Kathy Griffin has lung cancer; rocker Mike Ness has tonsil cancer; BLK Jeez has multiple myeloma; Phillies broadcaster Gregg Murphy has leukemia; Joy Behar absent from "The View" for "health reasons"
"Social influencer" Jackie Miller James has ruptured brain aneurysm; Michael Grimm, winner of "America's Got Talent," now in ICU; Mexican actress Michelle Renaud hospitalized
UNITED STATES
Kathy Griffin Undergoes Surgery Related to Cancer Diagnosis
June 8, 2023
Kathy Griffin has successfully undergone surgery on her vocal cords to aid in her recovery following her lung cancer battle. The comedian, 62, took to TikTok to share footage from her procedure, including video from the camera her surgeon used to see her vocal cords. From her post-op room, Griffin explained that she needed the surgery "because I want to be ready for my big Vegas show" at the Mirage Theater on June 17. "This is just part of my recovery post-lung cancer journey. I'm cancer-free," she continued, praising her doctor, Dr. Barbu, as a "really kickass female voice surgeon." Griffin continued in the caption, "I so appreciate you guys following along on my [journey] to get my voice back after #lungcancer !!!" The Emmy Award-winning comedian announced in August 2021 that she had been diagnosed with lung cancer, sharing in November of that same year that she had been declared cancer-free. "I'm cancer-free," Griffin shared on Jimmy Kimmel Live at the time. "I don't know why, I had a tumor, right? And I've never smoked, and it was in there for 10 years. So get this, they took it out and found it in another scan." Griffin would have half of her left lung removed as part of her cancer treatment, which she explained at the time caused vocal cord issues that were lingering, but expected to heal with time. "To be honest, this cancer surgery was a little more than I had anticipated," the Search Party star wrote on Instagram in August 2021. "Tonight will be my first night without any narcotic pain killers. Hello Tylenol, my new best friend!" The performer noted that the last time she had been in the hospital at that point was June 2020, when she had tried to overdose intentionally on prescription pills. "With over a year clean and drug free, I now know I can do this and anything I want without those devil pills," she wrote. "Y'know what? I fear drugs and addiction more than I fear cancer. So, I think I'll be OK." Griffin's recovery comes ahead of her much-anticipated performance at the Mirage Theater in Las Vegas on June 17, which is billed as a follow-up to her recently completed world tour, Laugh Your Head Off.
The View fans concerned for Joy Behar, 80, as host misses show again due to health issues
June 11, 2023
THE VIEW host Joy Behar, 80, has been missing from the talk show this week, leaving fans concerned.
Joy has been away from The View panel twice this week as Whoopi Goldberg, 67, and Ana Navarro, 51, have filled her spot.
On Friday morning's prerecorded episode, Whoopi announced she was filling in for Joy, who was out for health reasons.
Fans flocked to Twitter to wish the host a fast recovery.
Social Distortion’s Mike Ness Diagnosed With Tonsil Cancer, Issues Statement
June 7, 2023
Social Distortion founder and bandleader Mike Ness revealed on Wednesday (June 7) that he had been diagnosed with tonsil cancer, the longtime punk rock icon issuing a statement that says, "We WILL get through this." The 61-year-old singer and guitarist is currently undergoing treatment. The optimistic message shared via Social Distortion's official channels begins, "We think that life is going to go according to our plan, but it has a way of saying 'I don't think so!'" It continues, "In the midst of pre-production, I was diagnosed with stage one tonsil cancer. I was feeling well enough to continue with recording in the studio up until the very day before surgery. The band and I were so inspired and excited to lay down these tracks, which by the way sound f—ing AWESOME!" It was revealed earlier this year that Social Distortion were working on a new studio album, what will be their first since 2011's Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes, with a tour planned for this summer. Ness explains, "The recovery from surgery is a day-by-day process and in three weeks we start radiation and that should be the last therapy I need. The team of doctors are certain that once finished with this course, I will be able to start the healing and recovery process. We expect a full recovery enabling me to live a long and productive life."
‘AGT’ Winner Michael Grimm Hospitalized in Intensive Care
June 7, 2023
Michael Grimm, the winner of “America’s Got Talent” Season 5, was rushed to a hospital last month and remains in intensive care. His wife Lucie Zolcerva-Grimm opened up to fans on Instagram about what happened, and how he's doing now. She said leading up to the hospitalization, the 44-year-old singer wasn’t feeling well and was having trouble finishing his performances. Michael’s health continued to decline, and on Memorial Day she became so concerned she took him to an ER. Lucie said, "He was looking increasingly sickly, all of a sudden he could barely walk, couldn’t lift his head, he couldn’t respond right away to me when I would ask him things… so I rushed him to the ER because I thought something was wrong like he was having a stroke or something. That wasn’t the case, luckily." She continued, "They admitted him, but whatever was going on in his body from whatever, toxins, I guess... They started going to his brain and he started talking gibberish and all of a sudden physical tremors were setting in, his blood pressure skyrocketed, he became agitated with the medication he was given, and they had to put him in ICU." At that point, doctors placed him on a ventilator and sedated him. Zolcerva-Grimm shared, "The good news is that the doctors were finally able to remove the ventilator… and he is breathing on his own, so he’s doing good. However, due to the last week, his body went through a lot. They do still have him sedated so he doesn’t seize or flatline from the fluctuating blood pressure." Lucie said Michael has a long road to recovery. When he regains consciousness, he will need physical therapy from being bedridden and vocal cord repair from the ventilator. For now, most of his upcoming shows have been canceled. Grimm shot to fame in 2010 when he beat Jackie Evancho for the Season 5 win on “America’s Got Talent.” He also famously proposed to Lucie during a visit to “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” just after his big win.
Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster fighting side effects of cancer treatments
June 7, 2023
Philadelphia, PA - A well-known Phillies broadcaster is fighting cancer treatment side-effects. He is also helping to find better therapies for future cancer patients. "Work helps, it keeps your mind off of things I'm around people I care about all the time," Gregg Murphy, the radio broadcaster for the Phillies, said. Murphy, affectionately known as "Murph", is back in the radio booth broadcasting for the Phillies after battling a blood cancer called Hairy Cell Leukemia. "I was scared, lot of tears, having to tell your children you have cancer is a difficult conversation to have," Murphy said. "It's devastating honestly cause you don't know." The 51-year-old is now in remission after chemotherapy but the treatment caused serious problems with his lungs. "Those chemicals are tough on the body and can sometimes have undesired effects," Murphy said. That collateral damage from the chemo has ushered in a year of different treatments and respiratory issues that make work challenging. "Being in this business, TV radio, our voices are so important. Mine has been relatively weak and I do cough a lot," Murphy said. "But I've noticed over last couple weeks under this new protocol that I've really started to get stronger." Murphy is now involved with the Leukemia Lymphoma Society raising money for research.
Ruptured brain aneurysm lands social media influencer in medically induced coma after emergency C-section
June 4, 2023
Jackie Miller James, a social media beauty influencer from Orange County, California, experienced a ruptured brain aneurysm just one week from the due date of her child’s birth, as announced via a GoFundMe account set up by her sisters. James, 35, was discovered by her husband, who rushed her to the emergency room. The influencer immediately had brain surgery and a C-section to deliver her baby. Twelve days later, and after a total of five brain procedures, James remains in a medically induced coma, according to GoFundMe. "Jackie is expected to remain in the ICU for weeks and will continue to be hospitalized for months," her sisters wrote. "The baby girl remained in the NICU after 12 days due to the traumatic events of her birth." Since the incident, James’ husband and family have remained with her at the hospital, per GoFundMe. There, "they are navigating taking care of a newborn in the ICU while fighting to keep Jackie alive." James has more than 52,000 followers on Instagram. She most recently posted photos on May 18, when she was 39 weeks pregnant. She and her husband, Austin James, were married in California in April 2022 after meeting on a dating app, according to a post she shared on Instagram.
BLK Jeez opens up about cancer diagnosis, states that he’s feeling positive, mentally strong & his mobility is good
May 14, 2023
Earlier this month, a GoFundMe was set up for Darnell Kittrell, who is known by his ring name BLK Jeez. The 20-year [pro wrestling] veteran was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, which is a form of cancer that causes bone damage. Jeez works with the National Wrestling Alliance and was the on-screen manager for NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Tyrus and he kicked off a partnership with National Heavyweight Champion EC3 before having to step away. Jeez joined Tyrus on ‘The Wise Men’ and opened up about his diagnosis. At the time of the recording, he stated that he was feeling strong and his mobility is good.
MEXICO
Actress Michelle Renaud Hospitalized
May 21, 2023
Mexican actress Michelle Renaud is recovering amid her recent hospitalization. The actress, 34, revealed on Sunday, May 21 that her appearance at the Somos Houston Festival was canceled after she was hospitalized "due to health problems." Renaud did not explain what led to the hospitalization, but in a post to her Instagram Story, the actress shared a photo of her hospital bracelet as she informed fans, "Due to a health problem, we cannot be with you today at the Somos Houston Festival, and I was dying to tell you about it. Enjoy it and have a good time." The actress did not provide any further information, instead concluding her post with a special shout-out to her boyfriend, actor Matas Novoa, writing, "Thank you for always taking care of me and being so understanding. I don't know what I would do without you. I love you." At this time, it remains unclear if Renaud remains hospitalized or if she has been discharged. Renaud is a beloved Mexican actress who made her acting debut as a child in the 1992 telenovela Angeles sin paraso. She went on to appear in the telenovela Rebelde, starring as Michelle Pineda, for two years between 2004 and 2006. The role was followed by an appearance in Mexican neo-noir vigilante heist thriller telenovela Camaleones, starring Belinda and Alfonso Herrera, and later Llena de amor. She has gone on to star in Ni contigo ni sin ti (2011), La Mujer del Vendaval (2012), La Sombra del Pasado (2014), Hijas de la luna (2018), La Reina Soy Yo (2019), and Quererlo Todo (2020).
Honestly, Joy Behar deserves what ever bad thing has come to get her. What comes around goes around and the chickens always come home to roost. She has shamelessly hawked the vaxxes and tried to publicly shame anyone who disagreed with her insanity on any issue.
These unsettling reports leave many questions unanswered. If the intent is to disturb readers, then they are effective. In my general practice I note a dramatic increase in aggressive malignancy diagnoses since 2021. I certainly have suspicions that mRNA toxicity is responsible. I hope other suspicious minds will examine these appalling trends carefully and in earnest.