Podcast: David Cook's brother went to "Idol" for all the right reasons

Interesting question came up today on our local newsradio station, KMBZ-AM (980), when I joined anchors Ellen Schenk and E.J. Becker to discuss local boy David Cook's emotional performance on "American Idol."

David's very sick brother Adam Cook was in L.A. to see the show this week. The citizens of Terre Haute raised $80,000 to cover the costs of getting him out there, which we talked about earlier this week. I had once relied on a family member's access to a Cessna to get myself medical treatment. And though Adam Cook's cancer is much more serious than mine ever was, the reason was the same: getting aboard a commercial jet with compromised immune systems is a no-no. Plus, if I were to get sick, could we land in time to get me to medical care?

Terre Haute solved all those problems ... and a heartwarming storyline was made possible. David Cook had tears in his eyes at the end.

On the radio this morning I was asked: Was bringing Adam out to L.A. just a ratings ploy? Well, if it was, it failed. And no, I don't believe it was. You can hear my reasons why in the podcast.

Click the arrow to get the player or Newsradio 980 KMBZ - 04/18/2008