I MADE A DONATION. ME

This is about me, but not really. It's more about people like
Bill Pepicello of North Scottsdale.

It's about being charitable. It's about being a giver. It's very much
about something that affects so many, and until it affects you via
yourself, a family member, or a friend, usually most don't want to
think or talk about it.

Cancer.

As a cancer survivor going on 12+ years now, I am blessed to be
alive, and I don't forget that each and every day.

In 1996 I was diagnosed with bladder cancer. The mass was so large,
I was told I would not survive.

Fortunately for me the company I worked for in Los Angeles was
affillitaed with the T.J. Martell Foundation.

Tony Martell, from Epic Records, whose young son had died from
Leukemia too early in his life, had started this foundation that for years
held huge charity events that raised large sums of money for cancer
research for years. They were help making a difference.

Talk about lucky, Tony spoke with me the day after I was given
the news, and said that he would hook me up with the only person
who would be able to help, Dr. Donald Skinner.

Dr. Skinner is the world's leading Eurologist. Within days I am
sitting in Dr. Skinner's office at the USC Norris Cancer Center
in the heart of Los Angeles.

He is the gentleman who invented the *'Koch Puch' (pronounced 'coke')
operation for men with bladder cancer. I was number 500 at that time.
Many more and with advanced research and technology have been done
since. Thank you Dr. Skinner for giving me back my life. I am erternally
grateful.

Okay, now to heart of why I am writing about this.

A couple of months ago I was contacted by Cameron Childs of
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Phoenix.
They are located at; 3877 N. 7th Street, Suite 300
Phoenix, Arizona 85014. 602-788-8622 x20

Their goal is to cure Leukemia, Lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and
Myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their
families.

She asked me to donate something for their upcoming charity ball
and auction. I couldn't think of anything that would really raise any
money. A music item maybe? Naw. That would be too easy.

I called her back with a crazy notion in my head. How about offering
myself. A person could bid on being my co-host for a couple of hours
during my Saturday morning show and submit a list of music that I
would sprinkle throughout the two hours.

Cameron thought that was a great idea on behalf of KUPD and me. To
be honest, afterwards I felt like, hmm, was that really a good idea?
What if no one bids. What happens if it is an amount of little consequence?

A couple of days ago I was informed that there was a winning bidder. The
event was a black tie affair at Kierland Resort in Scottsdale. It was
well attended with CEO's, Presidents of companies, and wealthy people.

I opted to not attend. Probably didn't want to be let down in front of
people. There was a placard with 98KUPD and all the info I gave them
what I was offering. A representitive of the Society read that for men and
women to bid during a live auction after dinner.

Bill Pepicello, who I mentioned above is the winner. Donation; $700.
Bill is the President of The Univerity Of Phoenix. I'm sure you have
heard about them, They have schools all over the United States.

I won't deny it. I was shocked to hear that amount. A good shocked. At the
same time, very happy to see that money go to good use.

Bill will be my co-host on Saturday morning June 21 from 8-10 AM.

His list includes artists such as; Korn, Ramones, Motorhead, Ozzy,
Ministry, Flogging Molly, John Beauvoir, Iron Maiden, Kid Rock,
and others.

So, listen as Bill and I have good time on the radio that day. And, most
important, remember it was for a good cause. Thanks Bill.

And, thanks to KUPD for being the great leader it is.