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Criss Angel Updates Fans on His Son's Battle With Cancer: "I Want Him to Live a Long, Happy, Fruitful Life''

Las Vegas performer also reveals the big plans he has to raise funds for a good cause

By Mike Vulpo Aug 25, 2016 1:48 AMTags
Criss AngelCourtesy of Criss Angel

Criss Angel is the first to admit that his toddler's battle with cancer has been "life changing."

Yes, he's worked with children battling different health ailments for decades. But when his son with ex-wife Shaunyl Benson was diagnosed in 2015, his outlook on the world around him completely altered.

"When you have a child that has this horrendous disease, you can relate to the families from a different perspective," he shared with E! News exclusively. "So Shaunyl and I made the decision to use this in a positive way. You know, this is so much bigger than me."

This summer, the Las Vegas performer released a music video with Dee Snider titled "We're Not Gonna Take It." In addition, he's planning a huge fundraiser titled the Criss Angel HELP charity event with tickets available now.

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Celeb Cancer Survivors
Courtesy of Criss Angel

Scheduled for September 12 at the Luxor Hotel & Casino, the star-studded fundraiser has received backing from fellow Las Vegas performers including Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Celine Dion. And the support continues to grow as the date gets closer.

"It's amazing. You know, people love children, and people are good when it really comes down to it," he shared with E! News. "I personally called every single celebrity up myself. It took me some time to do, but I've called every single person. And I appealed to them on behalf of these children and every single person—outside of two—said yes. And I won't say what two."

As for his son, Johnny Crisstopher Sarantakos, he recently enjoyed a trip to the Disneyland Resort with family where he had an "amazing time." He also got to meet a special character that raised his spirits in more ways than one.

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Party Pics: Las Vegas

"You know, Johnny had a rough time going through chemo, his treatments, blood transfusions, spinal taps, and he has Mickey Mouse that he loves to watch," Criss explained. "So, when he went to meet Mickey Mouse in person he had a smile from ear to ear. So excited, we had such beautiful time together as a family."

And while some days are better than others, Criss has high hopes for his son's future.

"I think Johnny is a very special boy and I think he's going to be more successful than I ever was," he shared with us. "I just want him to be happy and I want him to live a long happy fruitful life."

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