For the first time ever I may have become a bigger “listener” on my own radio show, Soccer Matters on ESPN Houston 97.5 FM, last night.
My nephew is an articulate, well read guy and I made the decision to bring him on my radio show because I felt that he could provide a personal reality check, information and insight that only one in New York on the 5th week of fighting the virus could.
Today, many messages have come my way for bringing him and his COVID-19 struggles to light on Soccer Matters.
As I listened to my nephew tell his story I simply became a “listener” and learned that his situation was far more serious than I could understand. The more I listened, the more I learned and the more I become fearful of his situation. I ended the interview unnerved to the point I woke up in bed at 2:45 a.m. wide awake after the show anxious and worried.
This soccer show has been a labor of love for me but never has it served more purpose than shining the light on pediatric cancer over the years and last night’s Coronavirus story my nephew told. His story is real, this disease is real.
Radio is an important medium. I realized prior to that show that we could provide some valuable information through a human going through the Coronavirus who just happened to be my nephew.
I am proud of the way my nephew Conn isolated himself and continues to isolate himself and err on the side caution out of regard for others and feel strongly that we all must remain this way and stay disciplined to get through this together. His story was a Public Service Announcement in my opinion and I hope it may have made a few people think differently about COVID-19.
Please stay safe!
