“Johnny was ultimately diagnosed with a rare brain cancer, with which—despite a period of remission—he still battles today,” the summary continued. “But in a strange way Johnny thinks the cancer actually saved his life.”
After his cancer returned in 2020, he continued documenting his health journey on social media, including photos from his chemotherapy appointments.
“After an unexpected week of seizures and excruciating headaches,” Ruffo wrote on Instagram in November 2020, “it is with a heavy heart that i have to let you know i now have another huge battle ahead of me as my brain cancer has returned, though i will dig deep and beat this s–t disease again.”
In another post, the singer promised to “smash this chemo,” writing to fans, “Thank you so much for all the support, You guys have helped keep my spirits high and you keep me fighting.”