‘That’s so Raven’ dad Rondell Sheridan in hospital due to pancreatitis
The 66-year-old, known for his role on Disney channel’s “That’s So Raven,” said he fell ill while on the road in April.
LOS ANGELES — Actor and comedian Rondell Sheridan posted a video to social media Wednesday, giving a health update from the hospital where he’s battling a severe case of pancreatitis.
The 66-year-old, known for his role as Victor Baxter on the Disney Channel sitcom “That’s So Raven,” said he fell ill while on the road in April.
“I went to the hospital and they thought it was gastric,” he said in an Instagram video, continuing to say he went home a few days later and “immediately went to the hospital and was told it was pancreatitis.”
After being in the hospital for nine days, for observation and many tests, Sheridan says he was released and thought he was on the “road to recovery” just to be told his pancreas is inflamed.
“There’s not much you can do about it, just wait for the inflammation to go down,” he said while in a hospital bed and gown. “I didn’t realize I was going to be, and will be, out of work for quite some time.”
Pancreatitis is the swelling of the pancreas, an organ that sits behind the stomach and to the left. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the pancreas is responsible for making enzymes that help break down food, and making hormones that help control a body’s blood sugar level.
There are many causes for pancreatitis.
He set up a GoFundMe to help with medical expenses and alleviate worry of not being able to work in over a month. It has raised over $77,000, far surpassing its $35,000 goal.
“Your incredible outpouring of love and support has rocked me to my soul,” Sheridan wrote on the GoFundMe page. “Your generosity during this difficult time has left me humbled and — a surprise to most everyone — speechless. (Yeah, that’s a joke.)”
Donations poured in from thousands of people, many leaving comments about their nostalgia with his work and wishing him a smooth recovery.
Sheridan says he’s now seeing a specialist to help with his discomfort and “promote healing.”
“While I’m told the road ahead remains lengthy, I remain optimistic that I will, someday, be able to return to full health and get back up on stage,” he wrote.