Joshua Ray Walker Launches GoFundMe for Cancer Treatment

Over the last couple of years, we’ve been checking in with singer-songwriter Joshua Ray Walker, whose 2023 release, What Is It, Even? saw him diving into the Deep End with former ND Assistant Editor Stacy Chandler. In her write-up, our colleague called Walker’s work on the project “bold” and “powerful.” Then, later that same year, in her Bonus Tracks column, Chandler reported that Walker was stepping away from the music to undergo cancer treatment.

Now, Walker is announcing a GoFundMe campaign to help him recover the costs of his ongoing cancer treatment. According to a statement:

The good news is that I’ve finished chemo treatment! It was extremely tough, and I want to thank y’all so much for supporting me through this experience. My body handled it reasonably well, and I’ve begun to rebuild my strength and immune system! The bad news is that upon the completion of tests to check on the status of my cancer post treatment, multiple nodes of varying sizes were found in both my lungs. 

Before I started chemo, I was told I had a 90% chance of having clear tests post treatment. So to find completely new growth in a new organ was something for which I was not prepared. This unfortunately means my cancer will likely be restaged to stage 4. I will get a lung biopsy, and start radiation soon. … I’ve always lived life to the fullest and I will continue to do so. 

When times are hard my instinct is to figure out how to survive financially. I work harder to ensure that me and my loved ones will have basic necessities. This trait has been very useful in life, but it makes it hard to rest when life’s difficulties aren’t solely monetary. I have a hard time asking for help, even when I believe it will be given happily. I’m launching a GoFundMe that will allow me to focus exclusively on my health and relationships during this precious time. I thank everyone so much in advance for their continued love and support.