WPLR/New Haven Morning Host Opens up About Cancer Battle

RADIO ONLINE | Sunday, January 12, 2025

AJ

Veteran morning host AJ, from "Chaz & AJ in the Morning" on WPLR in New Haven, CT, has disclosed his ongoing battle with cancer. Recently, AJ shared with his listeners that he has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, after experiencing significant weight loss and health complications.

Listeners of the show might not have noticed, but AJ has lost over 50 pounds, shrinking from 188 to 134 pounds. "None of my clothes fit; they all look like crap on me now," he remarked on-air last Thursday. Initially, AJ attributed the weight loss to a new diet advised by a doctor to alleviate back pain, involving intermittent fasting. However, as the weight continued to drop, further medical investigations revealed the grim underlying cause.

His diagnosis came after a series of health scares, including an emergency situation just before Christmas when he struggled to breathe. This led to the discovery of an internal hernia -- a tear in his diaphragm that had caused his intestines to press into his chest, affecting his lung. Following a hernia repair procedure about a week and a half ago, AJ opted to go public with his health struggles, despite having known about the cancer for several months.

"I figured, 'Hey, happy New Year! Merry Christmas! I have cancer,'" AJ joked during an interview with News8, explaining his decision to delay the announcement until after the holidays.

Despite the challenges, including additional hernias and several cracked vertebrae -- a complication of the myeloma -- AJ remains determined and optimistic. He underwent his first chemotherapy session this Wednesday and was back on air the following morning, committed to maintaining his presence on the radio as much as his health permits. "I'm constantly restless, so would have ended up doing something stupid," he shared. "The world's much safer with me being in here than being out there."

AJ is hopeful for a full recovery and has expressed immense gratitude for the support from his fans. His experience has also turned him into an advocate for regular health check-ups. "Always get yourself checked out. Always get a complete physical, because I had no idea," he advised his listeners.