Christian Music Artist and Evangelist Carman Licciardello Reveals Cancer Battle
Carman Licciardello, popular Christian music artist described as part evangelist and part Vegas showman, has revealed that he was recently diagnosed with an incurable form of cancer and may have no more than four years left to live.
Licciardello, 57, shared the grave news Thursday evening with his 51,000-plus supporters on Facebook, describing the cancer diagnosis as a "new battle."
"One week ago I was diagnosed with myeloma cancer. It is incurable and I've been given a 3-4 year (sic) window of time. Tomorrow I go in for my first bone biopsy and the process will start. I used to go to movies in the afternoon, now I go see doctors," wrote the accomplished recording artist who is known professionally as just Carman.
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"I write these things for a few reasons. First, I want to put an end to all the rumors. Second, I ask for your prayers. And [third], I want you all to know that I will continue to minister and win souls until I can't do it any longer. My life has always been about ministry. I have a call of God to touch lives with the gospel of Jesus Christ and that's what I will do until the Lord calls me home," he added.
Licciardello, who came to faith in Christ in his 20s, has sold over 10 million contemporary music albums and won several GMA Dove Awards for his groundbreaking work. Additionally, he has garnered at least three Grammy nominations throughout his long career, which began in 1982. He has also appeared on film, is a published author and writes and produces his own movies.
His passion, however, is evangelism and he personally ministers to those who attend his concerts seeking prayer and counseling. Despite his cancer diagnosis, Licciardello still has several U.S. tapings and concert engagements lined up through April, and shared in his Facebook message that he plans to keep on working.
"I will not leave this world quietly and I want the devil to know that he put cancer on absolutely the wrong Italian. I have a few good years and before it's too late I want to see your faces, shake your hands and hug your necks," the New Jersey native wrote. "But mostly I want to see one of you get healed of what threatens your future and I really want to see someone you love come to Christ. Now lets get back to business, we have to work while its day for soon the night comes."
Licciardello's Facebook post resulted in hundreds of prayers and expressions of gratitude from his supporters, with many of them sharing how the Christian music artist has personally impacted their lives.
"Thank you, for your courage to share. You have been a blessing to many. I admire your attitude to live for Christ, no matter what God allows to come our way," wrote one supporter.
Another added, "I admire your courage, Carman. I have followed you since I was a little girl. When I'm having an off day I just listen to your music and it just [lifts] me up. God never leaves us in our time of sorrow, but he [lifts] us up he gives us strength to continue on."
Myeloma cancer, commonly referred to as multiple myeloma or plasma cell myeloma, involves a group of plasma cells (a type of white blood cell found in bone marrow) becoming cancerous and multiplying to an abnormal level, according to the Mayo Clinic. The National Cancer Institute estimates that, in this year alone, more than 22,000 Americans will be diagnosed with the disease.
The full unedited text of Licciardello's message is below:
"I have delayed writing this but those of you I call friends and supporters, who have prayed for me and this ministry need to know about this new battle that lies ahead.
"One week ago I was diagnosed with Myeloma Cancer. It is incurable and I've been given a 3-4 year window of time. Tomorrow I go in for my first bone biopsy and the process will start. I used to go to movies in the afternoon, now I go see doctors.
"I write these things for a few reasons. First, I want to put an end to all the rumors. Second, I ask for your prayers. And 3rd, I want you all to know that I will continue to minister and win souls until I can't do it any longer. My life has always been about ministry. I have a call of God to touch lives with the gospel of Jesus Christ and that's what I will do until the Lord calls me home.
"Please, do not allow this facebook site to be an ongoing blog for cancer treatment remedy's. That would be depressing to everyone. If you have any insight you can message me personally. But I want to encourage you, if you can, to please come see me the next time I'm in your area. Bring someone who doesn't know the Lord or who needs to be healed. I will always pray for the sick and I'm also going to step up the intensity of my message at these events.
"I will not leave this world quietly and I want the devil to know that he put cancer on absolutely the wrong Italian. I have a few good years and before it's too late I want to see your faces, shake your hands and hug your necks. But mostly I want to see one of you get healed of what threatens your future and I really want to see someone you love come to Christ. Now lets get back to business, we have to work while its day for soon the night comes. I love you all -C"
