Gord Downie Diagnosed With Terminal Brain Cancer

by amanda.young on May 24, 2016, 08:05pm. EDT

Gord Downie is one of the most iconic Canadian musicians. Not just of a generation, but of all time. That is what makes the news that broke Tuesday morning all the more shocking, and deeply saddening. The Tragically Hip posted a statement that says a few months ago Downie was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. At this point we are unsure how much time he has left, but we do know that he wants to do 1 more tour to say goodbye. Devastating news for his fans, but more importantly for his family and band.
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Gord Downie for promotional use / CD packaging

Photo: http://feldman-agency.com/

 

Read their statement below

Screen Shot 2016-05-24 at 7.53.28 AM

 

Screen Shot 2016-05-24 at 7.53.36 AM

 

UPDATE 11:14am

At a press conference from Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, Gord Downie’s doctor Dr. James Perry gave an update on Gord’s condition:

source: http://www.vvcnetwork.ca/sunnybrook/20160524/

source: http://www.vvcnetwork.ca/sunnybrook/20160524/

 

Downie has an aggressive form of myoblastoma and a “primary brain tumour”, unfortunately Gord’s condition is an “incurable brain cancer”. He’s been fighting it since December 2015 and had successful surgery on the brain tumour, radiation treatment and chemotherapy.

Dr. Perry said it’s too early for a prognosis but doesn’t “anticipate any short term medical concerns” that will impact The Tragically Hip’s tour this summer, and gave Downie the go ahead to tour.

Downie is doing well and his physical and mental state have recovered to the point where the band has started rehearsing. Downie has asked for privacy during this time, and there won’t be anymore medical updates, he asks you “allow the band and the music to do the talking”.

Even though Downie has had a positive response to treatment, Dr. Perry says “Unfortunately one day it will come back.”

A tour announcement will come tomorrow morning through Live Nation.

Filed under: gord downie, The Tragically Hip
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