Mike Lynch, a beloved radio host for the Trail Blazers, has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), he announced on Friday.
The 34-year-old is retiring from radio amid the diagnosis, which he received on Jan. 2.
“Sadly, this means the end of my radio career,” Lynch wrote on X. “I am thankful for all of those who listened over the last 12 years. I am also thankful to The Fan and the Blazers for believing in me and helping me grow in my dream career.
“This has been really difficult for me, I am devastated and overwhelmed. I appreciate if you reach out, but please be patient as it is hard to respond to everyone and I’m not always ready to talk about it.”
A Syracuse graduate, Lynch worked at 1080 The Fan in Portland for 11 years before landing his gig with the Trail Blazers, growing a loyal fandom in the community.
He had been with the Trail Blazers since 2022.
Lynch’s job with the Trail Blazers was his “dream job,” according to a GoFundMe set up by his wife, Ashley, to help him cover costs to battle the disease of the nervous system.
Lynch and his wife share two children, aged 11 and 15.
“Since the diagnosis, Mike had to leave his career with the Blazers, and has been struggling to do the things that he really enjoyed prior to his diagnosis,” the GoFundMe reads. “He has been rushed through a series of doctor appointments with the ALS specialists, as well as started his treatment that is meant to slow the progress and prolong life by up to one year longer.
“Aid equipment has been having to be installed in the house including a soon to be stairlift, lift assist and movement assistance devices are now needing to be used regularly. We are also awaiting for our acceptance into a medical trial in hopes of finding a cure.”
