John Richards

"Today is my Dad's birthday. Today he will find out if his cancer has come back... he's our rock, our strength.. My Dad was diagnosed with colon cancer in June 2016 and went into remission before his birthday in March 2017. Recently he went in for a check up where they noticed something out of the ordinary. The last few weeks have been filled with anxiety and uncertainty as we wait for the test results. No matter the outcome, we have to hope. Hope that he'll be okay and grateful that we have each other. Growing up my Dad would always play British rock. I have vivid memories as a kid in the backseat of our car with my sisters as my Dad would play The Verve, Oasis and The Police. (What's the Story) Morning Glory? is still one of our favorites. Can you please play 'Champagne Supernova' by Oasis?" - Tessa, this is for you and your dad, and we're hoping for a good outcome today for your family <3

"15 years ago, April 1st, I got the keys to our new home... and the cancer diagnosis... Our own little piece of the American dream, turned in to a nightmare... I had 3 large tumors on my right breast, so mastectomy with 5 months of chemo was my reality. My husband and I called our day in the chemo room, "our lunch date", as afterward, we would go have lunch before the nausea set in. He used to sing me, "Don't Fade Away" by Dead Can Dance. The lyrics were so personal, I cried every time. Soon, Dead Can Dance became a source of comfort for me, and made me just relax and live in the moment. The 1st concert I went to after my treatment was over, was Dead Can Dance at the Paramount. Going, made me feel blessed to be alive! I am doing really well, now and I have stayed cancer-free. I survived to tell the tale." - This one's for you Lori <3

From Delesha this morning: "My father passed away from lung cancer when I was 9. He was terminal when they finally made the correct diagnosis and he died within 3 months of his diagnosis, right before Thanksgiving. This song always helps me get in touch with my feelings as I watched him fade away."

Kara, thank you for being a part of the KEXP family <3 - "KEXP, and particularly the Morning Show, have helped me get through this past fall/winter following my husband Chris’ passing... One morning, I heard John interview Brandon from the Helio Sequence about the Keep Your Eyes Ahead album. The interview really resonated with me, especially because it was written when Brandon was going through a dark time and the resulting songs were full of hope. The songs became my anthem to help me move forward. I attended the Death and Music event in November for the first time in Seattle... The last night at my hotel in downtown Seattle, as I was sitting in the lobby, the Helio Sequence’s “Keep Your Eyes Ahead” came on. It was so appropriate, because I was staying at the hotel where Chris and I used to stay when we would go to Seattle for New Year’s or other concerts. I felt very hopeful and at peace when I heard the song. It was THE perfect ending to my trip."

This ones' for Kevin & Declan <3 - "KEXP's streaming signal found me in Lansing Michigan in 2002. Two years later, cancer found me as a 23 year old. Shockingly, 14 years later, it found my son on his first day of life. 5 surgeries, 4 rounds of chemo, $3 million in medical costs, 2 diagnoses, in 1 family. There was one radio station that was there through the denial and disbelief, the powerlessness, the bewilderment, the pain, the fear, the relief and the transcendent euphoria of winning more time on Earth. Medicine healed our bodies, music, and KEXP healed our souls. My son Declan and I have scars and stories and healthy futures, and monthly Amplifier donations ahead."

"Like too many others, my life has been touched by cancer. My aunt Colleen was the light of my world. She was like a mother to me. 18 years ago, she passed away after over a decade's battle with Leukemia and Hodgkin's disease. After she got diagnosed for the 2nd time, I helped shave her head. What liberation! As her curls flew off, she belted along with U2, which she consistently had blasting through her dinky boombox. That strength forever inspires me. She passed not long after that. I inherited her CD collection, including the U2 Best of 1980-1990, and, with a little money she left me, I bought a guitar and started music lessons. I think about her every day: she was the first person to ever tell me to sing, she is the reason I started writing, and the reason I play music now. I'd like to think she would be proud of me, but more importantly, my pride in her I carry forever. Please play U2's Where The Streets Have No Name. For her" - Thank you for sharing this, Colleen <3

This one is for all the caregivers and survivors out there, you are not alone <3

"My dad had been a professional singer and guitar player his whole life so it was extra cruel that the throat cancer which killed him took his voice. We were able to make the best of our time together by having him teach me to play the ukulele and the song I learned was Bob Dylan’s "Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright"... After he died, my stepmom and I found love notes squirreled all over the house that he’d hidden." - Lindsey, what a gift that is from your dad! Thank you for sharing <3

