That’s So Raven star Rondell Sheridan has shared an urgent plea to fans for financial help as he battles a serious illness.
In a raw and emotional video posted from his hospital bed, the 65-year-old actor, best known for playing Victor Baxter on Disney Channel, revealed he’s been battling a severe case of pancreatitis and is now unable to work.
“On April the 10th, I was on the road and got sick, [I] went to the hospital and they thought it was gastric,” Sheridan explained in the Instagram video. “I got home on the 12th, immediately went to the hospital at Northridge, and was told it’s pancreatitis.”
Since then, Sheridan has spent nine days in the hospital undergoing “tons of tests,” and thought he was on the mend, only to find out the road to recovery would be much longer than expected.
“I got released and I thought I was on the road to recovery, but it was just for observation,” he said. “My pancreas is inflamed, and there’s not much you can do about it but just wait for the inflammation to go down. I didn’t realize that I was going to be and will be out of work for quite some time.”
With medical bills piling up and work on hold, Sheridan made a plea for help: “If you have anything that you could donate, I would gladly appreciate it. Thank you so much.”
Many fans took to the comments section to share their responses to his heartbreaking video. "Get well soon mr Baxter. One of my favorite Disney channel Dad's," one user said.
"Prayers up you are a legend sir I hope you have a speedy recovery," a second shared. A third added: "Man, I’m praying for you, brother. Sending positive vibes your way."
Sheridan’s friend Isabel Beyoso launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the struggling actor through his recovery.
“The doctors have said he just has to wait for his pancreas to do what it's going to do before any further treatment can be considered, and in the meantime, he will be mostly bedridden, while in recovery,” Beyoso wrote.
“If we can all come together to help him financially for his medical and monthly bills while his body heals, I know this will be one giant stress we can collectively take off his shoulders, so that he can focus on resting, recovering, and healing,” she added. “Every little bit helps, and he appreciates you immensely.”
The response was overwhelming. The fundraiser has already brought in $53,836 - surpassing the original $35,000 goal.
Among the donations was a standout $7,000 gift, which appeared to come from Saturday Night Live comedian Kenan Thompson. Sheridan had a guest role on Thompson’s show, Kenan & Kel, back in 1998.
We wish Sheridan a speedy and full recovery.