‘Positive and optimistic,’ Don Wade to undergo chemotherapy

Don and Roma Wade

WLS-AM (890) morning star Don Wade will undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatments following his recent surgery to remove a growth from his brain, according to a statement released Wednesday.

“I’m going to do everything the doctors tell me to do to beat this thing,” Wade, 71, said in the statement. “Nothing has altered my most positive and optimistic attitude. When they say jump, I say: 'How high?’ ”

Wade’s doctors have advised a six-week course of chemo and radiation, which will begin next week, according to Wade’s agent, Eliot Ephraim. “It’s not reflective of bad news, it's just the next step given what they’ve determined this is,” he said.

No other details were disclosed, but the inference is that the biopsy following Wade’s surgery September 27 revealed cancer. Doctors discovered the growth on his brain after Wade suffered a seizure September 13 in New York.

Wade’s on-air partner and wife of 33 years, Roma Wade, also released a statement Wednesday expressing the couple’s gratitude for the support they’ve received since news of the ordeal was disclosed. WLS established an email account at: getwelldon@gmail.com.

“The outpouring of caring from thousands of you, our radio family, has filled our hearts and our home, our coffee table piled high and overflowing with love,” she said. “Your letters, cards, emails, messages, flowers and, most important, prayers lift our spirits every single day. Thank you.”

A 30-year veteran of Chicago radio, Wade joined WLS in 1985 and has hosted mornings on the Cumulus Media news/talk station since 1989.

Continuing to fill in for the Wades from 5 to 9am weekdays are Bruce Wolf and Dan Proft, while Jake Hartford and Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass are subbing for Wolf and Proft from 9 to 11am.