"My father passed away from cancer nine years ago. I remember his love of Leonard Cohen. While there is music that helps me deal with the grief I also find that it also serves to remind me of the kind of person he was. Music helps celebrate and conjure up another one of his qualities and preferences that helps preserve in my mind who he was after all these years. A particular favorite of ours was "Suzanne." Thanks for taking the time for this... not easy for all but life isn't easy all the time and embracing that can be empowering and help us live it more fully." - Jamie, this one's for you, thank you for sharing <3

Anna, this is for you <3 - "I have always been a healthy 31 year old woman who had been living in New York for a few years when I had a seizure in bed late at night on December 20, 2018. I didn't want to go to the hospital, but my boyfriend had called the medics and asked me to go for him... It was here where they diagnosed me with a glioma grade 3 brain tumor... I had to stay in the hospital for a total of 3.5 weeks before my speech and motor skills returned. In no time, I was dancing in the kitchen with my dad to Talking Heads, "This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)"... You can bet I have Talking Heads and lots of other positive and uplifting jams I was listening to during this time. As I've learned, there is no linear process for healing, so I wish everyone who is going through recovery the best of luck and lots of love."

"Kristin was only 28... she went to a primary care clinic for a strange lump that developed. The dr found nothing concerning, and seemed confident and sent her on her way. When Kristin returned 4 months later, the lump had grown, and by that point, the cancer had metastized to her lungs... One of her school work sheets from I would guess age 5 or 6 asked her to record a list of her favorite things. As her favorite song, she wrote ‘Rainbow Connection by Kermit the Frog”. On the day before her funeral, many of us spent the night at an inn in Cape Cod to lay her body to rest in a cemetery beside a bike path she often rode. There was a pub at the inn, and that night, as we entered for a pint, there was a musician on stage. One song into his set he began playing Rainbow Connection. It was one of the most surreal moments of my life. We all laughed & cried. Every once in a while, I hear that song on KEXP and it reminds me of this wonderful person who will always be a part of my life."

Eric, we're so sorry for the loss of your sister to stage 4 cancer 5 years ago. This one's for you and your ongoing healing process <3

"I lost my boyfriend, Tim to lung cancer over two years ago. He was 33. He passed away the same day he picked up a new trial drug; the pain was unbearable. Tim and I bonded over our love of music. He was obsessed with Dr. Dog. Two weeks after Tim passed, I woke up in the middle of the night to a vision of Tim next to me, and he said “I don't expect you to believe me. But everything is alright” from Dr. Dog’s “That Old Black Hole,” and I finally felt peace. No one will ever convince me that wasn’t Tim there trying to heal my broken heart." - Becky, thank you for sharing this with us! We're so sorry for your loss, and hope you'll always find peace with this one <3

Elliott, it's your dancing song! Here's to being 4 years cancer-free at the age of 5 <3

"I would like to request a song for my mom Nicole. In the span of two years, beginning in August 2016, she was sideswiped with the news of three cancer diagnoses (breast, lung and colon). Three operations and many challenges and indignities later, she is officially cancer-free. I would really appreciate you playing anything from her favorite artist, Jimmy Cliff." - Arnaud, this is for you and your mom <3

"Joe was a fixture on the Seattle music scene for many years playing with bands like the Posies, Sunny Day Real Estate, and Sky Cries Mary. Around 2014 or so Joe was diagnosed with cancer. He wanted to beat it and was determined to live his life to the fullest. Somewhere inside I think he knew his chances of winning that battle were slim, so he contacted us about playing a show—he hadn’t appeared onstage with Sky Cries Mary in over 20 years and really, really wanted to play those songs again. We booked two back-to-back benefits at Neumos for him and bandmates flew in from all over the place: Berlin, Thailand, New York, and California... The love pouring from the crowd onto the stage towards him was palpable, if not overwhelming at times... More importantly, he was elated.. Joe passed away a few months later, but when I think of him I always smile: he celebrated life. Always."

"I’m a long-time listener from back in KCMU days when my wife and I lived in Seattle for a short stretch in the 90’s/00’s. Back in Aug/ Sept of 2018 I came down with flu and couldn’t shake it... I received a surprising phone call from my doctor after a blood test on Sept 28th: go to the ER immediately, your blood work doesn’t look right. I found out over 50% of my blood contained blast cells and the next day I was diagnosed with leukemia... In Dec my oncologist declared I was in remission after my first round of out-patient chemo. My body was a mess but I’d ride my bike and listen to John’s show. Two days ago my picc line was removed and I was given a clean bill of health. I credit my wife’s love, music and John’s morning show with keeping my head screwed on straight while I battled leukemia. I was truly given a second chance at life and I’m fortunate enough to be able to attend my daughter’s college graduation in May."

