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Radio host fighting to beat myeloma

K-99 radio personality Steve Kerrigan is fighting myeloma. Kerrigan hosted a morning show with Christopher Geisen on WTUE where their local antics rivaled Bob and Tom.

By Dale Huffman, Staff Writer Updated 12:35 AM Thursday, March 26, 2009

Steve Kerrigan can't shake the memory of that surreal, devastating day in June 2008 when doctors told him he has multiple myeloma.

Myeloma, he said, softly, is cancer of the plasma cells. "There is no cure. The average life expectancy is four to seven years. I just could not comprehend that this was happening to me."

Kerrigan, 49 and co-host of the morning radio program on WHKO-FM (K99.1) alongside Nancy Wilson, at first didn't share details of his illness with listeners of the top-rated country music program.

As the cancer spread and his health deteriorated quickly, it was announced he was on medical leave.

"My first symptoms included shortness of breath and unusual fatigue. I was getting much too tired from just struggling to mow the lawn," he said. "I am an avid cyclist and work out regular at the gym. After a battery of tests, they confirmed the myeloma."

Kerrigan said after family meetings with his wife, Monique, five children and his parents, he decided to seek treatment at the James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State University.

"I underwent nine weeks of a chemotherapy regimen," Kerrigan said. "The doctors, the nurses, the staff over there were the best. Unfortunately, the chemo yielded no results."

Kerrigan said the next order of treatment was a stem cell transplant.

"I was given 14 shots of a drug which helped increase new healthy blood cells. These then were harvested, frozen and stored away. Then after a high dose of chemo killed most everything left in my system, the healthy cells which had been frozen were put back in my system."

He continued, "My hair fell out and I was deathly sick. I lost over 30 pounds, and complications followed, which included pneumonia and now, the loss of feeling in my feet."

The transplant was successful and now he is back on the radio. He is taking 11 different medicines, mostly for his kidneys and blood pressure.

Kerrigan has been a part of the K.99 team "Nancy and Kerrigan" for 2½ years. Before that, he was Christopher Geisen's partner for 18 years of comedy in the mornings at WTUE-FM in Dayton.

Kerrigan said WHKO station officials have been very kind and supportive, holding his position while he was hospitalized.

"I returned in late January," Kerrigan said. "I don't want to let the station down, and I will give it my all as I continue to deal with medical issues.

"Cancer has changed my life. For the most part I have taken my health in the past for granted. Everything is different now," he said.

He said he sometimes feels sorry for himself.

"I don't want cancer," he said. "But I am glad it chose me instead of Monique or one of my children. I pray for a cure. We need to get going on this. We've got to find a cure."

Kerrigan has agreed to serve as honorary chairman of the American Cancer Society's annual Relay for Life in Kettering.

The relay is May 16 at Delco Park off East Dorothy Lane. Pledges will go to research to help find a cure for cancer.

"I think of that Tim McGraw song a lot," Kerrigan said. "It is called 'Live Like You Are Dying.' That is on my mind as I pray and hope for a cure. I want to be around in five years when my youngest daughter graduates high school."

Dale Huffman wants your suggestions and story ideas. He'd like to share a story about you, your family, or a friend. This column is for you. Send e-mail to dhuffman@Dayton

DailyNews.com or write to Dale at 1611 S. Main St. Dayton, OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272.

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