Singer and songwriter Christopher Cross has remotely opened up about his struggle with COVID-19.
In an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, airing this weekend, Cross, who is best known for his songs “Sailing” and “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do),” has shared his experience with the deadly virus.
Cross told CBS News’ Serena Altschul, “There was some come-to-Jesus moments or whatever where I was looking for any help I could get to, you know, through this, to get out of this thing. Because I wasn’t sure.”
In April, the 69-year-old announced that he tested positive for COVID-10. In the recent interview, he revealed he contracted the coronavirus along with his girlfriend after a trip to Mexico City.
The Grammy winner was later diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own peripheral nervous system.
Cross said his doctors believe the GBS diagnosis was caused by COVID-19. He recalled, “It was the worst 10 days of my life. And I couldn’t walk, could barely move. And so, it was certainly the darkest of times for me. It really was touch and go, and tough.”
“I could tell you that I had a few conversations when I was in there – with whoever he or she is, and just saying, you know, ‘If you could just get me out of here, I will be a better person,’” he added.
Cross continued, “I’m not a big celebrity, but it’s important for people to know you can get this disease. I felt it was my obligation to share with people. Look, this is a big deal. Like, you’ve got to wear your mask. You’ve got to take care of each other. Because this could happen to you.”
After getting temporarily paralyzed due to GBS, Cross needed a wheelchair. He is now able to walk around with a cane, but he is still struggling to recover.
“My walking is affected,” Cross said. “My speech at times can be affected. Memory is a big deal, too. Just neurologically, I’m kind of a little foggy. Now I’m on medication … a nerve pain medication, which also can cause some fogginess.” “But until I can get off it at some point, I won’t know how clear I would be,” the singer continued. “But most people with Guillain-Barre heal about 90% to 100% over about a year. That’s what my prognosis is.”
