Darrian's cancer journey and healing.

 

Darrian Ford has been delivering soaring vocals over the last 15 years with his show The Cooke Booke, The Music of Sam Cooke . His style and dynamic ability to capture the essence of Sam Cooke have left audiences with a clear sense of knowing that this artist truly has a gift like no other. He's been on Broadway and in the first national tours of State Fair, Smokey Joe's Cafe, The Who's Tommy and The Color Purple. He is also an alumnus Alvin Ailey and Donald Byrd/The Group. Darrian co-starred opposite Halle Berry in HBO’s INTRODUCING DOROTHY DANDRIDGE as Fayard Nicholas of the legendary Nicholas Brothers. In February 2018, he gratefully released his first full-length album of original vocal Jazz, NEW STANDARDS. It debuted at #1 on the NACC Jazz Album Debut chart, and was in the Top 20 Jazz albums in the UK, 2018. Known simply as "The Entertainer," Darrian is now stepping into a new role, cancer survivor.

 

Here is his statement...

 

"For more than two weeks now I've been saying to myself, "It doesn't seem real". I've had a few PSA's, a biopsy, a CT scan, additional bloodwork, consulted a radiologist, a cyber knife specialist, and going to consult a robotic surgeon. Still, "It just doesn't seem real to me." Finally I asked myself, "Darrian, what do you mean, it didn't seem real?" And a voice answered back, "oh, you wanna break down, and weep and moan. No time!" The voice was right. I have stage three prostate cancer and no time for pretending God has left the building.

 

For NOW, no crying and breaking down. Trust, if and when it comes, I'm gonna lean into it. But honestly, I'm mostly, extremely grateful. Had it not been for my friend MDC impressing upon me the imperative of getting a PSA (prostate specific antigen), due to his own battle with prostate cancer, I simply would not have done so. I was 52 when got my first PSA and it was 4X higher than normal and was rising quickly.

 

The recommendation for black men was 50 years old, but is now to have a PSA at 45 years old. I believed I was getting comprehensive healthcare, seeing my dr every three months for PrEp bloodwork, and having open and frank conversation about my health for years. Never said a word about it, which somehow validated my belief that because I had a colonoscopy at 50, surely they would have said something if there was a problem. Wrong! In another year or so, it could have, probably would have spread and become stage four cancer. But it didn't and I'm gon be alright! So please, please, please, friends, brothers (especially if you are black or brown, and 45 years of age) get yourself a PSA blood test immediately.

 

My surgery date is April 14, 2022. If all goes well, recovery is expected to take 8-12 weeks. I know it won't be easy so I'm gonna need all the prayers. Love, Darrian, canver survivor."

 

Please donate what you can.

 

For the next few months, these funds will go towards treatments and medical needs not covered by his insurance, integrated wholistic and nutrition intervention, and his rent and expenses while he is unable to work. Let's give him the space and time to heal without worry. Say a prayer and share this page with the rest of our community.

 

Your donations are greatly appreciated.

To make meal drop-offs , volunteer for transport or request a mailing address please email Team Darrian at [email redacted].

Stay tuned for updates.

You can follow Darrian on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

 

IG: itsnotjustdarrian

 

Twitter:@all_darrian

 

Facebook: @dcford

 

www.darrianford.com

 

Thank you,

 

Team Darrian