David Johansen of the New York Dolls Reveals His Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis: ‘The Worst Pain I’ve Ever Experienced’

David Johanssen’s Diagnosis

David Johanssen from New York Dolls has opened up about his stage 4 cancer diagnosis, describing it as “the worst pain (he) has ever experienced in his whole life.”

Fundraising for Treatment

His daughter, Leah Hennessi launched a fundraising site to assist with his treatment and care while sharing information about his diagnosis on social media.

Hennessi mentioned that Johansen has been undergoing intensive cancer treatment for “most of the last decade.”

According to the fundraiser’s page, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2020, which led to additional complications. Last November, he suffered a fall down the stairs, resulting in two broken bones in his back.

A Call for Help

“He never disclosed his diagnosis, as he and my mother Mara tend to be very private people, but we feel compelled to share this now due to the increasingly severe financial burden facing our family,” Hennessi stated in the description of the fundraising campaign.

In a statement to Brooklyn Vegan, Johanssen said: “We’ve been living with my illness for a long time, trying to enjoy life, seeing friends and family, but this fall, the day after Thanksgiving, has brought us to a completely new level of difficulty.”

“This is the worst pain I have ever felt in my life. I have never been one to ask for help, but this is an emergency. Thank you.”

Hennessi’s description on the fundraising page later states that Johansen and his wife Mara Hennessi will require comprehensive support. It adds: “No matter how cheerful and wise David remains, he is physically weakened, and his needs exceed what we can provide without specialized professional help.”

Created in collaboration with the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, the fundraising effort aims to gather financial support for Johansen’s medical expenses, including full-time care, physiotherapy, and assistance with everyday living expenses.