New York Dolls' David Johansen reveals he has a stage 4 cancer diagnosis

David Johansen of the New York Dolls has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.

His Daughter, Leah Hennessey, has created a Sweet Relief fundraiser to help cover medical expenses. She wrote on the Sweet Relief page that he had been going through intensive treatment for “most of the past decade,” and developed a brain tumor in 2020.

“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,” Johansen said in a statement.

In addition to accepting donations, the Sweet Relief fundraiser is also selling exclusive t-shirts to help pay for his treatment.

“He’s never made his diagnosis public, as he and my mother Mara are generally very private people, but we feel compelled to share this now, due to the increasingly severe financial burden our family is facing,” Hennessey wrote.

Johansen also fell down the stairs last November, leading to a broken back in two places.

“After a week in the hospital and a successful surgery David has been bedridden and incapacitated. Due to the trauma, David’s illness has progressed exponentially and my mother is caring for him around the clock,” she continued.

According to Hennessey, the money will go toward full-time nursing staff, physical therapy and general day-to-day expenses for Johansen.

“As hilarious and wise as David continues to be, he is physically debilitated and his care exceeds what we are capable of providing without specialized professional help,” she wrote.

Those looking to donate online or mail a check can access the Sweet Relief page here.