Dave Benton is a Champaign, Ill. news anchor that has grabbed headlines in the last few days for choosing to be brutally honest with viewers. In his regular newscast late last week Benton shared with the WCIA-TV viewing audience that his brain cancer had returned and that the prognosis was rather heartbreaking.
"As you know, I told you a few days ago that my brain cancer was back. But I have learned in the last few days, as I have seen doctors several times, I'm learning more about what my future holds. Basically, my cancer is back and it's too big for surgery and radiation. Doctors have told me that I may have four to six months to live."
Apparently, regular viewers to WCIA-TV have been familiar with Benton's battle because he has given updates on-air and taken a very honest approach in handling his illness. Rather than trying to hide his health crisis he has let viewers' in on his battle and gained strength from there support. Benton is currently trying an experimental treatment and he hopes that it will buy him a little more time. He also has made it a goal to live his last days to the fullest.
As for why he chose to speak up, Benton claims that he wants others fighting cancer to know that they aren't alone and that it doesn't discriminate. He's also very proud of the work that he has done in his nearly nine years at WCIA-TV and he wanted the opportunity to speak up and be honest with his regular viewers.
What do you think of Benton's approach? By opening up he has received an incredible amount of support not just from his community but now on a national level as well.