"My husband Eric was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2013. When the Drs. told me he had a 30% chance to make it 5 years, I was devastated... Being on chemo for 6 years takes a toll on the body. Throughout all this we have tried to find joy and humor. While in the hospital, anyone who came in his room, Eric would say "Hi, where are you from"? We have met people from all over the world and had great conversations comparing countries. Our team at Harrison Oncology in Poulsbo are awesome and really care about Eric. Cancer is exhausting for both the patient and caregiver but we soldier on! Eric is in terrible pain every day but he is Fearless. Please play Pink Floyd's song "Fearless" for my love. Music matters and helps to heal our souls." - Amber, this is for you and Eric <3

"Late last year, I emailed you to request The Mountain Goats. I was stuck in traffic on 405 trying to get to my grandfather who was dying of cancer. Your set was perfectly timed: it ended just as I pulled into the driveway of his hospice. I cried and sang along the entire way to him... My grandpa John passed in December. It is still fresh with all of us, especially my grandma who was married to him for over 67 years. I would love to hear something of a love song for them, for all of us really. He may be gone, but we love him still." - Chelsey, we're so glad that song got to you at a moment you needed it most. This is for you <3

"3 years ago my only brother lost his short fight with esophageal cancer at the young age of 42. As kids, music was a constant. Whether it was our parents playing Simon & Garfunkel on a lazy weekend or maybe some Neil Diamond too loudly at night or playing in school bands, music was ever-present. He played piano, saxophone, and sang. We shared many concerts as adults and were always comparing new albums and stereo gear. Just before he died we made a family trip to Hawaii. One night after making dinner with my parents, my wife and kids Sweet Caroline came up in the playlist. A song we had heard since we were kids. I turned it up and all 8 of us were suddenly singing. I knew that was probably the last time I would hear him sing and enjoy music together. He died only a few days later. Please play "Sweet Caroline" for Matt."

"I lost my Aunt who raised me like a daughter to ovarian cancer 6 years ago this April 20th. I am just getting out of the strange mourning vortex with bouts of unexpected deep grief that set in from time to time. This was on the heels of my friends being murdered at Café Racer and losing another musician friend to suicide. Life made no sense during this time... This past year my father in law was diagnosed with aggressive colon cancer. We are Shambhala Buddhists and we held vigil around his bedside meditating, holding space and chanting until he passed peacefully at home... My aunt and my father in law were friends, both were both bright spirits and they both LOVED music and especially Paul Simon. If you could play anything by him in honor of Lucille and Paul, I would really appreciate it" - Thank you for sharing your story with us Janine, this is for you <3

"10 years ago I lost a high school classmate, and someone who remained my friend through adulthood. I was living in Seattle and visiting her in Montana when she went in for tests due to an unexplained hip pain. I stayed a day later than planned because we were waiting on the test results. We sat on her front porch as we took the call together. The bottom fell out from beneath us as we received the news of her breast cancer... 5 years later I sat by her side and watched her take her last breath and leave our world... She loved to play Gnarls Barkley, Crazy on "11" because it helped her to think perhaps we're all crazy. And maybe that's ok. Could you please play Crazy for my friend, Candace. She'd like to know we're all still crazy, and we're all ok." - Thank you for sharing with us, Zana <3

"Today is the day I was told last year that my brother had 2 weeks to live. He made it to April 6th. On the evening of April 5th we drank wine and played music for him for hours and hours in his hospital room while he took his last breaths. My family and I lean on faith to get us through and that means everything to us, but I want to thank you guys and the KEXP family for being there and reminding us all that we are not alone. Through his fight and beyond, you have shown love and respect and sympathy to him and my family and I know that a sea of people reach out to KEXP every day. Tanner would have loved this show. I am crying without ceasing today but I am happy to remember him. Many thanks and much love. If you have time, could you please play 'Murder In the City' by the Avett Brothers"

"We lost my mother-in-law June 4, 2018 to pancreatic cancer. She was a wonderful women with a huge heart and not a mean bone in her body. She spent most of her free time volunteering for the Audubon society and spending time with my daughter, her only grandchild. She is greatly missed by all that knew and loved her. Can you play one of her favorite songs, the Beatles "Blackbird," in her honor."

"Three weeks ago I found out that my closest friend was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal colon cancer. She was given 1-3 months to live and told it was inoperable... My friend was wheeled into surgery a few days later and they've managed to remove the entire tumor on her colon. She starts chemo next week and is hopeful to add a bit of life to the original diagnosis. All of this is a WIN in terms of what she was initially given and has reminded me that the sun will still rise. I regularly rely on Jose Gonzalez's music when I'm feeling down, confused and in need of a reminder that life is bigger than we know."

