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Criss Angel’s Son Is in Remission After Cancer Battle: ‘I Believe He Will Be Healed’

Criss Angel
Criss Angel attends the fourth annual 'One Night for One Drop' imagined by Cirque du Soleil, a show that raises awareness and funds for critical water issues worldwide, on March 18, 2016, in Las Vegas.

If only he could make cancer disappear. Criss Angel has been praying for a miracle since his 2-year-old son, Johnny Sarantakos, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia last October. But there is finally some good news.

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“Johnny is technically in remission, thank God,” the famed illusionist (born Christopher Sarantakos) reveals in an emotional interview in the new issue of Us Weekly. “I believe he will be healed.”

Though the little boy, who the magician shares with ex-wife Shaunyl Benson, has beaten back the disease, Angel, 48, tells Us that Johnny is still undergoing intense chemotherapy treatments, blood transfusions and spinal taps in Australia, where Johnny lives with his mom.

“What doctors found is you have to continue treatment to kill all the cells, as there is no guarantee,” the star of Luxor casino’s Mindfreak Live! in Las Vegas explains.

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According to the National Cancer Institute, “Remission means that the signs and symptoms of … cancer are reduced.” Some doctors consider patients cured when all signs and symptoms have disappeared and remain that way for five or more years.

Despite the difficult treatments, Johnny is still a smiley boy. In a March photo that Angel shared of his son, the handsome little man flashes an adorable grin for the camera as a red toy truck sits in front of him.

“Our brave strong boy going through what no child should ever have to,” Angel captioned the image on Instagram.

His son’s battle against the disease has led the illusionist to become a champion for cancer research. His September 12 benefit show and auction at the Luxor, Heal Every Life Possible, aims to raise $1 million to help fund research for cures for pediatric cancer. The event will feature performances or appearances by Angel himself, Cirque Du Soleil, Blue Man Group, Wayne Newton, Jerry Lewis and many more.

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For more on Johnny’s fight against cancer and how it has changed Angel, pick up the new issue of Us Weekly, on newsstands now. 

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