The New York rocker is now using a wheelchair as he continues to undergo physical therapy.
One month ago, Jesse Malin announced the cancelation of his upcoming tours, citing a "serious back injury." The New York rocker has newly revealed he is paralyzed from the waist down and is speaking out for the first time about the rare circumstances surrounding his life-changing condition. As he tells Rolling Stone, "Even though I really believe it’s a temporary state, I’m not going to walk out of here tomorrow with a leather jacket and a cane and go hang out at the bar. It’s going to take a lot of work and a lot of being in a wheelchair."
On May 4, the 56-year-old "Fine Art of Self Destruction" singer suffered a rare spinal cord stroke while out to dinner in New York City, Rolling Stone reports. After collapsing on the floor of the restaurant, he was ultimately taken to a hospital, where he was treated with multiple spinal procedures. The wheelchair-bound performer has since been moved to a rehab center where he's been undergoing physical therapy and learning how to move without his legs before he's discharged in late June.
"This is the hardest six weeks that I’ve ever had," he tells the magazine. "I’m told that they don’t really understand it, and they’re not sure of the chances. The reports from the doctors have been tough, and there’s moments in the day where you want to cry, and where you’re scared. But I keep saying to myself that I can make this happen. I can recover my body."
Both humbled and hopeful, Malin admits it's difficult for him to be on the receiving end of help as donations are being accepted toward his long-term care.
"I always felt that we have a voice with these microphones and with these guitars and with these venues to help each other out. But it’s very hard for me to take back and be that person," he tells Rolling Stone. "I don’t want to be a burden, but I’m learning. Just laying here and not being able to walk, it’s very humbling."
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