Back in December, country singer Joshua Ray Walker revealed that he was diagnosed with colon cancer, and today he’s issued an update. The good news is that he finished chemo and says his body handled it “reasonably” well, but the bad news is that doctors have now found “multiple nodes of varying sizes” in both of Joshua’s lungs and the cancer will “likely” be restaged to stage 4. To help with his medical bills and cost of living, Joshua has launched a GoFundMe with a fundraising goal of $300,000.
His statement on social media reads in full:
Hey y’all! Once again, I’ve got some good and bad news to deliver. The good news is that I’ve finished chemo treatment! It was extremely tough, and I want to thank y’all so much for supporting me through this experience. My body handled it reasonably well, and I’ve begun to rebuild my strength and immune system! 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.
Before I started chemo, I was told I had a 90% chance of having clear tests post treatment. So to find completely new growth in a new organ was something for which I was not prepared. This unfortunately means my cancer will likely be restaged to stage 4. I will get a lung biopsy, and start radiation soon. I wish I had more information to share but I’m still waiting to meet with a radiology oncologist following my biopsy surgery. I will keep y’all as updated as possible, and I will continue to fight my hardest. The odds have definitely shifted, but I’m not going to publish them here. It seems defeatist, and unnecessary. I’ll let you know what they were after I beat them. I’ve always lived life to the fullest and I will continue to do so.
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. I’m launching a GoFundMe that will allow me to focus exclusively on my health and relationships during this precious time. I thank everyone so much in advance for their continued love and support. Love y’all so much.
On the GoFundMe page, he adds:
This gofundme will go towards my cost of living and out-of-pocket health expenses while I continue to fight cancer. I was diagnosed with Stage 3B colon cancer in January of 2024. Since then, I’ve undergone an extensive surgery, 6 months of chemotherapy, and a ton of tests, procedures, and doctor’s visits. Unfortunately, I was recently informed that my cancer has unexpectedly spread to both of my lungs, and it will likely be re-staged to Stage 4 upon an upcoming lung biopsy. Radiation and other potential treatment options will follow.
As my treatment plans change, more medical needs are falling outside of my medical insurance coverage. I am doing my best to advocate for myself with my insurance provider, apply for financial aid, grants, and charities, but a lot of the time, the care needed is unexpected and time-sensitive. Your support of this campaign would allow me to dedicate 100% of my time to my health and well-being, allow me to pay my out-of-pocket medical expenses, and most important of all, it would allow me to be present with family and friends during this precious time.
It has been very important to me that I continue to work as much as possible throughout my cancer fight and remain financially independent, but there are many unknowns moving forward with treatment. It’s unclear what kind of effect radiation will have on my lungs, but it is certainly worrisome for someone whose livelihood depends heavily on singing. 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.
If you’re able to help out, you can donate here.
We’re pulling for you, Joshua.