Tiny Pretty Things’ Barton Cowperthwaite has taken to social media to reveal he’s been diagnosed with brain cancer.
Cowperthwaite stars as one of the main ballet dancers, Oren Lennox, in the Netflix drama which first aired in 2020. Catch a look at the drama here:
Cowperthwaite took to his Instagram yesterday (Saturday, 12 November) to announce the news of his diagnosis.
The actor uploaded a picture of himself in hospital, making a peace sign with his fingers.
The caption reads: “So…. Yesterday I was diagnosed with at least a stage two Glioma. It is a fairly decent sized brain tumor. The tumor’s cells originate in the brain, so it’s not spread from a cancer anywhere else in the body.
“The only course of treatment for something like this is brain surgery. Docs so far have been confident that they’ll be able to remove most of the tumor, and that after a successful operation, and some rehab, I will be operating like my (amazing, talented, brilliant, hilarious) self. That being said it seems like scans and check ups will be apart of my life for its lengthy remainder.
“My family and I are taking several days to get second opinions. Planning to go into surgery middle or end of next week. I’ll do my best to be open about the journey on here. I am planning on fully bouncing back to be better than my former glory! Please feel free to reach out and I’ll do my best to stay connected with as many people as I can. All my love.”
Fans, friends and followers of Cowperthwaite have flocked to his social media to send him their well wishes and support.
One Instagram user said: “Sending tons of healing energy your way. you’re gonna get through this!!”
“Bart, sending you prayers and love my friend,” another added.
And a third commented: “You’re my hero!!! We’re all here for you.”
In an update posted later that day, Cowperthwaite recorded himself saying ‘thank you from the bottom of [his] heart’ for the ‘outpouring of support’ he’s received.
He revealed he’s had ‘several seizures’ over the last couple of weeks, which ended up in a visit to ER and undergoing scans which led doctors to finding the tumour.
Cowperthwaite continued: “Thankfully it’s not of immediate concern, they were able to discharge me and send me home. […] We’re gathering the troops and strategising, we’re meeting with some of the best of the best on Monday. And I’ll be able to decide where I want to get the surgery done next week.”
In the latest update, at the time of writing, Cowperthwaite revealed he and his family have started a GoFundMe to help pay for any medical expenses and ‘keeping a roof’ over his family’s heads while they’re ‘away from home’ supporting him through treatment.
The actor resolved: “If you have any motivation to help out or contribute it’s enormously and infinitely appreciated by my family and by myself.”
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature
