'G-Rant,' Sudbury HOT 93.5 FM personality, opens up about living with cancer

A private radio show personality in Sudbury is stepping back from the microphone again this time, to take on the next step in his cancer treatment.

"G-Rant" as he isknown to fans of HOT 93.5 FM is about to undergo a stem-cell transplant to try tobeat back the cancer that's been plaguing him since late 2013.

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The 34-year-old, who has asked CBC News to use his assumed name instead of his realname for privacy reasons, hasn't said what typeof cancer he's living with. He does confirm that the disease has metastasisedin his bodyfourtimes and chemotherapyand radiation have also been a part of his treatment regimen.

The gregarious radio show host known for his laughing, joking way said he at first tried to keep his cancer a secret from fans, friends and even colleagues, believing that he would be healthy again in no time.

'I'll take that torch'

But after discovering a tumour in his back and taking a three-month leave from work for treatment, he returned to the airwaves to tell his listeners his frightening secret.

"It was the first time I cried on the radio, and it wasn't the last time," he said.

"When you get to where I am, you start wondering a lot of things. You know, 'Why is this happening?'"

Now, G-Rant is trying to use his voice in the community to raise awareness about the supports and services available to those living with the disease, and about the need for blood donations.

He said so far, he's required four transfusions, but he can no longer donate because of his diagnosis.

"You wonder to yourself, 'Is this happening for a reason? Maybe I'll be that guy I'll take that torch."

Listen to the complete interview with G-Rant and CBC Radio's Morning Northshow host MarkusSchwabe here.

Morning North10:28Sudbury radio personality G-Rant and his battle with cancer

G-Rant is a morning personality at Sudbury's hit music radio station. He's been waging a personal battle with cancer since late 2013. He joined us in studio to share his story.