Bruce Springsteen’s wife Patti Scialfa reveals cancer diagnosis
Longtime E Street Band member and wife of Bruce Springsteen, Patti Scialfa, revealed she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2018.
Bruce Springsteen’s wife Patti Scialfa’s blood cancer is in “remission.”
The musician shared the good news while appearing virtually at the Pan-Mass Challenge cycling fundraiser rally in Worcester, Massachusetts on Friday, July 31.
“As you know, Patty’s been living with her multiple myeloma for over eight years but now thankfully she is in remission,” said Springsteen, before performing a rare solo-acoustic version of “Born to Run” in what appeared to be his Colts Neck home studio. “However, like millions of families facing cancer, we’ve learned what every patient learns – hope has a face.
“It’s the physician who refuses to stop searching and caring, it’s our nurse who sits besides us when we’re scared – always makes our journey a little bit easier,” he continued. “I’ve had privilege of getting to know my friend Dr. Paul Richardson throughout this journey and seeing first-hand the work that’s happening at Dana-Farber (Cancer Institute of Boston). Every single day he and his incredible team provide hope and amazing care to all their patients and families, including Patti and I, as well as helping to provide cutting-edge research.”
Scialfa, a member of the E Street Band since 1984, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2018.
“Now, Patti’s journey has taught us something I hope everyone one of us and every American can understand – medical research isn’t an idea. It isn’t politics. It isn’t a line in a budget. It’s the reason families find hope when hope seems hardest to find,” Springsteen said. “When we lose sight of that, we lose sight of one another. That’s too high of price for anyone to pay.
“Now I’ve spent my life writing songs about the people who keep believing when life gives them every reasons not to. Those who refuse to leave someone behind. That’s always been the best of America to Patti and I and Billy (Starr of the Pan-Mass Challenge), Meredith (Starr of the Pan-Mass Challenge), Paul and your amazing team. Now, more than ever, the world needs more everyday heroes like the folks who make up the (Pan-Mass Challenge). Patti and I are grateful for everything you continue to do. Thank you, have a wonderful ride.”
The Pan-Mass Challenge, which raises funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, took place on Aug, 1 and 2. Since 1980, the PMC has raised $1.125 billion for Dana-Farber, according to the Challenge.
“Billy told me back in 1984 he wrote me a letter inviting me to show up at the Pan-Mass Challenge,” said Springsteen at the beginning of the message. “Well, we’re a little late but here we are and it’s a pleasure to be with you. Since 1980, you’ve inspired a community who has done something remarkable. We’ve never stopped believing that ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference and because of that countless lives have been saved.”
Scialfa, a native of Deal, said she had the rare blood cancer in the documentary “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.”
“This affects my immune system so I just have to be careful what I choose to do and where I choose to go,” said Scialfa in “Road Diary.” “Every once in a while, I come to a show or two and I can sing a few songs onstage, and that’s been a treat. That’s the new normal for me right now, and I’m OK with that.”
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, which are found in bone marrow and are a vital part of the immune system, according to the American Cancer Society.
The Springsteens have three children: Evan, 35; Jessica, 34; and Sam, 32, who is the father of Lily. Jessica won a silver medal in Team Jumping with the U.S. Equestrian team at the 2020 Tokyo games, held in 2021.
Bruce, 76, professed his love for Patti, 72, at the June 6 dedication of the new Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music on the campus of Monmouth University in Long Branch.
“On a personal note I got to thank my beautiful wife of 35 years, without her so much of this simply would not exist,” said Bruce, wiping a tear from his eye. “Her love, her talent, her patience, her support are central to everything I do … she is my heart, my soul. She has struggled and she is my hero and my favorite E Street Band member.”