David Johansen expressed his gratitude to fans for their unwavering support in a fundraising campaign initiated after news of the New York Dolls singer’s battle with stage 4 cancer.
Fundraising Campaign for David Johansen
This week, the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund and David Johansen’s daughter Leah Hennessey launched the David Johansen Fund to raise funds for the singer’s physical therapy, full-time nursing needs, and daily living expenses. After privately battling cancer for five years, Johansen is now bedridden and incapacitated following a fall that resulted in a broken back last November.
Thanking Fans for Support
On Friday, Johansen and his wife Mara posted a video on the David Johansen Fund’s website to express their appreciation for the overwhelming support received from fans in recent days.
David Johansen’s Career
David Johansen is renowned for his work with the New York Dolls, a pioneering punk group. He also has a successful solo career, including hits under the persona Buster Poindexter. In 1987, he achieved mainstream success with a cover of “Hot Hot Hot” and had a memorable acting role in the film Scrooged.
In 2020, directors Martin Scorsese and David Tedeschi documented Johansen’s performance at New York’s Café Carlyle, leading to the film Personality Crisis: One Night Only in 2022.
Last Surviving New York Dolls Member
Johansen is the sole surviving core member of the New York Dolls, following the passing of other bandmates over the years.
Personal Struggles and Emergency
“We’ve been dealing with my illness for a while, still finding joy in life, but the fall last November has brought us to a new level of debilitation,” Johansen stated. “This emergency has led me to ask for help, something I’ve never done before. Thank you.”
FAQs About David Johansen
Q: What is the fundraising campaign for David Johansen?
A: The campaign aims to raise funds for Johansen’s physical therapy, nursing care, and daily living expenses as he battles stage 4 cancer.
Q: What is David Johansen’s contribution to music?
A: Johansen is known for his work with the New York Dolls and successful solo career, including hits like “Hot Hot Hot” as Buster Poindexter.
Q: What challenges is David Johansen currently facing?
A: Johansen is battling stage 4 cancer and dealing with the aftermath of a fall that left him bedridden and incapacitated.
“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,” Johansen said in a statement earlier this week. “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.”
Credit: www.rollingstone.com
