Criss Angel Opens Up About 2-Year-Old Son's Fight With Cancer

— -- Criss Angel revealed last year that his 2-year-old son Johnny was diagnosed with cancer. Now the world renowned magician is opening up about his toddler's fight with the disease.

Angel, born Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos, told People magazine that when he discovered last October that his son had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, he "felt helpless."

"My son is supposed to outlive me," he added. "I’d rather it be me that was sick."

Angel, 48, was "locked into a 10-year contract," thanks to his show "Mindfreak Live!" at Las Vegas' Luxor Hotel & Casino when he was hit with the new reality about his son. The magician immediately cancelled his shows and flew to Australia to be with Johnny and his estranged wife Shaunyl Benson.

Angel said it was hard for both him and Benson, 26, to watch their son go through treatments. Not only did Johnny experience hair loss, he also started to have "violent" tantrums, Angel said.

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

Johnny is currently in remission, but still requires two years of treatment, according to People magazine.

"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," Angel said.