Scrubs star Sam Lloyd has been diagnosed with inoperable cancer.
The actor, 55, who was best known for playing lawyer Ted Buckland in the much-loved hospital comedy, received the diagnosis in January, when doctors discovered a brain tumour that had metastasised from his lungs.
His former Scrubs colleagues are now trying to raise money for his medical treatments through a GoFundMe campaign, fronted by executive producer Tim Holbert and his wife Jill Tracey.
On the campaign page, the couple explained that Lloyd and his wife Vanessa had “recently welcomed their first child” in January, when the actor began suffering from headaches and experienced sudden weight loss.
“As his headaches grew stronger, Sam decided to go to the doctor,” they continued. “The doctor thought the pain might be sinus-related so he ordered a CT Scan.
“The scan revealed a mass on Sam’s brain. Within a day, he was in brain surgery. Unfortunately the tumor was too intertwined so the surgeons couldn’t remove it.
“By Sunday, Sam and Vanessa were informed that the cancer in his brain had metastasized from his lungs. Further scans showed the cancer was also in his liver, spine and jaw.”
The GoFundMe page goes on to describe the actor as “a sweet, kind and generous soul,” who has “blessed” lives “through his music and acting, and most of all his friendship.”
The campaign asks for donations to cover “a range of medical, childcare and other expenses.”
“We are asking for your help so our dear Sammy can use the time ahead to GET HEALTHY, spend time with his wife, his new son and his wonderful friends,” the post concludes.
Scrubs creator Bill Lawrence and star Zach Braff have since lent their support to the campaign.
“Tragic news from our beloved Sam (aka, Ted the Lawyer),” Braff wrote on Twitter. “I will of course be getting involved. Please send him your love.”
The campaign hopes to reach $100,000 (approximately £77,000) and has already raised around $80,000 (approximately £62,000) towards the target.
