Longtime Cincinnati radio host reveals ALS diagnosis

Longtime Cincinnati radio host Jim Scott revealed his ALS diagnosis Thursday in an emotional post.Scott posted to his Facebook page, sharing his journey and recent diagnosis.”It’s something I’ve been thinking about for quite a while, and now it’s time to share some news with you and to ask for your help,” Scott began the post.Scott will join WLWT News at 4 p.m. Thursday to talk for the first time about his diagnosis and journey.Scott was the longtime morning host of 700 WLW, who retired in 2015 after nearly 50 years in Cincinnati radio.Known for his cheerful disposition and fast-moving show, Scott said he has always enjoyed the intimacy of radio as a medium: “It’s just you and me.”Scott started in radio in Cincinnati in 1968. He has been with WLW since 1984.”When I first came to Cincinnati to do the morning show on the rock’n’roll station 1360 WSAI, it was the spring of 1968. As I got to know my neighbors in Delhi and people throughout Greater Cincinnati, I realized that I really liked this area. The people here, I found, like to help other people,” Scott said in the post.He went on to talk about the work he did with March of Dimes.”They sure picked the right guy, because in 1954 when I was 12 years old, I contracted polio and the March of Dimes really came through for my family,” Scott said in the post.He said knowing how much the organization helped him, he jumped at the opportunity to work with them and lead the organization’s new five-mile fund-raising walk in Cincinnati, which became an annual event.”Each year for at least 20 years, we walked all 25 miles in our sneakers. It was a great way to meet people and do good,” Scott said in the post.He said about three years ago, he started to experience weaknesses in the same arm, hand and leg that were affected by polio. “In the spring of 2022, I was diagnosed with ALS, often known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” Scott said in the post. “ALS is similar to polio in that both are motor-neuron diseases. The big difference is that not everyone who contracted polio died from it. ALS is a fatal disease.”He said after living with ALS for a few years, he has been introduced to many people dealing with the disease, learning and helping each other.He said he was introduced to the ALS walk, which is happening Sept. 17 at Winton Woods Park. “I am going to participate. I’m not asking you to pledge money for my team — I haven’t started a team. I’m just going to join the group, make my own contribution and ask other people to consider walking with us,” Scott said in the post.Scott said while ALS has impacted his voice and abilities to walk, he doesn’t plan on giving up.”I have had a wonderful life, am still having a wonderful life, and I don’t have any intention of checking out soon,” Scott said.Those interested in participating in the walk or making a donation can visit www.ALSOhio.org.”In 1968 it was March of Dimes. Now it’s 2023 and it’s ALS. As I said so many times on the radio — Thanks for Listening,” Scott ended the post.

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