A rock musician is currently facing a significant health battle after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer that has spread to various areas of his body.
David Roach, the lead singer of Junkyard, learned on Tuesday, June 24, that his squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis is “life-altering.” This type of skin cancer has spread to his head, neck, and throat, necessitating continuous care.
The band shared the unfortunate news on Instagram in January, revealing that the singer, who has been with them for over 30 years, is fighting cancer.
The Instagram post stated: “We all know and love David Roach – not just as our incredible singer, but as a true friend, an inspiration, and a fighter. Right now, he’s facing one of the toughest battles of his life: an aggressive cancer diagnosis.”
“To help with the overwhelming medical expenses, David is selling his plaque art. Every purchase, share, and donation can make a real difference in getting him the care he needs.
“If you can contribute in any way – whether by buying his art, picking up some merch, or simply spreading the word – it would mean the world.”
The ‘Hollywood’ musician later took to social media to share how a common symptom led him to seek medical attention months after his initial diagnosis.
“First off, we want to thank you all for the overwhelming support and love you’ve shown us during this incredibly challenging time,” the message from Roach and his fiancée Jennifer read.
“We wish we could respond to each of you, but honestly, there are no words right now. We’re still struggling to process the news we received on Tuesday.
“After David’s ongoing fever and cough led us to the ER, we got results that have completely shattered our world. It’s devastating and life-altering, and we’re trying to navigate through the emotions and uncertainty that come with it.”
The statement continued: “David is showing such incredible strength and resilience, and even in the midst of this darkness, he’s still managing to keep his sense of humor. It’s a reminder of how amazing he is.”
“But we know this journey ahead will be extremely tough, David made it clear he is not giving up hope and we’re going to need all of your love and prayers.
“Thank you for standing by us. Your kindness and support mean everything to us. Please keep David in your thoughts as we take this one step at a time. With all our love, David and Jennifer.”
In an effort to support Roach, a GoFundMe page has been created. It describes him as someone with a “knack for making people feel special and appreciated,” while Jennifer, his fiancée, has had to leave her job to care for him full-time.
“Right now, though, David is in a serious situation. The financial strain from medical expenses and daily living costs is piling up, and he’s struggling to keep a roof over his head without any income while fighting this cancer,” the page explains.
If you’re affected by similar issues and need confidential support, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or use their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.