Jen Myers Y98 Cancer: Remembering the Beloved St. Louis Radio Host’s Brave Battle

Jen Myers, born Jennifer Marie Farmer in Amherst, New York, grew up with a passion for music and storytelling. She started her radio journey in 1998 at Alice 92.9 in Buffalo, a Modern AC station owned by CBS Radio. There, she honed her skills as a host, learning to connect with listeners through upbeat tunes and relatable chats.

After Buffalo, Jen moved to Des Moines, working for Saga Communications. She handled midday shifts and music directing duties. These early roles built her expertise in the Hot Adult Contemporary format. Jen’s quick wit and warm style stood out. She often shared personal stories that made listeners feel like friends.

By the early 2000s, Jen briefly worked in New York, adding big-city experience to her resume. But St. Louis called in around 2007. She joined KYKY-FM, known as Y98, an Audacy station. This move marked the start of her longest and most impactful chapter. St Louis radio welcomed her with open arms.

Jen’s early career¹ showed her drive. She climbed from entry-level spots to leadership roles. Colleagues praised her energy. One former boss noted, “Jen brought life to every broadcast.” Her path set the stage for becoming a local icon.

To understand her rise, consider these key steps in her timeline:

• 1998: Begins at Alice 92.9 in Buffalo as a radio host.
• Early 2000s: Moves to Des Moines for Saga, focusing on music and on-air work.
• Mid-2000s: Short stint in New York, gaining diverse market experience.
• 2007: Joins Y98 in St. Louis, starting as midday host and music director.

These moves shaped Jen into a versatile broadcaster. She adapted to different audiences while staying true to her style. Fans in St. Louis soon tuned in daily for her voice.

Rise at Y98: Becoming a St. Louis Staple

At Y98, Jen Myers became the heart of the morning show. She hosted for 15 years, from about 2007 to 2022. Her role expanded to Assistant Program Director and Music Director. Jen curated playlists that mixed pop hits with rock edges, fitting the Hot AC format perfectly.

Listeners loved her authenticity. She discussed everyday topics like family life and local events. Y98 morning show host Jen built a loyal following in the Greater St. Louis area, including Missouri and Illinois. The station reaches adults 25-54, and Jen connected deeply with this group.

Her achievements included boosting ratings and community engagement. Jen organized events like concerts and charity drives. One highlight: She helped Y98 partner with local nonprofits for holiday toy collections. These efforts strengthened ties with the St Louis radio community.

Jen’s on-air presence shone in interviews. She chatted with stars like Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. But she preferred listener calls. “Sharing stories makes radio real,” she once said in a trade publication.

In 2016, Jen faced a major challenge but kept broadcasting. Her openness about life drew fans closer. Radio industry tributes often highlight her as a trailblazer for women in broadcasting.

Key accomplishments at Y98:

• Hosted morning show for over a decade, waking up thousands daily.
• Served as Music Director, selecting hits that defined the station’s sound.
• Won local awards for personality and community service.
• Built a 26-year career total, with 15 at Y98 FM St Louis.

Jen’s time at the station created lasting memories. Listeners recall her laughter filling commutes. She turned radio into a companion for busy adults.

For more on local media, check out this St. Louis media news piece.

Jen Myers Y98 Cancer Update Diagnosis and Battle

Jen Myers Y98 cancer diagnosis came in 2016. Doctors found stage 3 breast cancer during a routine check. Jen shared the news on air, turning a personal crisis into a public call for awareness.

She underwent chemotherapy, starting her second-to-last treatment in November 2016. Jen kept working when possible, inspiring listeners. “I’m fighting this head-on,” she told fans.

By 2018, the cancer advanced to stage 4. Jen battled for eight years total. She left Y98 in 2022 to focus on health. Her story highlighted the need for early detection.

Jen used her platform for good. She encouraged mammograms and scans. In Missouri and Illinois, her words reached women in the Hot AC demographic.

Breast cancer affects many. In Missouri, over 6,000 women face diagnosis yearly, with about 1,000 deaths. Jen’s fight showed resilience.

Steps Jen took in her battle:

• Regular treatments: Chemo, radiation, and meds.
• Public sharing: Updated fans via radio and social media.
• Support networks: Leaned on family and friends.
• Advocacy: Raised funds for research.

