Put Your Thumbs Up for Lane Goodwin

The WBKR Window World St. Jude Radiothon rolls into Day 2 and we are taking time to remember a young man who inspired so many of us here in western Kentucky to join forces to fight 'the monster.' Lane Goodwin, who lived in McLean County, battled cancer bravely and, for so many people in our community and beyond, became the face of childhood cancer.

I was reminded of Lane over the weekend when I emceed the annual Cuties for a Cure pageant in Livermore. To this day, one of the biggest awards in that pageant is presented in memory of Lane. I think all of us here in western Kentucky have "Lane" memories. The most common is the way in which he managed to find positivity and light, even in the darkest days of his war against that monster.

If you'll remember, Lane urged people to put their "thumbs up" and that ignited a massive social media campaign in which people shared photos of themselves putting their thumbs up for Lane. There were regular folks like you and me. There was an entire stadium of St. Louis Cardinals fans. There were celebrities, country music stars and even President Barack Obama.

It's hard to believe, but Lane would be turning 25-years-old on May 2nd this year. His loss is felt daily by his family, but also his extended family here in western Kentucky and beyond. Lane Goodwin was a symbol of bravery and hope. Here at WBKR, we promised his family, with the song "Thumbs Up", that we could do everything in our power to keep that hope alive- not just for Lane, but for all the other kids just like him. The ones fighting "the monster."

Please join us and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in that fight. You can become a St. Jude Partner-in-Hope by calling 1-800-201-8883. It's just $19 a month for 12 months on a credit or debit card. You can also text HOPE to 626262. Once you text WBKR to that number, you'll get a link to follow in order to make your donation and become a Partner-in-Hope.

All of our 2024 Partners will receive a 'This Shirt Saves Lives' t-shirt.

St. Jude