‘General Hospital’ Star Revealed He Has Cancer & Took Hiatus Just Day before Co-star Billy Miller’s Death

“General Hospital” star John J. York was diagnosed with two forms of cancer. York announced on September 14, 2023, that he was diagnosed with cancer in December 2022. The actor is battling myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and multiple smoldering myeloma, two blood and bone marrow disorders.

York, who has been battling ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, was diagnosed with the two forms of cancer when his doctor carried out a bone marrow biopsy after he was found with a spot that wasn’t healing. The spot wasn’t healing even after he was placed on mild chemo in pill form.

The soap opera star got the news that he has cancer with his wife of 37 years, Vicki Manners, listening in on the phone. York said his wife was a mess when they were given the news. However, they both quickly started arranging for York to receive his treatment.

York, who has kept a positive outlook on his medical diagnosis, started IV chemotherapy treatment at Vanderbilt University. He revealed that he had the treatment in March, April, May, June, and August of 2023. The actor has another treatment scheduled for September.

The 64-year-old has embarked on a journey to find him a bone marrow donor. The age range of a donor is 18 to 40, and his family members have already been tested. York has been moved up on the donor priority list and is hopeful he will get a bone marrow donor soon. He asked fans to register on bethematch.org/matchformac and be his or other people’s possible donors.

York added that when he was diagnosed, his wife was scared.

York’s announcement that he has cancer, a day before his co-star on “General Hospital,” Billy Miller, died on September 15, 2023. Miller, 43, had battled bipolar depression for years. Miller’s mother, Patricia Miller, said bipolar depression won the fight, and Miller surrendered his life.

Now, fans of “General Hospital” are devastated by the news of Miller’s death and York’s cancer diagnosis. York’s fans are praying that the actor gets well soon. The actor said he has taken “a little hiatus” from “General Hospital” to focus on his health for at least three to four months.

Fans and Friends Support and Prayers for York

York’s co-star on “General Hospital,” Jon Lindstrom, shared a post on X asking fans to support his fellow actor as he battles cancer. Lindstrom said York was one of the “toughest and bravest” people he knows and his good friend.

Lindstrom then asked people to register on bethematch.org/matchformac and be York’s possible bone marrow donors or help others asking donors. Kristina Wagner of “General Hospital” also sent her love to York and asked people to register and possibly give York the donor he needs.

Other fans of York sent him “positive thoughts” as he battles cancer. A fan told the actor that they were “praying” for him and asked him to fight like he’d never done before. The fan added that they were also a survivor of cancer, having been cancer-free for six years.

Fans asked York to stay strong even in this medical crisis. A fan said their heart was breaking for York, but they wished him well and promised to pray for him. “Prayers to him,” another fan wrote.

York also has support at home from his wife, Manners. He said Manners has taken up the role of a caretaker and that she was his “pillar of strength and guiding force.” York added that when he was diagnosed, his wife was scared. Now, they have left everything in God’s hands and only want God’s will to be done.