"Mie was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia when 31 weeks pregnant with our second child. Exactly one year from the date of diagnosis, the day before the baby’s first birthday, she died. She was only 38 years old and left behind a husband and two wonderful children. She was an incredible mother, friend and partner. I've since remarried but there is not a day that goes by when we don’t talk about her or think about her. She loved music and had a beautiful singing voice. Was hoping you might be able to play September by Earth Wind & Fire. It was one of the only tunes that would make her dance." - Chris, this is for you and anyone else today that just needs to dance <3

"This time last year, I was spending days and nights at Swedish First Hill with my wife Lisa, who was dying of brain cancer. I'd often drive home to Magnolia at 4am to take a shower and turn around and return. KEXP was my companion on these lonely trips. Music was a reminder of the beauty that exists even during this hard time, the beautiful empty streets of downtown whizzing past under the cloudy palette that is the sky in spring in Seattle. Lisa passed away minutes before Mothers Day... At the celebration of her life we played a song I'd first heard on KEXP that fit how she lived "Do You Realize" by the Flaming Lips. The last year has been a challenge. My now 9 year old Max and I commute every day from Magnolia up to his school in Green Lake and we always listen to KEXP... This morning we both cried listening to the show, and talked about the memories we had of Lisa. Music will continue to be a healer for both of us"

"A friend of mine has recently started treatment for an advanced stage and rare form of cancer. This song will forever remind me of our nascent friendship, so many years ago, and the summer road trips that included driving out to see this band at the Gorge in 2001. The opening of the album OK Computer, especially on compact disc and stock speakers, transport me to pleasant memories of that time and instill an optimism for her future. Please play "Airbag" by Radiohead." Corrie

"I am writing you from Berlin / Germany. I am listening to your program very often during work.The today's morning show really gets me due to I had Cancer / Leukemia 23 years ago. Beside the medical treatment Music was one of the main things that helped me to stay alive. Music is so powerful and goes directly in every part of your body. I want to say to all the people with cancer, believe in yourself, be strong, don't forget to laugh at least one time a day, even if everything looks lost. And believe in the strength of Music. During my long time in hospital I listened a lot to Rammstein, Metallica, Dire Straits, Depeche Mode ….. and Klaus Schulze (ok this is total different style of music :-))" Thorsten

"My mom passed away on Tuesday from multiple myeloma at the age of 50 after a 5 year fight. I spent a lot of time at SCCA over the years visiting and driving her from appointments. Cancer sucks, and listening to today's show has been pretty difficult. I know it's a bummer of a song but would you play Ravens by Mount Eerie?"

"Thank you for this and for all that you do for our community. KEXP fuels the invisible force that makes me feel connected. I wanted to give a shout out to two of my dear friends who just recently got the devastating news of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Tammi and Rosalie. Tammi has unselfishly given so much to organizing and fundraising for charities that helped under-insured and uninsured patients with chronic illnesses. She has been a bright light for our community. I am happy to say that her network friends have come together to help support Tammi through this fight for her life; bringing her meals and being there for appointments and just to listen. Rosalie has been a best friend since 2006, when we were young and in our 20's. She is a fierce fighter and I will be there every step of the way to see her through recovery. Rosalie is a wonderful single mother to her 6 year old daughter. I know the road ahead may not be easy, but I have faith that our Seattle doctors will provide a clear path for recovery. Again, our network of friends have offered to help with whatever Rosalie will need during the treatment. Rosalie, Tammi and I are all HUGE Pearl Jam fans. Perhaps during the day at some point you could play Daughter." Lisette

"In 2002 I was diagnosed with Stage IV Hodgkin's Lymphoma that had spread to my lungs. Following my diagnosis we met with the first of many people at SCCA and started treatment in early 2003. We can't say enough about everyone we dealt with at SCCA - schedulers, nurses, techs, doctors - they all treated us with so much care and respect for the situation we were in and how we were going to deal with it. Over the next nine month my treatment involved chemotherapy and a few stays in the hospital at the University of Washington. After completing the standard treatment we received news that most, but not all, of my cancer was gone. At this point the decision was made that I would need a Stem Cell transplant - something that was pioneered at SCCA (Fred Hutch). My stem cell transplant in early 2004 went as planned and I was able to recover faster than expected. Years later we are still so thankful for the care I received and the things we've been able to experience since my treatment ended." Darren

