A rock singer is fighting for his life after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer that has now spread to his head, neck, and throat.
David Roach, lead singer of the LA rock band Junkyard, is now receiving round-the-clock care after doctors confirmed his squamous cell carcinoma has advanced. The 62-year-old has fronted the band for more than three decades, but now finds himself in the middle of a brutal health battle.
In an emotional Instagram post shared by the band earlier this year, Roach’s bandmates revealed the frontman was battling cancer and needed support. “We all know and love David Roach, not just as our incredible singer, but as a true friend, an inspiration, and a fighter,” the post read, via the Daily Mail. “Right now, he’s facing one of the toughest battles of his life: an aggressive cancer diagnosis.”
Since then, the situation has become more serious. In an update posted on June 24, Roach and his fiancée Jennifer explained how a persistent fever and cough landed him in the ER, and led to devastating news.
“After David’s ongoing fever and cough led us to the ER, we got results that have completely shattered our world,” the couple wrote. “It’s devastating and life-altering, and we’re trying to navigate through the emotions and uncertainty that come with it.”
Despite the diagnosis, Roach is still trying to keep his sense of humour. “David is showing such incredible strength and resilience,” the post continued. “Even in the midst of this darkness, he’s still managing to keep his sense of humour. It’s a reminder of how amazing he is.”
His fiancée has stepped away from work to become his full-time carer, and a GoFundMe page has been launched to help cover the couple’s living and medical costs, Metro reports.
The fundraiser describes Roach as someone with “a knack for making people feel special and appreciated,” and notes that the mounting financial pressure is now adding to the strain. At the time of writing, it’s reached close to $30,000 of its $35,000 target.
“David is in a serious situation,” the page says. “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.”
To help raise money, Roach is also selling pieces of his own plaque art, and fans have been encouraged to donate, buy merch, or simply share his story.
“Please keep David in your thoughts as we take this one step at a time,” the couple said. “Your kindness and support mean everything.”