Crystal Carson and Vanessa Marcil
General Hospital fans recall Crystal Carson as Julia Barrett, the savvy business-lady who was romanced by Bill Eckert and she was also the big sister of Brenda Barrett, played by Vanessa Marcil. For years, the actress/advocate-turned-acting-coach produced Take a Chance With the Stars, a casino night gala that benefited the American Cancer Society. Now, Carson is facing a medical crisis and could use well-wishes, prayers, and support from GH fans!
“Hi and welcome!” Carson wrote on Caring Bridge, a site designed to aid people, going through medical crises, in keeping their loved ones and friends updated. “Because, what is life without drama? Lol, my journey to here started with a misfiling of my breast MRI diagnosis results back in June 2019 by my PCP [Primary Care Physician]. They were filed under a different woman’s test results. Because of this, I was told that there was nothing significant or important seen on the MRI.
“Then, after many (and I mean MANY) requests that the portal be updated, it finally was on October 2019,” Carson adds. “A link to the words, ‘breast MRI’ finally appeared in the portal. However, the link led to another woman’s cholesterol test results…I didn’t notice it at first thinking they were mine, but still, no breast MRI appeared in my portal. This is not the kind of drama I enjoy!”
Carson was later diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery last December, but she says that mismanagement of her records has resulted in her needing eight rounds of intense chemotherapy, many rounds of radiation, and hormone therapy. “This has been a devastating journey and just a daunting emotional strain to think of all the ‘if only’s,’” she adds. “But I am remaining positive and I’m focused on my healing and the task at hand, which is to move forward and become cancer-free!”
Carson’s sister, Sheryl McQuary, shared news of her sibling’s health on a GoFundMe page created to aid her now that the actress is faced with some medical bills that insurance will not cover. “Crystal is one of the kindest, most generous, brilliant people you’ll ever meet,” McQuary wrote. “However, she isn’t great asking others to share their kindest and generosity, and won’t dare set this up for herself… so those of us who love her, are doing it for her. (Hi, Crystal! Yeah, we’re doing this!).”
Soap Hub is sending support and love to Carson at this challenging time and hopes that fans will also keep her in their thoughts as she continues fighting to be cancer-free. You can receive updates on her progress and send her encouraging thoughts on her Caring Bridge page. General Hospital (GH) airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings for airtimes.
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