Her jen myers cancer battle taught us to embrace life. Even in pain, Jen attended kids’ events like baseball games.

For insights on health, see this health advocacy in media article.

Personal Life: Family, Infertility, Parenting

Jen Myers cherished her family. Married to Ryan Farmer, she had two children: Finn and Nora. They lived in St. Louis, where Jen balanced radio with home life.

She openly discussed infertility struggles on air. Jen shared IVF journeys, resonating with women. “It’s okay to talk about it,” she said.

Parenting brought joy. Jen posted about family outings and milestones. Her stories helped listeners facing similar issues.

Despite jen myers y98 cancer, Jen stayed active. Friends called her “energetic and full of life.” She attended every horseback lesson and screamed at baseball stands.

Jen’s transparency built bonds. Emotional radio stories like hers connected deeply.

Tips from Jen’s experiences:

1. Share openly: Talking reduces isolation.
2. Seek support: Join groups for infertility or cancer.
3. Prioritize family: Make moments count.
4. Stay positive: Focus on good days.

Her life showed balance amid chaos. For more on parenting, read this bradley christopher gumbel life background.

Advocacy and Fundraising Efforts

Jen turned pain into purpose. She raised hundreds of thousands for causes like Pedal the Cause. This group funds Siteman Cancer Center, collecting over $5 million in 2023.

Jen supported St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Pink Ribbon Girls. These help patients with rides, meals, and wigs.

Her radio voice amplified efforts. Community fundraising events drew crowds thanks to her.

In 2017, Jen spoke at Komen Missouri events as a survivor. She pushed for breast cancer awareness.

Organizations she backed:

• Pedal the Cause: Bike rides for cancer research.
• Pink Ribbon Girls: Support for young women with cancer.
• St. Louis Children’s Hospital: Pediatric care.
• Ollie Hinkle Heart Foundation: Heart health.

Jen’s work inspired donations. A GoFundMe ²for her family raised funds post-death.

For fundraising ideas, see this government shutdown impact on charities.

Tributes and Legacy

After Jen’s death on October 24, 2024, tributes poured in. Y98 jen myers tribute posts filled social media.

Audacy St. Louis SVP said, “Jen connected through stories of infertility, parenting, her cancer battle.”

Friend Emily Sedlak: “She embraced her public journey.”

Meghan Winegrad: “She didn’t lose; she made every minute count.”

Radio industry tributes from RAMP and RadioInsight called her a legend.

Legacy includes inspiring cancer survivor stories. Listeners remember her as a fighter.

Public visitation happened October 28 at The Gathering Church.

Her impact lives in women in broadcasting. Jen paved ways for others.

For celebrity stories, check nicole kidman.

Breast Cancer Awareness in St. Louis

St. Louis leads in awareness. Susan G. Komen’s More Than Pink Walk raises millions.

Local stats: Higher incidence than national average. Events like Sista Strut support people of color.

Tips for awareness:

• Get screened: Mammograms from age 40.
• Know risks: Family history, lifestyle.
• Fundraise: Join walks or donate.
• Support survivors: Listen and help.

Jen’s story boosts these efforts. For more, see cathy engelbert.

FAQs

What was Jen Myers’ Y98 cancer type?

Jen fought stage 4 breast cancer for eight years.

How did Jen Myers impact St. Louis radio?

As y98 morning show host, she shared personal tales, building community.

Where can I donate in Jen Myers’ memory?

Support Pedal the Cause or her family’s GoFundMe.

What made Jen Myers’ radio style unique?

Her openness on infertility, parenting, and Jen Myers breast cancer.

How long was Jen Myers at Y98?

15 years, from 2007 to 2022.

Conclusion

Jen Myers’ Y98 cancer battle showcased her unbreakable spirit. From radio stardom to advocacy, she touched lives in St. Louis. Her legacy of courage and kindness endures. Though she passed at 49, Jen’s voice echoes in memories and causes she championed.

What memories do you have of Jen Myers? Share below to keep her story alive.

References

1. Friends remember St. Louis radio personality Jen Myers – Details tributes and career. ↩︎
2. Longtime radio host Jen Myers dies after cancer battle – Covers death and fundraising. ↩︎