"Back in 2004 when my son was just under 2 he was diagnosed with hydrocephalus - fluid build up in his head. We were rushed directly to Children's which a scan revealed a tumor in his 4th ventricle which had blocked the ventricle and thus the hydrocephalus. I literal had to catch my wife as her dad passed at 42 of multiple brain tumors. This started us on a 3 month journey (and at times nightmare) of healing - shunt placed into his brain to relieve the pressure, 4 hour craniotomy where they literally had to scrape his brain stem to remove part of the tumor, 3.5 weeks of pt, ot and speech therapy in Children's (his cerebellum was seriously traumatized and had post surgery trauma where he literally had to learned to roll over again and speak) and then top it off with 33 days of radiation therapy where he was put under each morning and left behind a 2 foot thick door while we waited. He has endured over 40 rounds of anesthesia! I learned WAY more about cancer than I would have ever wanted too. During that ordeal music was a big part of our routine and a routine was what made it manageable. I would most nights literally pass out in the chair next to the bed he and his mom shared with my headphones in listening to KEXP sipping on airline bottle of liquor our friends had snuck into me with him and his mom snuggled together after a day roaming from one end of Children's to the other in the Red Chariot as we called it (a red wagon) making our appointments and keep him distracted as the high dose steroids he was on made him manic. Music was also a big part of Lucas's healing as well. While he was touring later on in this story I reached out him and took us backstage before his show - I remember how the experience lit up my son. Lucas is now 16, six foot one and is thriving. Thanks to Children's, UW Medical, our homeopath and natural-path, our amazing friends and co-workers who were so supportive and of course KEXP he has turned into a fine young man. Can you play John Lennon's Beautiful Boy for me - he still is my little boy even though he now towers over me!" Jeffrey

Sloan will be playing live in the KEXP Gathering Space and streaming live video on Facebook and YouTube Friday, March 29th at 1:00 PM.

"I lost one of my best friends two years ago because of leukemia. After 2 years of battle with her disease, she finished her life at the age of 42, which was way too early. At the last moment of her life, she was surround by her family and friends in her apartment. I can still recall the moment that she was leaving - it was like a sunset, it was something so quiet and absolute, you just can't do nothing to stop it. She knew and accepted that she had to go. Recently one of my distant family members has passed away from brain cancer. We saw each other only couple of times in a year, but he was always such a generous and happy person and I can just think of good time that we shared in family. Music is there to wrap you around, even it's a sad song or an uplifting one, there sure is a magic in it and it gives power to go on to live our lives. I'd like to request "Coax Me" of Sloan - such a sad and beautiful song about mourning. I'm so excited for their amazing show tomorrow! (btw congratulations to Cheryl on your Canadian citizenship and I'm very happy to hear that as a Canadian resident :) ) Thank you KEXP for this program, I'm sure that this wonderful community gathering around good music gives power to people who have cancer and their families and friends." Ayako

We lost our beloved Charles Bradley on September 23, 2017 to stomach cancer, at the age of 68. He was surrounded by family and friends, including members of all the bands he worked closely with.

You can watch Charles Bradley's last and incredible performance live in the KEXP Gathering Space from May 2016. www.youtube.com

This is a double request going out to Katie for her brother who lived in Wisconsin, listened to and loved KEXP, was deep into the power of music, won his first cancer battle and lost his second. And also to Erica listening in Puebla, Mexico who lost her mother to a long battle with breast cancer in March 2018.

"My boyfriend, Stuart, is currently under going treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at Swedish Cancer Institute. He’s a week into an extended stay on First Hill while they reboot his entire immune system with a stem cell transplant. He’s a rockstar who deserves a song dedication today. KEXP is a big part of our lives. We listen daily and often the nurses comment on the great music that he’s playing. Music truly heals and it’s happening right now. Stu is a special guy, he’s attitude over the past 7 months has been amazing and I know the great music that we hear from you has been so helpful to getting through a not fun and often painful process. Please play something from the Grateful Dead for my deadhead, Stuart. (Box of Rain is one of his favorites)." Christen

Dusty Springfield lost her battle to breast cancer in March 1999. In January 1994, while recording her penultimate album, A Very Fine Love, in Nashville, Tennessee, Dusty Springfield felt ill. When she returned to England a few months later, her physicians diagnosed breast cancer. She received months of chemotherapy and radiation treatment and the cancer was in remission. In 1995, in apparent good health, Springfield set about promoting the album, which was released that year. By mid-1996, the cancer had returned and in spite of vigorous treatments, she died in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire on March 2, 1999. Her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame occurred two weeks after her death. Her friend Elton John helped induct her into the Hall of Fame, declaring, "I'm biased but I just think she was the greatest white singer there ever has been ... every song she sang, she claimed as her own."

