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WATCH: DJ inspires in fight against cancer

Posted at 5:27 PM, Sep 10, 2015
and last updated 2015-09-10 17:27:27-04

“Cancer stinks.”

It’s a common phrase we hear among families of those facing cancer – and the victims of cancer themselves.

A veteran radio broadcaster is now in the middle of his fight with the disease. The 52-year-old is not backing down, and is now encouraging men to get check-ups.

Tom Berg still continues to do what he loves best, though: His daily 5-hour morning radio show in northern Indiana.

"I come here. It's about the attitude. Work is keeping my attitude up," Berg said.

What happened on July 20 changed his life. Tom was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer.

The outlook was not good, but for this eternal optimist there was no other choice but to confront and wage war on cancer.

"It's not the cards you’re dealt,” Berg said. “It’s how you play your hand. This is how I choose to play my hand."

That means taking his biggest supporters – his family, friends and listeners – on his journey.

Through social media with blogs and videos, Berg is inspiring people with his story. Humor, honesty and humility highlight his messages.

Berg is a big Star Wars fan. One of his favorite characters is Yoda, who delivers this famous line: “Do, or do not. There is no try.”

Berg draws on the intergalactic sage for the force to be fierce.

Watch our video in the player above for our full story.

Berg is a former traffic reporter of RTV6 and worked at several radio stations in the city.

On Thursday, he was presented with a check for over $10,000 raised through a GoFundMe campaign. He also started his bucket-list trip, which will have stops in Las Vegas and California, where he’ll visit the world’s largest Star Wars collection.

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