Longtime friends support man who lost his voice to cancer
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Memphis man was stripped of the ability to cheer on his favorite football team and work his job after finding out he had throat cancer. Now, longtime friends of his have reached out to WREG to see if they can Pass It On.
“His name is John Brodie. He’s a good friend of my son James. And John has stage four throat cancer; he cannot speak,” said Glenda Harper.
John Brodie and James have known each other for more than 30 years.
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The Dallas Cowboys fan met his San Francisco 49er friend at Carver Junior/Senior High School. They were watching a game together this fall when John started getting sick.
“He came to my house. It was a 49ers game. He thought it was a cold. A few weeks later, I called him to check on him. He said he had to go in and have surgery,” said James.
Since discovering he had throat cancer, John has undergone three surgeries. The long-time FedEx employee lost his voice, but his connection to friends like the Harper family is stronger than ever.
“John is the life of the party. And without him talking, it bothers us a lot. He’s a very dear friend,” said James.
WREG loaded up and drove around the corner to see John.
“You ever seen Pass It On? It gives you a little money to help you out, okay,” said Glenda. “You know how much me and Donnie love you. We know you’ve been having a hard time. On behalf of Channel Three Pass It On, we want to present you with $600,” said Glenda.
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Glenda counted out $300 from WREG and another $300 from our anonymous donor. This helped John pay his utility bill.
“You probably haven’t been able to work, so we hope it helps in some way. You’re welcome,” said Glenda.
John used his phone to share a message, confirming to Pass It On that it would help a whole lot. Pass It On was right on time, as John celebrated a birthday the next day.
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