'I have had a wonderful life.' WLW legend Jim Scott reveals ALS diagnosis

A Cincinnati radio legend says he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

In a Facebook post Wednesday, former WLW-AM (700) morning radio host Jim Scott said he was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, in spring 2022.

Scott, who retired in 2015 after a 55-year career on the airwaves, explained he began to experience weaknesses in his left arm, hand and right leg three years ago, the same areas where he underwent intense rehabilitation in 1954, at age 12, due to a polio infection. He said he has been hesitant to share the news of his recent diagnosis. But attending a monthly ALS support group taught him not to give up hope and "keep on keeping on."

"I have had a wonderful life, am still having a wonderful life, and I don't have any intention of checking out soon," he wrote.

Scott, 80, learned about the annual Walk to Defeat ALS through his support group. And he wants others to join him at the this year's event, taking place at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept.17, at Winton Woods Park.

"Science found a way to prevent polio, so wouldn’t it be wonderful if doctors and scientists could find a way to defeat ALS?" he wrote.

The radio legend said he plans to walk, despite needing a cane nicknamed "Abel." He also hopes residents contribute to the cause by either walking with him or pledging a donation.

"You do not have to have ALS or a close family member to be part of the Walk to Defeat ALS. You know me – we're friends whether we have met in person or not. So let’s do it together. It’s always better together," he added.

Scott currently resides on a 132-acre farm in his hometown of Lawrenceburg, Indiana. However, he has been an active member of the Greater Cincinnati community since 1968, when he moved to Delhi Township from Buffalo, New York, to take a job as a morning host for WSAI-AM (1360).

Scott has served as a spokesperson for several local businesses over the years, including Kroger. He has been a board member for the United Way of Greater Cincinnati, and chairman of the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. Scott also led the 5-mile March of Dimes fundraising walk in Cincinnati for over 20 years, the same group that funded his polio rehabilitation in upstate New York decades ago.

For more information about the Walk to Defeat ALS, visit alsohio.org.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati WLW radio legend Jim Scott reveals ALS diagnosis