After I was eliminated from Idol I temporarily moved to Los Angeles and was working with a manager in the acting industry. Shortly after I began meeting with Agents I began auditiong for soap operas. Shortly after my meetings and auditions I found out the diagnosis of Hodgkins Lymphoma. It immediately changed my perspective on life and also changed what was most important to me. All of a sudden a life and career away from my family in LA didn't sound so appealing. The last thing I wanted was to go through chemo treatment In LA away from my home.
I felt this was a clear sign from God that I should be closer to home and work with my other manager in Nashville, TN in the Christian music industry. To me, it was a clear sign that I needed to share my upcoming trials through Christian music. In times like these it is easiest for me to find inspiration through music. I know this is happening for a reason and I want to do my best to be encouragement for others that face trials.
I am now working full time with my manager named Phil Conner. He owns Red Room Management and Promotions located in Franklin, TN. During my off chemo weeks I have spent much time in Nashville co-writing and recording songs that I hope my fans will be able to enjoy on a future album and even on the Christian radio airwaves. I have been blessed to co-write with 9 of the best song writers in Nashville.
If anyone has any extra gas gift cards feel free to send them to me. From Indiana to Nashville it is about an 11 hour drive roundtrip and with gas prices you can imagine the cost of gas. I am sure you all have gas cards laying around your kitchen table so please send them my way. Ha Ha. Stay tuned to the Christian radio. You may hear my songs playing there in the near future.
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78 comments:
for me, there's no other heal for cancer than DXN Products. DXN Products are so great and called miracolous herbal because it can heal all types of diseases. Its main task is to make the immune system strong.
Too many testimonies about cancer cases here and been healed.
Luke, I may not know you and I'm from the other side of the world but I just wanted to wish you a speedy recovery. Its always difficult when we're ill but through treatment and faith, everything will work out. Take care. Bertrand, India.
Congratulations, Luke, for finding this great career path. It's amazing how something so unexpected can change your trajectory. I wish you the best.
Sending prayers for good health your way.
Good luck. I am glad to hear you are moving forward.
Hey Luke, I just wanted to wish you well and let you know that i'm thinking of you during this time. Stay strong, follow your heart, and God Bless.
Lots of love
Luke, You are truly an inspiration to all. Your positive attitude is so encouraging. I always loved your spirit on American Idol too!! Hope all stays well with you and your family. Love and prayers, Jenny Logue
I am glad to hear that you are being so positive and continuing with your music career. You were one of my faves on AI and i was sorry to see you leave so early! I look forward to hearing the music you put out and I will book mark your blog to keep tabs on it. Good luck with the chemo...I know it will work for you!
Be strong!
Best of luck, Luke, we're all praying for you. =] God Bless.
Hey Luke, I would be honored to share gas expenses with you. Where do we mail?
I think it's wonderful that you can interpret God's message to you. So many struggle with that.
Best to you in your career. Looking forward to hearing your music.
Blessings,
Roy
Luke, I wish you all the best in your cancer treatment. My husband fought and conquered Hodgkins Lymphoma in 1995, his tumor was also in his chest. He has been healthy ever since, and we were blessed with 3 beautiful children after his fight. Best of luck in your future career in Christian music. You will be fabulous.
Luke...
My prayers are with you and your family. It's good to see you turning this challenge into something positive, and life changing (in a good way!). The Word Nerds (DC fans) have been looking for about a month now for a way to contact you to send encouragement your way. Glad to have found this site. All the best to you and yours. God Bless.
wow, what a cool story! I am sure God has a purpose for you - something He wants you to accomplish - and I think it is great that you are doing everything in your power to follow His path.
Also -- OUCH! 11 hours?? I hope you don't have to make that drive too often! Next time I find one of those extra gas gift cards I have lying around, I'll let you know ;)
Luke - sending you and your family strong vibes of health, comfort, love and prosperity. To be grounded while pursuing your dreams and surrounded by loved ones while taking care of everything... that's the ticket. This pal of Hiedi (above) and fellow Cook fan wishes you all peace, hope and triumph.
Luke,
Another Word Nerd here to wish you the best of luck and sending prayers your way. We at the Love Shack (in the David Cook AI forums) wish you regained good health and support you in your musical endeavors. Let us know when you have some music ready...
Luke,
Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. May God continue to give you strength.
Best wishes in your new career. You inspire me to keep going even through the tough times. Please keep us posted.
God bless,
from a fan in Texas
God bless you!!
God has allowed you to be a shining light in the middle of oceans of fear. You are helping people you don't even know exsist.
All my best to you and your family.
Luke, Me and u go way back..and i know that u are one of the strongest person i have met. U know how to overcome any obstacle that comes in ur way. I know that with this cancer u WILL overcome it. My dad just passed away in January from cancer..and he had to have chemo and radiation, so from seeing him having to endure all that I know u wont let it get u down. God has his hand upon u and He will heal u. Keep the faith strong and going and through Him u will prevail and overcome this. Love ya, Heather Shepherd (Andrews)
Luke, your voice caused you to be noticed, but your sheer presence and spirit has endeared us to adore you. I wish you well, because it's not going to be easy, it's not going to be painless, and you know that, but you should also always know that we are behind you, and while you make this journey your friends and family will not desert you.
I'm also stoked you're going into the CCM genre. I'm really stoked and can't wait. But I will. Because I want you to be healthy and happy.
Lots of love,
Kavidha N.
@ James_Padfoot
Word Nerd # 2008
I'm glad to hear your treatments are going well. I was diagnosed with Hodgkins in 2000 and obviously am still alive and kicking - this is a cancer that can be beat! Good luck and God bless.
Hey Luke, Jen Malenke here. I'm so sorry to hear about this. My little brother is also going through chemo right now, so I know what it's like. I also know that it offers hope. Hang in there, bro.
