given happily."
Thus far, Joshua Ray Walker has raised about $57,668 USD of the $300,000 target, with donations from about 775 people. The page notes that the money raised will cover his "cost of living and out-of-pocket health expenses." He noted that while he is trying his best to appeal to his insurance provider, most of the time, the care needed is unexpected and time-sensitive.
He also added that it was his pride that kept him from setting up the page and asking for help, but the latest turn in his health has rendered him helpless.
"I admit that my pride is what kept me from asking for help sooner, but given this latest unexpected turn in my cancer status, I’m ready to accept your support if you have the means to help."
Joshua Ray Walker revealed his diagnosis in January, upon learning about it after undergoing surgery. At the time, he was diagnosed with stage colon cancer. He released his last album, Thank You for Listening, in February 2024.
For more information, check out joshuaraywalker.com.
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