Posted by chicagomedia.org on December 08, 2008 at 13:50:02:
In Reply to: Kevin Matthews diagnosed with multiple sclerosis posted by chicagomedia.org on December 08, 2008 at 09:29:34:
LAV's Kevin Matthews diagnosed with MS
Posted By: Bob Brenzing
Web Editor: Peter Ross
Updated:12/8/2008 11:59:04 AM - Posted: 12/8/2008 8:41:12 AM
GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - WLAV morning personality Kevin Matthews announced this morning on his radio show that he has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
At a press conference this morning, Matthews said that he "dodged a huge bullet. I dodged an atomic bomb."
For two weeks, all Matthews and his family knew was that he had a growth in his brain. They feared it might be a fatal brain tumour. Last Tuesday, it was diagnosed as MS.
MS is not curable, but can be treated with drugs. Matthews said that he has starting on the medications.
Matthews also said that he will use his position as on-air radio personality to inform and educate his audience about MS.
Matt Hanlon, general manager of WLAV, told reporters that Matthews "becomes the defacto face of MS". Deb Menear, Matthews' wife, said her husband had a "rare presentation" of MS, the tumefactive variety, that is in an inoperable place of the brain. Still, she said they were "thrilled and grateful" when they learned his condition was MS, and not brain cancer, which likely would be fatal in a short amount of time. She said her husband will now "go on a diabetic diet."
We'll have more on this story throughout the day.
(ABC13, Grand Rapids)