After learning that his nearly 2-year-old son was diagnosed with leukemia, "Mindfreak" magician Criss Angel canceled his Las Vegas shows so that he could fly to Australia to be at the toddler’s side.
Angel referenced the news on his Facebook page Friday, writing, “in light of a family emergency the news I was going to announce this weekend will be postponed.”
Angel also tweeted a photo showing him holding his son, Johnny Crisstopher Sarantakos, with the words: “Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. Criss”
For many fans, it was the first they've heard that Angel even has a son.
Early this morning the illusionist tweeted an update on his son’s status: “4th day chemo-Shaunyl,Johnny&I can't thank u enough for the overwhelming outpouring of love,prayers&support.”
The disease little Johnny has been diagnosed with, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, is the most common type of cancer in children. It affects the white blood cells developing in the bone marrow, according to the American Cancer Society.
The damaged white blood cells leave the bone marrow and then spread throughout the body very quickly. If not treated, the disease can be fatal in a matter of months.
Fortunately, the prognosis for children who receive treatment is good, according to the National Cancer Institute.