Broadcaster Danny Clinkscale’s first book is about his ordeal with cancer

Longtime Kansas City sports broadcaster Danny Clinkscale is well known for his coverage of games on some of sports’ biggest stages. But Clinkscale chose to write his first book about a different type of battle — his fight with cancer.

The Shawnee resident’s recently released book is called “Leaving Cancer for the Circus, an American odyssey inspired by love and recovery.”

Clinkscale, the co-host of the Between the Lines afternoon drive-time show on WHB-AM, was diagnosed several years ago with a malignancy in his parotid salivary gland.

The gland — the largest of the major salivary glands and the most likely to develop cancer — is located in the cheek in front of the ear.

His book tells the story of a year in his life that covers cancer discovery, surgery and treatment. The story begins with the 2014 World Series between the Kansas City Royals and San Francisco Giants, and concludes with the Royals’ 2015 world championiship.

As Clinkscale worked on-air during the ordeal, he set a goal for taking a trip after his health began to normalize. The solo trip through the upper Midwest and the people and experiences he encountered is the heart of his story, according to publication releases about the book.

“Leaving Cancer for the Circus” is available on Amazon for about $16. Part of the proceeds go to Coaches vs. Cancer, the national collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Clinkscale was honored by the organization at an event in early October.

This story was originally published December 14, 2016 at 9:40 AM with the headline "Broadcaster Danny Clinkscale’s first book is about his ordeal with cancer."