Lead singer and guitarist for the Jeff Healey Band, who had a top 5 pop hit with the song “Angel Eyes” in 1988. At age 8 months, he suffered from a rare form of cancer of the eyes called retinoblastoma. This necessitated the surgical removal of the eyeballs, and their replacement with artificial ones.
Besides, did Stevie Ray Vaughan Discover Jeff Healey?
Fast forward to famed Toronto blues club Albert’s Hall in 1985 where a then 19-year-old Healey – already renowned in Canada – was discovered by none other than Stevie Ray Vaughan. Some years later, Vaughan, the man I’d consider my favorite guitarist of all time, proclaimed Healey as the best guitar player in the world.
Moreover, was Jeff Healey and Patrick Swayze friends? Phenomenal musician Jeff Healey and actor Patrick Swayze are ceratinly among those that many people miss a lot. They met each other while making the “Road House” film in 1989, directed by Rowdy Herrington.
Additionally, was Jeff Healey blind his whole life?
Similar to his character in Road House, Jeff Healey really was blind in real life. He lost his sight as an infant due to retinoblastoma (rare eye cancer) and taught himself to play the guitar when he was just three years old, eventually adopting his trademark style of playing the instrument laying flat on his lap.
What is a sarcoma tumor?
A sarcoma is a type of cancer that starts in tissues like bone or muscle. Bone and soft tissue sarcomas are the main types of sarcoma. Soft tissue sarcomas can develop in soft tissues like fat, muscle, nerves, fibrous tissues, blood vessels, or deep skin tissues. They can be found in any part of the body.
What kind of eye cancer did Jeff Healey have?
Healy lost his sight when he was a year old to retinoblastoma, a rare cancer of the eyes. Unfortunately he would fight and lose his battle with cancer in 2008. Retinoblastoma is often an inherited disease and Healey’s son was born, Derek, was born with the affliction.
Why does retinoblastoma occur in the eye?
Retinoblastoma occurs when nerve cells in the retina develop genetic mutations. These mutations cause the cells to continue growing and multiplying when healthy cells would die. This accumulating mass of cells forms a tumor. Retinoblastoma cells can invade further into the eye and nearby structures.