The musical and cultural icon died from melanoma on May 11, 1981, at age 36. In July 1977, Marley was found to have a type of malignant melanoma under the nail of a toe. Contrary to urban legend, this lesion was not primarily caused by an injury during a football match that year but was instead a symptom of already-existing cancer. Marley turned down his doctors' advice to have his toe amputated (which would have hindered his performing career), citing his religious beliefs, and instead, the nail and nail bed were removed and a skin graft was taken from his thigh to cover the area. Despite his illness, he continued touring and was in the process of scheduling a world tour in 1980.

This is a request for multiple listeners.

Jules from Bremerton wrote "My Mom succumbed to lung cancer at age 59 in Winter of 2003. My Mom LOVED Fleetwood Mac and I can recall listening to the Rumors album over and over as a child. Imagine the surprise and delight of us when at her funeral when the music was Fleetwood Mac!! There was so much dancing and celebrating. Now when Fleetwood Mac comes on my sister and I both know my Mom is with us."

"I’m listening in from Brisbane Australia this morning show has touched me losing my mother from a brain tumour 9 years ago on the 15th of March. Music meant the world to my mother & did through her 15 month battle. We played Fleetwood Mac Rumors in the hospice throughout her last night passing away in the early hours of the next morning. I would love to hear anything of the Rumors record. Time mends. Thank you for today." Trent

Arthur Lee died from complications of the leukemia on August 3, 2006 in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 61. Lee underwent several months of treatment for leukemia, including chemotherapy and an experimental stem cell transplant using stem cells from an umbilical cord blood donor.

Thank you for listening to Music Heals: Beyond Cancer on KEXP. And thank you so much for sharing your stories with us today. Send us your stories: dj@kexp.org or stories@kexp.org or text @ 206-903-5397.

"HI! i was in turkey on an outreach with the non-profit i worked for in hawaii when i learned my dad had cancer, with two weeks left on the trip before i headed home for christmas. my teammates were amazing, keeping things normal while giving me room to explode a bit. year of hibernation by YOUTH LAGOON was on repeat as my friend had just introduced me to them - still insanely grateful for that really mellow music that always picks up to an uplifting beat by the end. i needed that roll around the heavy to feel it all and then the pickup to bring my head back above water. any chance you'd play CANNONS by him? It got me revved up to take it all on. special fave ❤️ thank you!!!" Milo

"I love hearing you speak about the music left behind by our loved ones. I lost my mom to glioblastoma when I was 14. Around my 30th birthday, her vinyl collection was passed on to me, the best gift ever, and inside a random sleeve was a piece of paper with the lyrics to "Old Man" by Neil Young written out in her handwriting. I love thinking about her writing that out as a teenager while listening to his music. As an adult I have found a new connection with her that I wouldn't have had without those precious records. Music gave a new life to our relationship. Will you please play "Old Man" by Neil Young for my Mom, Michelle. Thank you so much KEXP for giving us all space to feel and heal." Toni

"As many others have said, I'm tearing up as I listen to stories today with you. I'm feeling the pain and emotions all over again, which allows you to revisit your growth, your love. Music allows you to travel back to moments from the past more vividly. To feel. My mother died of cancer in 2013 after a 15 year battle with the disease. We would listen to the Beach Boys growing up on road trips with my family. One song from Pet Sounds was always sung in the round in our car, God Only Knows. On our last drive with my mother, home from the hospital to begin hospice in our living room where she would ultimately pass, we played it one more time. Going back to that drive, to those last few days, is painful but worth it. It reminds me that I have rebuilt and that my mother would be proud. God only knew if we could live without her. We didn't think we could but we are learning to. My heart and soul are with those dealing with cancer, both personally and by proxy. Sending strength and love..." Emily

The great Aretha Franklin died of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor on August 16, 2018, aged 76. She was under hospice care and surrounded by friends and family.

"My Grandmother Dee Dee (her real name was Mildred) grew up in the Great Depression in Wall, South Dakota, where her dad was the town doctor. From him she learned a profound sense of justice and compassion for everyone around her, and among her many efforts was as a board member for a local hospice in Cheney, WA. She smoked her entire life, and we knew how she would die. I miss her still, more than 20 years later. She wasn’t a pop music fan, but on the theme of laughter and dancing, she loved TMBG’s Birdhouse in Your Soul. She loved birds, and while I was never sure she understood that the song is about a nightlight, the idea of making room in your heart for others resonated. So, maybe you could play Birdhouse for Mildred. She is still my conscience and guide." Marcus

