‘We love you’: Fans call to support KC radio host ‘Slacker,’ in treatment for leukemia
Morning show host Brian “Slacker” Adams, of the classic rock radio station 101 The Fox in Kansas City, was released from the hospital Thursday after receiving treatment for blood cancer.
Adams was discharged from the University of Kansas Health System two weeks earlier than expected following a bone marrow transplant, according to a Sept. 14 post by his family.
The radio host had announced his hiatus from on-air work in August before undergoing chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia, which he was diagnosed with in July, according to an Aug. 16 post on the fundraising site Caring Bridge.
“As anybody who has walked this journey or has had a love one on it know, it is a dark path with many obstacles,” Adams wrote.
“On one bright note, I won’t be worrying about losing my hair! Lol.”
After Adams’ announcement that he would be going off the air and receiving treatment, fans shared their reactions in voicemails to the beloved host, which were posted to the station’s website.
“Hey Slacker its Ronnie, just wanted to let you know I’m still thinking about you... You’ll get through this man I have faith,” one listener said.
“Slacker hang in there buddy. I know you can beat this,” said another listener who identified themselves as Elmer.
“You’re in our thoughts and prayers man. We love you,” said Tammy and her husband, listeners from Richmond, about 44 miles east of Kansas City.
The radio station did not immediately respond to requests for comment Friday morning.
Fundraising for Brian “Slacker” Adams
Having been off the air since August, Adams and his family were accepting online donations to help shoulder the financial costs associated with treatment. A GoFundMe has has collected more than $18,000 as of Friday, with a goal of $150,000.
“The financial burden of what he is enduring will be extremely challenging without our help,” wrote a fundraiser’s organizer Anthony Trevino.
Trevino, who described himself on the fundraising page as a dear friend of Adams, pointed out the radio host had participated in multiple charitable events while hosting the Kansas City classic rock station, including “Cars for Heroes” campaign, which provides free transportation to veterans. Yet, the 44-year rock radio veteran had been hesitant to ask for support.
“He always thinks of others before himself,” Trevino wrote on the GoFundMe page.
Other admirers of the beloved host have set up fundraisers to assist the family in purchasing meals, groceries and more. They can be found through Adam’s profile on the Caring Bridge website, where patients can document their health journey and share resources online.
Adams also encouraged listeners to sign up for the National Marrow Donor Program by texting “SLACKER” to 61474. Participants would receive a cheek swab kit to submit to the program’s registry of bone marrow donors.
This story was originally published September 15, 2023 at 2:16 PM.
