Michael Medved’s Big Announcement

My friend Michael Medved announced to listeners today that he is fighting cancer. I have known a bit longer, but because he is my friend and because he lives the healthiest of lifestyles, the news is still a shock. But here’s the thing about Michael-he is the only one I know who could get a diagnosis like this and greet it with a smile. When he told me that he had cancer, it was immediately followed with the reminder that he was not a man to be pitied-he was not a victim. He intended to fight cancer and beat it, but come what may, he had been blessed with an extraordinary life, the best of marriage and family, a wonderful career, and that God’s will must ultimately be done. Now I’ve had loved ones fight cancer and beat it, and I’ve lost loved ones to cancer, but I’ve never been the one comforted by a loved one telling me of their own diagnosis. But then Michael Medved is always extraordinary. I watched him give a speech last weekend at the Roanoke Convention, the annual gathering of Washington State Conservatives. At this speech, I doubt anyone noticed Michael was sick. He fired off a rousing speech without a text, brought forth three historical quotations from memory and closed it off flawlessly. And I’d be willing to bet that not a single person in that room outside his family knew that he was sick. I was so impressed I texted Danny Medved in mid-speech, “You’re dad is such a pro!” The Cultural Crusader, like Richard Sherman of the Seattle Seahawks, plays through pain and comes out stronger. Who else could announce such news and use it to highlight the triumphs of others?

Michael’s prognosis has only improved with treatment and now stands at very, very good. I am glad for listeners because I have heard so many times from them how they enjoy learning from his daily dose of debate. I am glad for my profession. I think Michael elevates talk radio and brings knowledge to it like no one else. But of course the primary joy comes from the fact that he is my friend, and for his millions of listeners-even those who have never met him personally–I am betting you feel the same way-when you listen, you listen to a friend-his triumphs are yours, his trials as well.

May god bless Michael Medved, our Cultural Crusader and friend with a curing of this affliction so that he can return swiftly and remind us daily of the many reasons why we are blessed to live in this, the Greatest Nation on God’s Green Earth!