David Roach, the 62-year-old lead singer of the LA rock band Junkyard, is bravely battling an aggressive form of cancer that has spread to his head, neck, and throat. Known for his powerful vocals, Roach has been the heart and soul of the band for more than three decades, but now he finds himself facing one of the toughest challenges of his life.
Roach was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a form of cancer that has proven to be relentless. In an emotional Instagram post earlier this year, his bandmates revealed the news of his diagnosis, urging fans to offer their 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. “Right now, he’s facing one of the toughest battles of his life: an aggressive cancer diagnosis.”
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As the situation progressed, Roach’s health took a turn for the worse. In a heart-wrenching update posted on June 24, Roach and his fiancée, Jennifer, shared how a persistent fever and cough led him to the emergency room, where they received devastating news. “After David’s ongoing fever and cough led us to the ER, we got results that have completely shattered our world,” they wrote. “It’s devastating and life-altering, and we’re trying to navigate through the emotions and uncertainty that come with it.”
Despite the overwhelming diagnosis, Roach continues to show remarkable strength and resilience. “Even in the midst of this darkness, he’s still managing to keep his sense of humor. It’s a reminder of how amazing he is,” his fiancée said in the post.
To support him during this difficult time, Jennifer has taken a leave of absence from work to become Roach’s full-time carer. However, the couple is facing a significant financial strain. A GoFundMe page has been launched to help cover Roach’s medical bills and living expenses, which have been mounting quickly. At the time of writing, the campaign has raised nearly $30,000 of its $35,000 target.
Credit: GoFundMe.
The fundraiser highlights Roach’s generous and caring nature, noting that he has always had a “knack for making people feel special and appreciated.” Fans have also been encouraged to donate, buy merchandise, or simply share his story to help alleviate some of the financial burden.
Roach is also selling pieces of his personal plaque art as part of the fundraising effort, offering fans a way to support him while also receiving something meaningful in return.
“Please keep David in your thoughts as we take this one step at a time,” the couple said. “Your kindness and support mean everything.”