In an emotional video shared with his fans, former Disney Channel star Rondell Sheridan is asking for support as he battles a severe case of pancreatitis that has forced him out of work and left him facing mounting medical bills.
Sheridan, best known for his beloved role as Victor Baxter on That’s So Raven, opened up about his health struggles in a heartfelt Instagram post. He revealed that his health scare began on April 10th, when he first became ill while traveling. Initially diagnosed with what doctors suspected was a gastric issue, Sheridan later learned that the true cause was much more severe.
“On April the 10th, I was on the road and got sick, [I] went to the hospital and they thought it was gastric,” Sheridan explained in the emotional video, filmed from his hospital bed. “I got home on the 12th, immediately went to the hospital at Northridge and was told it’s pancreatitis.”
After spending nine days in the hospital undergoing numerous tests, Sheridan’s doctors confirmed the diagnosis of pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that can lead to severe complications. Despite initial optimism, Sheridan found himself facing an uncertain road to recovery with limited options for treatment.
“The doctors have said he just has to wait for his pancreas to do what it’s going to do before any further treatment can be considered,” Sheridan’s friend, Isabel Beyoso, explained on a GoFundMe page she set up to help with the actor’s mounting medical and living expenses. “In the meantime, he will be mostly bedridden while in recovery.”
Sheridan, who thought he was on the mend after being released from the hospital, was stunned when he realized he’d be out of work for an extended period. In his Instagram video, he expressed his gratitude but also his frustration. “My pancreas is inflamed, and there’s not much you can do about it but just wait for the inflammation to go down,” he said.
Given the financial burden of the illness, Sheridan, who had been actively touring as a comedian, has turned to his fans for help. In a moving plea, he asked for donations, acknowledging that the road to recovery will be long, and the financial strain would be a difficult challenge to face alone.
“If you have anything that you could donate, I would gladly appreciate it,” Sheridan said. “Thank you so much.”
As of Wednesday, Sheridan’s GoFundMe campaign had exceeded its initial goal of $35,000, reaching an impressive \$48,000. A generous donation of \$7,000 reportedly came from Kenan Thompson, the star of Saturday Night Live, who has a long history with Sheridan. The two first worked together on the Kenan & Kel show back in 1998.
The outpouring of support highlights the tight-knit community that Sheridan has built over the years, thanks to his memorable roles in That’s So Raven and its spin-offs, Cory in the House and Raven’s Home. Though he’s been a beloved figure to fans for years, the comedian’s vulnerability in sharing his struggles has sparked an outpouring of goodwill from his supporters.
With the help of his fans, Sheridan is focusing on his health and recovery, hoping to eventually return to the stage and continue his career. As Beyoso put it on the GoFundMe page, “Every little bit helps, and he appreciates you immensely.”
While the star is currently sidelined, the generous donations pouring in from all over show the power of a community rallying behind one of its own.
