General Hospital star John J. York will make an exciting return to the big screen this week after undergoing aggressive treatment for multiple cancers.
York, who plays Malcolm ‘Mac’ Scorpio on the long-running series, was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and smoldering multiple myeloma in December 2022.
Both cancers affect both the blood and bone marrow and required blood stem cell transplant treatment.
York, 65, became emotional as he talked about his journey, particularly the months he spent waiting for a bone marrow match and his recent return to work.
“Everyone has been very welcoming and very supportive of us,” he told Zohreen Shah on Good Morning America.
John J. York is back at work and will return to the big screen this week, after undergoing aggressive treatments for multiple cancers.
York, who plays Malcolm ‘Mac’ Scorpio on General Hospital, was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and smoldering multiple myeloma in December 2022.
According to her doctors, the soap opera star would have been between ‘three and five years old’ if she had not sought treatment, but instead opted for the more aggressive cancer treatment.
After months of waiting, a bone marrow donor was found in November 2023, a moment that left York overwhelmed with emotion.
“I couldn’t speak,” she recalled through tears.
He underwent a blood stem cell transplant and chemotherapy, and still managed to avoid his treatments during this time.
“I went through seven days of chemotherapy in Tennessee,” the veteran actor explained. “And then I was available to work for two or three weeks in California.”
“My philosophy was always one day at a time (and) let’s just get through today,” he continued.
York also had the support of his wife Vicki Manners and daughter Schyler, and his son-in-law and grandson even shaved their heads in solidarity with his treatment.
After a month of waiting, a donor was found in November 2023 after months of waiting
York also had the support of his wife Vicki Manners (pictured in 1991).
He also had the support of his daughter Schyler, and his son-in-law and grandson even shaved their heads in solidarity with the treatment he received (pictured).
He also credited the public for their support, admitting that going public helped, including inspiring people to join the bone marrow registry.
‘I made the announcement and it has helped me. And many people have joined the registry, just to help save someone’s life,’ the soap opera star said excitedly.
York, who has also battled ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease since she was 17, said her cancer was detected during regular checkups for those preexisting conditions, and that her doctor was keeping a closer eye on a spot that simply didn’t want to heal. .
After his diagnosis, he was given mild chemotherapy in pill form.
In October 2022, his hematologist, a doctor specializing in blood diseases, suggested a bone marrow biopsy.
He first revealed his diagnosis on social media late last year, posting a clip saying: “Hello everyone.” It’s me and I’m signing up.
York, who has played Mac on the ABC soap opera for 32 years, was thrilled to be back at work.
York, who started filming again several weeks ago, said he was always in close contact with his co-stars.
“I know what you’re thinking: You’re thinking, ‘Why did Mac shave his beard?'” he said.
‘I didn’t shave my beard. In fact, I shaved off the strands of hair that were still there.
According to York, who has played Mac on the show for 32 years, thanks to the support of his family and co-stars, he doesn’t feel like he’s been away at all, although his character hasn’t been seen on the show since. November 2023.
“I felt so attached that I didn’t feel like I was missing anything,” he gushed. “I feel like I just had a little break, a little vacation, I guess, (and) now we’re on the other side.”
York added that one day she would love to meet her 20-year-old bone marrow donor who saved her life.