"I received a diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer on my 47th birthday this year. BUT, I am one of the lucky ones, I have it all- health insurance, the best care available at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, family, friends and greatest co-workers on the planet at GreenLake Elementry who are coming today at 11:30!!!!!! And levity from my 12 year old son- I love you so much Gus. Music is everything- strength, hope....life! A few of my favorites: Fugazi- waiting room (many hours in one), Tracy Bonham- mother mother, Smashing Pumpkins- Today. Thank you to all my people for giving a -f$#7k about me. I love you." Laura

"As a teenager, my friend Ragnar had endured a several rounds of cancer treatment & now the virus was back in his bone marrow. The treatments lasted five years. During that time he remained a teacher & a leader about how it felt to undergo treatment as an avowed pacifist and activist. This day of music weighs on my chest like my favorite blanket & it brings fabulous memories of Ragnar to the front of my mind. It also brings incredible sadness- how he got sick so quickly after moving here, how the city lost his leadership & presence when it was most sorely needed. Music heals, yes, and I'm definitely not alone in missing him or resenting the disease. Ragnar was Icelandic and his favorite group was Sigur Ros and if there’s a Sigur Ros tune that comes to mind I would love to hear it in remembrance of my friend. Thank you for this day and creating a space for people to process, even if that looks like a dude weeping in his SUV on Yesler as "Someone Great" hits me like never before." Tom

Benjamin Curtis, of School of Seven Bells, died at the young age of 35 on December 29, 2013 from T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma.

"I moved to Seattle in late 1994 shortly after my father's passing from melanoma. As a lifelong musician and fan of music, your station was definitely a lifeline for this (then) young man. I can't begin to count the number of fantastic artists and songs I was turned on to in the heady mid-90's. Day and months and years go by and KEXP is still very much the soundtrack of my life and my main artery for discovering new music while honoring the old school as well. About this time last year I was diagnosed with stage 3 prostate cancer and the battle continues today. That very day as I was driving to god only knows where, the sun was shining and I heard Silversun Pickups' "All the Go Inbetweens" on KEXP. It quickly became my "diagnosis" song, but I'm working on turning it to my soundtrack to a cure. If you could play this song today in honor of my father, myself and all the others out there battling, supporting and remembering, I'd greatly appreciate it.'" Jhon

"My wife recently started treatment for an advanced form of cancer. I first met my wife while standing in the beer line at El Corazon (then known as Graceland) at a ...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead show in 2002. We flirted for a bit then walked back into the show separately. We continued exchanging glances until the band began to play “How Near How Far” I finally managed the courage to walk over to her. We almost never spent a moment apart after that. This song reminds me the woman I fell in love with, the same woman that is right now fighting for her life." Dorian

"I’m writing to share my wife’s story. She’s was diagnosed with Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer last summer and has been in chemotherapy for almost six months now. We just found out this week that her current treatment isn’t stopping the growth of a tumor on her liver, and we’re meeting with our oncologist today at SCCA to discuss what might come next. Obviously, it’s been a tough week for both of us. As we gear up to continue the fight, I think she’d appreciate “Cold War” by Janelle Monae as a good mirror for her sentiments right now… Thanks!" Chris.

Gerard Smith, of TV on the Radio, died at age 36 from lung cancer in 2011. He was a self-taught musician who played the piano, bass, organ, classical guitar, and sitar.

“Thank you once again, KEXP, for a fine day of reflecting the healing power of music. I have two happy ending stories. In 2010 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 50. I was alone when I received news of the diagnosis from my doctor at Group Health on Capitol Hill. I drove to Volunteer Park to absorb this news that I had cancer. I sat in my car looking at the Space Needle through the hole in Isamu Noguchi’s big granite donut called “Black Sun”. As folks know, Black Sun was an inspiration for “Black Hole Sun”, from Superunknown. I cued up “Black Hole Sun”. I listened, I collapsed. The lyric I heard was, “Black hole sun, Won’t you come, And wash away the pain?” I sat there feeling alone and very mortal. But the music was cathartic. I’m happy to report that after surgery in 2011, I’m now eight years cancer free.” Brian in Pioneer Square

"My mom recently passed away from breast cancer, and we were both huge Brandi Carlile fans. The song "Most of All" from her most recent albums held a lot of weight with me while she was going through her battle, and even more so now afterwards. It is so hard not having her in my life anymore, but it brings me solace when I notice little things in my life that she left there. Things like the way I speak, the food I eat, or the music I listen to. This song helps bring me into a calmer place and reminds me to take in those little things."

Gord Downie, from The Tragically Hip, died in 2017 at the age of 53 from glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer.

