Dragon Ball Fans Just Received The Saddest News Of 2025

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Michael McFarland, a highly recognized English voice actor for characters like Master Roshi in Dragon Ball, has been diagnosed with a rare and deadly type of brain cancer. A jointly managed GoFundMe campaign organized by Brandon McInnis, Michael J. Tatum, and Brina Wingo on behalf of McFarland, released an official update on August 19, 2025. In this update, Brandon McInnis – a voice actor known for Black Clover, My Hero Academia, and Demon Slayer – expressed heartfelt appreciation for the overwhelming love and support that Michael McFarland (a Dragon Ball alum) has received while also detailing the challenging treatment road ahead.

GoFundMe Campaign Details McFarland’s Diagnosis and Celebrates His Anime Legacy

Previously, it was announced that McFarland underwent an emergency brain tumor removal surgery, which turned out well, and he’s now on the road to healing. Originally, funds were mainly being collected to cover the expenses of a live-in healthcare assistant to aid him during his recovery process.

In their discussion, Tatum and McInnis underscored McFarland’s significant decade-long impact in the anime industry. This influence isn’t limited to his iconic portrayal of Master Roshi but extends to his work lending his voice to characters like Buggy, Jean Kirstein, among others. Moreover, they pointed out his notable accomplishments as a voice director on prominent series such as the Full Metal Alchemist series, Tokyo Ghoul, and Attack on Titan.

McFarland’s Health Journey Takes A Disappointing Turn

On August 19, 2025, I was disheartened to learn that McFarland’s diagnosis was glioblastoma. The speed at which the illness is progressing is faster than what the doctors had anticipated, resulting in McFarland being hospitalized and then transferred to a specialized nursing facility for further treatment.

On August 19, 2025, I found out that McFarland has glioblastoma and it’s advancing quicker than expected. This means he had to go to the hospital and later moved to a skilled nursing facility to get more care for his treatment.

Glioblastoma, as defined by the Mayo Clinic, is a form of cancer that initially manifests as cellular growths within the brain or spinal cord. This type of cancer tends to grow rapidly, frequently infiltrating and damaging healthy tissues in the process. Although glioblastoma can affect individuals of any age, it is more prevalent among older adults. Common symptoms include recurring and intensifying headaches, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances such as blurred or double vision, difficulties with speech, changes in tactile sensation, and seizures.

Hey there, all you wonderful donors! I just wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for the unbelievable outpouring of love and support you’ve shown Mike. It truly means the world to us. Unfortunately, we’ve learned that Mike’s tumor is a particularly aggressive form called glioblastoma, and it’s advancing faster than we had initially hoped. After trying assisted living, Mike has been readmitted to the hospital, and from here, he’ll be moving to a skilled nursing facility to continue his treatment. We’re walking this journey together, and your support makes all the difference.

McInnis elaborated on McFarland’s condition, fondly known as Mike, stating, “Although insurance provides coverage for a specified period of care, anything beyond that will require private payments. It’s worth noting that the average cost of such facilities is equivalent to a good second-hand car – and we’re talking about this expense every month.

In appreciation for the tremendous support received thus far, the campaign encourages everyone to keep donating and share the message with others. So far, a total of $219,948 US dollars has been collected, which is 92% towards the target of $240,000.

McFarland, A Legend Loved By All

McFarland is primarily recognized for his contributions to the Dragon Ball series, yet his voice acting resume spans much further. He’s also renowned for playing Tecchin Tecchikawahara in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Mashirao Ojiro in My Hero Academia, Buggy the Clown in One Piece, Jean Havoc in Fullmetal Alchemist, and Jean Kirstein in Attack on Titan, just to name a few.

As an avid fan, I’ve been deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support on McFarland’s GoFundMe page. It’s been truly heartwarming to read touching testimonials from fellow fans who fondly remember how his work brought so much joy to their childhood. They wholeheartedly wish him a speedy and complete recovery, while expressing profound gratitude for his immense impact on the anime dub community. Many reminisce about his extraordinary performances in iconic series like One Piece, Attack on Titan, and of course, Dragon Ball.

Sir, I’m not sure what you’re experiencing, but I wish I could bear a fraction of that burden just to ease your load. Words can’t truly convey my appreciation for the happiness you brought into my childhood.”

Another option: “I’ve admired your work for quite some time now. I hope you recover quickly and have all the support you need, both for yourself and your family.”

Lastly: “Mike, we stand by you through thick and thin!

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2025-08-31 00:34