Focusing Solely on His Health After Cancer Diagnosis
- Voice actor Billy Kametz, 35, says he is stepping away from the industry after finding out he has advanced stage colon cancer; The anime star’s friends recently set up a fundraiser page to help with bills, understandably so that he can fight with a little less stress.
- Kametz first started experiencing pain in his shoulder and noted difficulties while eating, and luckily received a diagnosis soon after he went to the emergency room.
- With the development of new therapies for metastatic colorectal cancer, there have been improvements in survival.
The single performer has had to step away from work and humbly asks for financial support from his social media family during this understandably stressful time.
Read MoreHey friends! Since so many have asked I've decided to start a GoFundMe. I'm blown away by the amount of support and positivity that I received and that's really all I need, but if you do want to give I sure would be appreciative.https://t.co/Tyn7j6I7K4
Billy Kametz (@BillyKametz) April 29, 2022
On the GoFundMe, launched by a few of his pals, they describe his spirit as being “so genuinely, unconquerably bright that even a cancer diagnosis hasn’t kept him down.”
Ever since he received the “unexpected and heartbreaking news” last month, his buddies say that Kametz “proudly tells anyone who asks that he’s going to ‘fight this like hell’ and put cancer in the dustbin of his life’s history” … and he does it with a smile.
Billy’s Colon Cancer Diagnosis
Kametz is receiving treatment back in Hershey, Pennsylvania where he is from, so that he can be by his family. The congenial talent had moved to Los Angeles five years to go to play “Aladdin” at Disney’s California Adventure, and in addition to playing “Josuke in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, he has also voiced “Ferdinand von Aegir” in Fire Emblem: Three Houses, and “Rui” in Demon Slayer.
His latest role as cancer slayer is by far his biggest to date. His courage, which will surely serve him well during the fight of his life, is admirable. Since announcing his health news, Kametz has catapulted into even more of a role model for his fan base, and he is highly determined to make everyone exceptionally proud during this difficult time.
In a video of his most recent health update, Kametz explains that he first started experiencing pain in his shoulder and noted difficulties while eating, and luckily received a diagnosis soon after he went to the emergency room for a CT scan.
Related: 'JoJo's Bizarre Adventure' Star Billy Kametz, 35, Announces Stage 4 Colon Cancer
"It moved to my liver, my lungs, and my spine," he informed of where the cancer has spread. So far, Kametz is doing well with treatment, "feeling fine," and insists his "appetite is up" as well.
Despite everything Kametz is going through, his top request is quite endearing. Due to his having to pull out of shows, he simply has one request of fans in regards to whomever will be replacing him, "If you could just support the crap out of them and be their biggest cheerleader, that would make me really really happy."
For the time being, Kametz just wants to be at home resting and focusing on his treatments.
Learning About Colon Cancer
Stage four colon cancer, despite it's bad rap, has the potential for cure in certain cases, according to SurvivorNet adviser and colorectal surgeon Dr. Heather Yeo.
"Overall patient outcome is dependent on the stage of disease," Dr. Yeo explains. "Patients with earlier stage disease (ie. stage one) have improved overall survival as compared to patients with later stage disease (ie. stage four). The most important thing to remember regarding hearing statistics such as this is that each patient is different, and there is a potential for cure in every stage of disease."
Prior to getting into the details of their treatment plan. however, it’s common for even the strongest of cancer patients to go through a phase of “Why Me?” after the initial shock of their diagnosis.
Why Me? Dealing With the Inevitable Questions That Come After a Cancer Diagnosis
With the development of new therapies for metastatic colorectal cancer, there have been improvements in survival. Many of these treatment options involve a multidisciplinary approach, and should be tailored to the individual patient depending on the location and the extent of metastatic disease.
Understanding Your Options With Stage Four Colon Cancer
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.