“I was diagnosed with stomach cancer at age 20. In my country, the 5-year survival rate is around 10% (luckily I didn't know back then); at first I was also told it has spread to my liver, which made my chances nil. I was stubborn and thankfully so were my parents so we decided to get a second opinion - I ended up receiving treatment for it as the liver lumps were not malign. I had two surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation, and even if my chemo was "easy" compared to other patients I met at the time it still was awful, but I made through. One of the things that kept me going was listening to Slowdive, which I had recently discovered then. Two years ago I had the chance to see them live in Lima, Peru, and I could meet them and tell them all that their music had kept my spirits high during my darkest times and they all thanked me for telling me that. I'd appreciate if you could please play Souvlaki Space Station, which drove me to tears during that concert. Thanks!” Juan

"I got my non-Hodgkins lymphoma diagnosis while I was spending a lot of time at Harborview caring for my friend Shannon who had just been paralyzed in a bike accident. We’ll be there for Bowie Vision later today. In the meantime can you play our theme song Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots?" Dean

"My wife and I sat under our tree in the yard, just happy to be together as she was battling cancer. I had to leave the next day to drive 2,000 miles for a job. Mutual Benefit was in my car CD player - "Underneath the silver maple tree. The only people there were you and me" - My heart wouldn't let me hold the steering wheel; I had to stop. Nowadays we're healthy and head out every weekend for mountain biking, and this album makes me feel so happy. Can you play Mutual Benefit - CL Rosarian?" Darrell

"Thanks for your Music Heals Day. We need it today and every day. Please play Strawberry Fields Forever for my sister Pam who died in 2013 from Multiple Myeloma. She battled for 3 years and I know music helped her. She walks in those fields now. Thank you, Loving sister Cathy."

"I don’t know if you remember my and Maurine’s friend, Michelle. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2007 and given just 2 months to live. Her husband left her, mid treatment, for another woman he met in a cancer spouse support group! She became a single mom with active cancer. She was a strong woman. 5 ½ years later, in 2013, she succumbed - leaving her two little girls. Back in the day she always used to drag us out whenever Super Deluxe was playing locally, they were her favorite band. Got any old Super Deluxe laying around?" Laurie

Thomas Fekete, of Surfer Blood, died in 2016 at the age of 27 with complications from a rare, aggressive form of cancer. He had had major surgery to remove a large tumor from his abdomen, but doctors discovered that the cancer had spread to his lungs and spine.

“My dear friend, J is battling cancer in her brain, liver, and lungs at the ripe age of 40. She and I met 15 years ago at a concert in another state shortly before my move to Seattle, a new city where I knew no one. J brought me into her accepting circle of friends and we spent the bulk of our 20s together watching too many mediocre jam bands, adventuring across this beautiful state and carelessly enjoying our youth. She has approached her illness with a grace and strength that is beyond inspiring to her friends, family and the students she teaches. Life is certainly not fair and given her family history one would hope the universe would have spared her from cancer. J, I want you to know we all love you. You inspire us with your bright shining spirit and boundless strength. Please remember we are here for you and want to help. Now and always. You are not alone. Would you please play the White Stripes "We're Going to be Friends"?” Brit

“I just heard you speak about being alone when you were diagnosed with cancer. I can't even imagine the feeling. I'm very sorry you had to experience that (along with cancer). I wasn't the one diagnosed with cancer, but I was alone when I got the call from my parents that my mother had stage 4 melanoma. I will never forget it, it was the worst call I've ever gotten. I literally dropped to my knees & didn't know what to do or who to call because at the time I didn't have a partner & I'm an only child. I have great friends, so I called a few of them & tried to calm down. Melanoma is very curable in the beginning stages but unfortunately in the last stages it's not. She held on for six months; was positive & loving until the end. Can you play Cornflake Girl by Tori Amos? She loved this song - she didn't know the meaning behind it but she loved the melody & would always hum along in high school & sing the chorus when I played it. It would mean the world to me if you did.” Chrissy

"Thank you for this day. I was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2015 at 32 years old, and my wife was pregnant with our daughter Rosie. I'm still keeping on keeping on (shout out to the SCCA Proton Center, my treatment there in 2015 was excellent). And Rosie is 3 and a half. This day on the radio has been really special for me and I look forward to it every year. When I was diagnosed I made a decision to focus on the love around me and in the world vs letting cancer cause me fear and anxiety. This has been easier said than done, but it is always my goal. Right now my brain tumor is stable and my wife and I are expecting our second child any day now! (April 8 is the official due date). Could you play the The Avett Brothers' "Living of Love". It always reminds me that I have a choice of choosing to live with love or be pulled by the fear and anxiety of being a cancer survivor. I CHOOSE LOVE!" Brian in Ballard