KDND Sacramento Honors Young Listener Battling Lymphoma

A Special Tribute

ENTERCOM Top 40 KDND (107.9 THE END)/SACRAMENTO became "SAWYER 107.9" and will remain so all day in honor of a nine-year-old boy and resident of nearby LINCOLN, CA, who is battling Burkitt’s Lymphoma. The announcement was made on this morning's "Wake Up Call."

Last year, on APRIL 25th, SAWYER was diagnosed with an intussusception caused by a mass on his intestine. It was later determined that the mass was cancerous and that there were several other nodules in his abdomen. The following day, SAWYER required surgery to remove as much of the mass and nodules as possible. Following several rounds of chemo and a canceled stem cell transplant, SAWYER’s family is still unsure of the future. A fight that was supposed to end with a cure -- months after diagnosis -- has turned into an eight-month-plus battle with no cure in sight.

Program host JASON BARKSY said: "We’ve known SAWYER has been a fan of the 'Wake Up Call' for a while and we’ve been aware of his health problems. We invited him to come to the station one morning to watch our show live; however, when we found out that wasn’t an option, we thought giving him the entire station would be a better surprise."

The young man also received a heartfelt video message from one of his favorite performers, FLO RIDA, encouraging him to continue his brave fight. FALL OUT BOY's PETE WENTZ also sent a message of support.

In addition, SONY gave SAWYER a private screening in his home of the "Angry Birds" movie before it opens since it’s not likely that he will be around to see it in theaters this summer.  A video of SAWYER watching the movie can be seen here.

Listeners that are encouraged by SAWYER’s courage are invited to learn more about SAWYER'S WARRIORS, a foundation started by his parents, KELLY and ERIN. Listeners can also get information on the local SACRAMENTO chapter of the MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION at www.Sawyer1079.com.

Anyone that would like to give feedback or share their personal stories can follow SAWYER on INSTAGRAM and TWITTER.

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