Radio Talk Show Host Charles McPhee
Diagnosed with Lou Gherig's Disease
Tonight is the last "Dream Doctor" show;
McPhee is quitting to raise money for ALS research
By: Matt Cota

Friday, October 20, 2006

From 1999 to 2002, you might have heard The Dream Doctor on KRUZ 103.3 FM. Charles McPhee's radio talk show is distributed to 25 markets across the country. But tonight is his last show. After he was diagnosed with ALS -- more commonly known as Lou Gherig's Disease, McPhee had to quit. But he's not slowing down.

"I am a very lucky person," says McPhee. "My whole life I have done what I wanted to do."

Charles McPhee's regular listeners on his nationally syndicated radio show were the first to notice something was wrong.

"Sometimes I was slurring words, so I went to get a check up and they told me it was ALS."

The diagnosis is a death sentence. Most people with ALS live less than five years.

Tom Rogers, a former Santa Barbara County Supervisor, succumbed to ALS last year.

The disease destroys the cells that control muscle movement. Those with ALS are slowly paralyzed until they can no longer breathe.

McPhee, whose entire career has been about interpreting other people's dreams, is now spending a lot of time thinking about his own.

"My dreams aren't negative," says McPhee. "They aren't full of fear, but they do show my coming to terms with this."

While he can no longer do his radio show, McPhee is saying busy. He is writing not one, but four books on dream diagnosis and is expected to be featured on an upcoming segment of NBC's Today show. He is also spending time with his wife and 1-1/2 year old daughter and trying to raise money and awareness for ALS.

You can hear from Charles McPhee at an event tonight at the Marjorie Luke Theater, 721 East Cota Street in Santa Barbara. It's a benefit for the ALS Association, and it begins at 8:00 p.m.
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