RuPaul’s Drag Race producer World of Wonder is asking for fans to help out the show’s first-ever eliminated queen, Victoria “PorkChop” Parker, following a health crisis.
“Recently, Victor [Ray Bowling], or we affectionately know him as ‘PorkChop,’ has experienced a serious health setback and was hospitalized after eating a hamburger from a major grocery chain and is now facing a number of ongoing medical challenges,” a note shared by World of Wonder via Instagram read. “Shortly after eating the hamburger, he started vomiting, had diarrhea and was severely dehydrated [which] lasted 72 hours. 911 was called and he was immediately transported to the hospital via ambulance.”
The note — which was signed by the “PorkChop Care Team” — was posted by World of Wonder on Friday, March 13, along with a link to a GoFundMe fundraiser for the drag queen, 56. (As of publication, the fundraising appeal has raised $4,300, with a goal of hitting $6,000.)
“Quite recently, I, Victor — affectionately known as PorkChop — have faced some very serious health setbacks,” PorkChop wrote on the GoFundMe page. “After preparing a frozen hamburger patty from a major retailer, I became extremely ill. Within 24 hours, I was taken by ambulance to AV Medical Center, where I spent the next week bed-bound. During my stay, I received intensive care, including antibiotics, dozens of tests, and the start of physical therapy.”
Porkchop went on, “After a full week of testing, my doctors diagnosed me with Hyponatremia (an intestinal infection), Acute Kidney Injury, Atrial Fibrillation, and Hypertension. I was finally discharged on March 8th with strict instructions for bed rest for 14-21 days, a visiting nurse, physical therapy, in-home support care, and many prescriptions.”
PorkChop shared encouraging news that she is expected to make “a full recovery,” though she acknowledged that “the journey ahead will be challenging.”
“I am slowly relearning how to walk, and ongoing physical therapy is essential to help me rebuild my strength,” PorkChop explained. “My most urgent need is a medical mobility scooter, which would greatly improve my quality of life and allow me to regain some independence. Being able to get outside, especially to the large park in my neighborhood, would be a huge boost for my mental and physical health as I heal.”
The Drag Race alum continued, “Sometimes, a small act of kindness can make a world of difference. I have spent many years bringing joy to others, and now I find myself in need of support. I hope you will keep me in your thoughts and consider making a donation to help me on my road to recovery. Your generosity will mean more than words can express. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
As of publication, World of Wonder has given the largest single donation with $1,500 while Drag Race season 6 winner Bianca Del Rio contributed $1,000.
Victoria “PorkChop” Parker on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 1. Courtesy YouTube/RuPaul’s Drag Race
Alongside sharing the medical update on PorkChop, World of Wonder sent well wishes and encouraged donations to the GoFundMe campaign.
“Sending all of our love to Victoria ‘PorkChop’ Parker, who has experienced a serious health setback and was recently hospitalized,” World of Wonder wrote via Instagram. “Please consider donating to Porkchop’s GoFundMe to help support our legendary queen on her road to recovery.”
PorkChop made history as the first-ever contestant eliminated in Drag Race history in 2009. Having since become a fan favorite, PorkChop later starred with RuPaul in the 2021 TV movie The Bitch Who Stole Christmas and appeared on Netflix’s AJ and the Queen.
