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Criss Angel says his 5-year-old son's cancer has returned

Criss Angel’s 5-year-old son, Johnny, is again undergoing treatment for cancer.

“He had a relapse and he’s going back into the hospital on Monday,” the magician and illusionist revealed to a TMZ cameraman on Tuesday at Los Angeles International Airport.

Criss Angel attends Terry Fator's 10th anniversary show at The Mirage Hotel and Casino on March 15 in Las Vegas. (Photo: Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images)
Criss Angel attends Terry Fator's 10th anniversary show at The Mirage Hotel and Casino on March 15 in Las Vegas. (Photo: Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images)

Johnny was first diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia in 2015, when he was just 21 months old. He appeared, smiling and waving, by his dad’s side in the footage captured.

Angel said his family, which also includes partner Shaunyl Benson and the couple’s second son, 10-month-old Xristos Yanni, plans to enjoy Disney and Universal Studios theme parks in Southern California before Johnny’s treatment begins.

When Johnny was being treated the first time, his famous father was candid about how it was affecting the child. He was losing hair and having “violent” tantrums.

“Johnny is a happy, fun, loving boy, but the steroid treatments have a profound effect on his mood,” Angel told People. “That’s hard to see, but that’s not our Johnny. That’s the steroids.”

Angel understandably became emotional, too.

“My son is supposed to outlive me. I’d rather it be me that was sick,” he said. “I want Johnny’s future to be long and happy. That kid is just a bundle of love. He’s the truest form of magic.”

In his new update, Angel explained that he’s, in fact, planning something good to come out of the devastating development.

“In light of [Johnny’s recurrence] and all these kids that suffer with pediatric cancer, we’re going to try to raise $5 million in one night at Planet Hollywood,” Angel said of the Las Vegas casino and resort where he performs his current show, Mindfreak.

Angel promised to offer details about who will perform and when next year.

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