The Man, The Myth, The Legend - The Fighter
Radio Host Drew Garabo does some of his most important work off the air - helping others
When one person opens a door to their soul, a window of opportunity opens for the listener to be more empathetic, learn and even apply heartfelt information to their own situation.
For over ten years, I have listened to Tampa Bay Radio Host Drew Garabo as often as possible just for that reason. It was my husband, John’s fault. Every day, he’d come home from his jobs and say: “Drew said this. . .” or “On Drew’s show, I heard. . .”
I had to literally write down the name of the station, the guy’s name and when he was on. John would mention a Cowhead, too, but I was drawn to the brilliant, authentic and unfiltered voice of Drew.
Way back then, I had no idea that one day, he and his girlfriend would be coming over to our house and we’d be sitting, talking and laughing in the backyard.
I’d like to think our connection is special, but the reason he has been Number One in this radio market is because he connects with everyone. I’ll be blogging about him and how he gave me one of my happiest moments in 2024, but today’s theme isn’t about us. Rather it’s about his fight against cancer that occurred a few years ago.
The timing seems right as so many people are struggling today. As the late Gilda Radner said: It’s always something. Under this new administration that just took place on January 20, our already marginalized communities are battling for their mere existence. A fight for life is a fight for dignity, acceptance and understanding.
A beautiful, sensitive transgender woman recently wrote on her Facebook timeline:
“I need suggestions on how to respond when people ask: ‘How are you doing?’ Besides rolling my eyes, screaming, and/or laughing inappropriately hard for uncomfortably too long.”
It’s our hope that Drew’s words can help her and others, as he has roared back victoriously when all hope seemed to run out.
Bubbie: When you were going through the worst of it - what did you want to be called? Patient? Victim? Fighter? Friend with C? Or, other?
Drew: Honestly, it never even crossed my mind. I don't think anyone ever called me any of those. When I was going through the worst of it, I pretty much thought of nothing but the pain and suffering of it all. I wanted it to end. My friends and loved ones kept me alive and in the fight. I'm glad I didn't give up, but it wasn't easy.
Bubbie: If people want to wish a person with cancer well - what if they contact that person when the last thing the person with c wants to think about is the 'c'?
Drew: That's always the case. I would say most people mean well, but the last thing we want to be reminded of is that we have cancer. We assume that most, if not all, of our friends and acquaintances are wishing us well. Just as bad is the "how are you feeling," again...the person probably means well, but that question always hits differently with those of us who have dealt with cancer. I think the best thing a well-meaning person can do is silently wish the patient well, or talk to a higher power (if one believes in one) about the situation. There's just no way, in my opinion, to wish someone well in that situation without reminding them of their potentially-fatal disease. Same goes for asking about results, procedures, upcoming scans, next steps, etc. If the cancer patient wants to share info, they likely will. Asking questions that have a potentially disastrous outcome can take a well-intentioned conversation into a dark and unfortunate place. Always try to ask yourself before inquiring, "What if the answer isn't a good one?"
Bubbie: We know "hang in there" and "You've got this" bugged you. As well as, you're not alone. Is there any other saying / word / phrase?
Drew: Probably the last one, "how ya feeling." I'm alive, so I'm obviously feeling well enough. Also, any questions where one of the answer options is bad. "What's your prognosis," "Are you cancer-free," "What did your scans say," all that...it comes from a good place, but again contemplate the consequences of a less-than-favorable outlook or answer. It's not worth it.
Bubbie: Do you personally prefer optimism or reality?
Drew: Optimism is reality. I don't need saccharine moments of false positivity in the face of grim prognosis, but I truly believe in the power of positive thinking. Embracing it during my fight absolutely made a difference and had lasting effects.
Bubbie: A writer said that she wants people to acknowledge what she is losing as she goes through her battle. Can you relate to that?
Drew: I can understand it, as everyone fights their battle in their own way. I cannot relate to it, as losing a testicle, my hair, energy, and a ton of weight was brutal. I don't want or need to be reminded of those things by anyone. That said, some may want or need that honesty. I'm not here to judge them. I'm also not one of them.
Bubbie: This article deals with the mental f*** as well as semantics. You're one of the strongest people mentally that I know. Any advice for them? And finally - what did you gain?
Drew: The mental fuck is as powerful as the physical toll. The trauma of treatment, the shock of the diagnosis, the uncertainty of the future...it can all weigh on the patient. Focusing on one step at a time while undergoing treatment is key. Once treatment is finished, shifting to gratitude for being alive was the best thing for me. It helped me understand my relationship to the universe and a higher power. I gained a tremendous amount of perspective and gratitude. I also gained the desire to comfort and inspire others going through "the journey." I was kept alive for a reason. I want to live my life in service to others, doing whatever I can to improve humanity and the way we relate to and with each other. I'll never go so far as to say that cancer was a gift or blessing, but I do appreciate the perspective it gave me. Life is amazing and I'm so fortunate and happy be part of it.
Interesting irony: The woman who asked how to respond to “How are you?” called in to Drew’s show as a complete stranger when the topic was the transgender community, at my behest. As expected, they made each other laugh - which we know is the best medicine.
Drew Garabo Live Facebook Post dated: January 27, 2025 In his own words:
Click on the unlined words to get to the links:
To participate in the Down Syndrome Association of Tampa Bay Down to Bowl event
To adopt a cat at Dancing Goat Dairy, you can go to their Facebook page
To listen to Drew on 102.5 the Bone, you don’t have to even live in the area. He joins John Senning between 3 - 4pm EST and then is morphed into Drew Garabo Show from 4 - 7pm. You can listen live!
His Substack The Fight of and For My Life deals with all things pop culture and his own journey. They’re all compelling, entertaining and so well-written reads.
Social Media Handles are: On X: @DrewOnTheRadio Facebook: Drew Garabo Live Instagram - Drew Garabo Less frequently he is DrewGarabo.bsky.social on Blue Sky and DrewGarabo on Threads.
This one is for you, Jimmy Dean.
New format confusing, ahhh, I see this does have a "cancel/post" selection.
What a lovely young man. His answers were valuable. As one who's had 2 cancers and whose husband and son both died from it. My observation is that people's reactions are as different as the people are. Factors influencing are age, kind of cancer, whether one wants to know all about it or just leaves it up to the oncologists. I think we talked about interviewing me re/cancer but got side tracked with school board stuff :-) !!