Ryan Murphy reveals 4-year-old son’s cancer battle in emotional Instagram post
Ryan Murphy (Andrew Toth/Getty for The New Yorker)
TV producer Ryan Murphy has opened up about his son’s battle with cancer.
In an emotional Instagram post on October 22, Murphy revealed his youngest son Ford, who was born in 2014, was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 2.
In the post, Murphy also announced a $10 million donation to a cancer hospital so that more children could benefit from the care Ford received.
Ryan Murphy (Frazer Harrison/Getty)
The American Horror Story creator, who is behind a number of massively-successful TV shows, has two children with husband David Miller.
Sharing a photo of Ford, Murphy wrote: “I’d like you to meet Ford Theodore Miller Murphy. Today is a big day in his and our family’s lives.
“Two years ago, this sweet little innocent boy with a deep belly laugh and an obsession with Monster Trucks was diagnosed with neuroblastoma…an often fatal paediatric cancer.
“Ford’s cancer—an abdominal tumour the size of a tennis ball—was found during a normal check up by his brilliant paediatrician Dr. Lauren Crosby.”
He continued: “From there, Ford has undergone a huge surgery and several difficult procedures. My better half, David Miller, was a rock through this—strong and patient and loving (I was always a trembling wreck).
“Ford was strong as well, and today he is thriving. He just celebrated his fourth birthday, a milestone we are all so thrilled about.”
Murphy paid tribute to the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where his son has been receiving treatment.
“Today at the hospital we are donating a wing in tribute to Ford and our family is making a gift of $10 million dollars so that other children can experience the love and care of this exceptional facility,” he added.
“No child is turned away at Children’s Hospital. We are so honored and lucky to contribute, and encourage everybody who can to do the same.
“We love you, Ford.”
The emotional post has led to an outpouring of love towards the family.
Ryan Murphy accepts the Outstanding Limited Series award for ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’ onstage during the 70th Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on September 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Kevin Winter/Getty)
Murphy is known for his large empire of TV shows, which have earned praise for their originality and LGBT-inclusiveness.
Best known for creating Glee, his currently-airing shows include American Horror Story, American Crime Story, Feud, 9-1-1 and Pose.
He is also developing at least two shows for Netflix, Ratched and The Politician, promising that his work for the streaming giant will continue to “champion LGBTQ heroes and heroines.”
Murphy previously announced that he would be donating all of the profits from transgender-themed FX series Pose to LGBT+ causes.
Beneficiaries include The Sylvia Rivera Law Project, named in honour of transgender LGBT rights pioneer Sylvia Rivera, as well as the Transgender Legal Defence & Education Fund, Equality New York and House Lives Matter.
