The Truth About Criss Angel's Son's Serious Health Struggles
It's been a rough couple weeks for Criss Angel. Just a few months ago, the magician revealed his son Johnny Crisstopher — who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2015 — relapsed after a short remission, according to TMZ. And with the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, Angel is doing what he can to keep his 6-year-old son happy and healthy.
He recently joined Dr. Travis Stork's podcast, The Doctors with Travis Stork, to talk about the current situation and how his family is dealing with the coronavirus. "There's no handbook that comes with being a dad or a mom, specifically when you're going through a time like this, and it's just trying to use common sense, trying to put yourself in his position," Angel shared (via People). "And trying to not make it a scary monster that you can't slay."
Angel credits his family and his faith for keeping hope alive during this trying period. People reported that he opened up about his spirituality, telling Stork on the podcast: "We try to talk to him with optimism and hope and support and the big keyword — is everything for us — is love and God. Like faith."
The 52-year-old continued, "I believe if you have the faith of a mustard seed, you can move a mountain. We just want our son to be healed. And we believe he will be healed, and, so we talk to him in a way that... he can understand, but we keep it optimistic."
Criss Angel's son was diagnosed with leukemia at a young age
Criss Angel's son, Johnny Crisstopher, was 1 year old when the family got the devastating news that he had leukemia. In the midst of Las Vegas shows, the magician canceled his tour and immediately flew to Australia to be with his son and family.
At the time, Today reported Johnny Crisstopher was undergoing chemotherapy to fight the cancer, and Angel posted photos on social media of his son in the hospital. "4th day chemo-Shaunyl,Johnny&I can't thank u enough for the overwhelming outpouring of love,prayers&support #amazing," he tweeted, thanking his fans.
In January 2019, The Daily Mail reported Angel's son was cancer-free after three years of treatment. At the opening night of his Las Vegas residency, the illusionist greeted the crowd with the big news. He and his son, then 4 years old, wore matching gold suits and celebrated the happy occasion. "God willing, after three years of treatment, Johnny's last chemo treatment was about a month ago," Angel told DailyMailTV that evening.
However, less than 12 months later, the cancer would return.
Criss Angel's son's cancer returned at the end of 2019
In December 2019, the family got the bad news. In an interview with TMZ, Criss Angel shared an update about his son. "Johnny Crisstopher — he got diagnosed with pediatric cancer before he was 2 years old — he's been in treatment for over three years, he's been in remission," the famous magician said. "But unfortunately, he had a relapse and he's going back into the hospital on Monday."
Angel opened up and got emotional when talking about his son's diagnosis to People in 2016. "My son is supposed to outlive me," he said. "I'd rather it be me that was sick. I want Johnny's future to be long and happy. That kid is just a bundle of love. He's the truest form of magic."
In an Instagram post from New Year's Day 2020, Angel and Shaunyl Benson — Johnny Crisstopher's mom — are seen talking to their son about shaving his head, per People. Later in the video, Angel cuts Johnny Crisstopher's hair and then shaves his head. Angel's Instagram and Twitter feeds are full of super cute photos showing his son smiling, whether in a hospital bed getting chemo or hugging mom, dad, or baby brother Xristos Yanni at home.
Criss Angel canceled his tour due to health concerns for his son
It wasn't surprising when Criss Angel canceled his RAW tour earlier this month amidst COVID-19 concerns. "It is with deep regret that I am postponing the RAW March tour," he posted on Instagram. "This decision is based on the fact that a few of the cities I would be performing in are dealing with a rapid increase in the number of cases (and some deaths) and was made from a strong concern for the health and well-being of the cast, crew and my son."
"Johnny Crisstopher is neutropenic and would have a difficult time fighting ANY virus if I were to come home with something I was unaware of," Angel explained. "With the intensity of his leukemia treatment, I cannot take any chances." According to the Mayo Clinic, neutropenia "occurs when you have too few neutrophils, a type of white blood cells. Neutropenia can make you more vulnerable to infections."
Angel's fans — known for being diehard and extremely loyal — agreed with his decision completely! "Family and health first!," wrote one in the IG comments section. Another fan shared, "Absolutely wise decision..your fans will understand that your life as a father is so much more important than risking your health and others to perform and potentially bring a sickness like that back to your family."
Those fans are right. Here's hoping the family, including Johnny Crisstopher, is resting up and staying healthy at this time.