For JT, Fighting Is A Fulltime Job
Our thoughts, prayers and unconditional support go out to one of the really good guys in our industry — John “JT” Thomas, who announced that “after a lot of prayer, weighing the pros & cons and deep soul-searching,” he has decided to resign his position as SVP of Programming for iHeartMedia Springfield, MA in order to focus all of his energy on his recovery from a lengthy battle with cancer. JT was recently accepted into an Immunotherapy Clinical Trial at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Jacksonville, FL, a development that he says, “Could be a game-changer for me!” In a lengthy and typically upbeat Facebook post, JT (pictured here with a bunch of happy staffers during one of his weekly “Beer Club” sessions) remarked, “A decision like this on paper isn’t hard to make — but when you start to put it in motion that’s where the difficulty begins, as I’ve had the best 30+ years a guy could ask for in a business that I’m passionate about and still love! What I’ve learned over the last few weeks while making this decision is that the best part has been the people I’ve met and the relationships I’ve built along the way!”
Thomas added, “Please know — I’m not sicker that I’ve let on too — I decided a long time ago to be open and honest about what I’m dealing with in hopes of helping others that fight, family members that are caretakers or help bring awareness! I truly just need to focus on me, this trial and it’s based in Florida and there’s a ton of treatment.” He added, “I’m GOING TO BEAT THIS — It’s going to take a few years but I’ll beat it and then I’ll be back involved with the business I LOVE.”
Yesterday, Thomas told RAMP, “I feel very lucky to have had the opportunities I’ve had. It’s the people that make this business what it is, you realize this when you face a difficult time and these people rally around you. I’m extremely thankful and blessed!” We will keep you apprised of JT’s road back to radio. In the meantime, your invaluable words of love and encouragement can be directed to JT at johnthomas2424@gmail.com and shared on his Facebook page.