Hey Luke, Jen Malenke here. I'm so sorry to hear about this. My little brother is also going through chemo right now, so I know what it's like. I also know that it offers hope. Hang in there, bro.
I was touched by your story and dedication to Christ.
My father was diagnosed with Burkitt's Lymphoma in 1990 and given a 1:25,000 odds of survival in 6mos.
Luke, he's still here. He always said strong faith, prayer, and a positive attitude were key. He said that God must have more planned for him to do.
It sounds like God is using you & this illness to reach others via your beautiful voice. Wow. Keep spreading The Word and may God's will be done.
I'm sending up prayers for your recovery, prayers for your doctors, and prayers for your family.
In Christian Love~ Amy
Luke, I wish you a speedy recovery..and way to go with your music!!!! Just wanted to let you know there were threads over on AI and MJO wishing you well and sending prayers your way..
Loved seeing the 4 horsemen pics!!!! Keep fighting..you can beat this!!
cakelulu (MJO and AI)
Luke, I wish you a speedy recovery..and way to go with your music!!!! Just wanted to let you know there were threads over on AI and MJO wishing you well and sending prayers your way..
Loved seeing the 4 horsemen pics!!!! Keep fighting..you can beat this!!
cakelulu (MJO and AI)
Luke -
We love you lots and are thinking of you always! :)
-Beth, Keith, and Zoe
Luke, we are the Cook's fans from Brazil.
We are all wishing you the best and praying for you.
Keep strong and singing.
CookiesBR
Luke, what an encouragement you are! You are continuously in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you the very best, and may God continue to bless you and your family.
Gwen
Luke,
You were one of my favorites in the top 24 week and down [and was disappointed when you left!] and my heart goes out to you. I am sad you have Hodgkins Lymphoma and I hope you make a speedy recovery.
Sam
Always remember that God does not give you things you can't handle. There are a lot of people praying for you. :)
It's amazing how going through a difficult situation can bring us closer to God. I am so excited you've chosen this career path. Can't wait to hear you on the radio!
Praying for a speedy recovery.
Thanks so much for the update...you and your faamily are continuously in our prayers.
Luke,
My heart goes out to you and your family. I am so encouraged to hear that you are taking this bump in the road in stride. Keep trusting in God and he will do amazing things through you. My husband and I went through a very challenging situation 8 years ago. We survived by trusting in God and turning to Him and each other for support. In turn our faith helped others to be strenghtend and, in hindsight, I can see that we are where we are now as a direct result of the challenges we faced then. God has great plans for you and your wife. The scripture that got me through back then was Prov 3:5-6. Just trust in Him and His will for your life and you will be richly blessed. You, your wife and your whole family will be in my prayers.
Love in Christ,
Melissa (Wild Rose Word Nerd)
Luke, I am praying for you and I hope your health will improve. I was sorry to see you go so early on AI and I am looking foward to seeing and more from you in the future. God bless you.
Dear Luke,
Thank you so much for your blog and keeping us up to date. I hope all goes well with this process and your recovery. Although you may not control what the cancer does to your body, you can control your feelings and how you deal with such a disease. You have a phenomenal attitude and positive thinking does a world of wonders.
The Word Nerds, David Cook's fan base, at one time wanted to send you flowers and well wishes but we could not find a delivery address. This blog is even better - now everyone can post their well wishes rather than just getting one generic card. I want you to know that many Word Nerds have been thinking about you for some time now. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us and please know we are all pulling for you!!!
Hey Luke, here's to
God's Will being done. Sounds as though your head is in the right place. I've had a similar experience, and everyone's gonna try to give you advice. Just grab a workout as often as you can, as you stated, it's the best thing you'll do besides your prayer life.
Love Ya' Bro!
Luke, I hope you the best in life.. and that you may be healed to better health. I know you were destined for greater luck .. you seem like such a great fellow. :)
Hey Luke, I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your story with us. You truly are an inspiration to all. I look forward to hearing music from you soon!
Wishing you all the best,
Kaitlin
God bless you Luke- you are in my prayers. My husband, daughter, and I enjoyed you very much during your time on Idol. I could see the goodness and decency radiating from you. I wish you strength in body as you heal and strength in spirit always.
Chrissie
I came here to write something to encourage you, but I can't even speak. Your words have me crying so much.
Wow. Lord, help me regain my footing. I am a Christian, and have watched Idol the past 2 seasons. Y'know, I thought you left the show way too early!
But I guess, hearing what you are going through, that God knew what He was doing after all. :-)
For the past few years, I have been taking care of my uncle who has inoperable brain cancer. I want you to know that prayer works. His cancer isn't totally gone yet, but we have had 20-something miracles - where symptoms, infections, fear, confusion etc. came, but we prayed and they left.
God loves you and He will never leave you! Keep fighting the good fight of faith!
Have you heard of Bill Johnson's church in CA? www.ibethel.org/
They are specifically contending against cancer and have had quite a bit of miraculous results.
His teachings about When Heaven Invades Earth and his personal testimony about his father's cancer is what gave me the courage to keep contending for healing for my uncle.
Also, there have been healings from the Lakeland revival, too. I had healing of my vision playing one of their services on my computer.
I, too, would like to help with gift cards. Is there a PO Box somewhere we can send them?
Good luck with everything and I wish you the best.
-K
One more thing:
Phil?!?! Phil Conner?!?!
LOL
My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless!!
~Lindsey from Tennessee
You have a great attitude and that, along with your faith, will be your saving grace. I loved you on the show and I wish you the best in your career.
Ellen
Hi Luke! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. You seem like a great guy and I know you will get well soon!
I'm looking forward to your new music!
Luke, we do not know one another, but I read about you on the DayDreamingBoy message board and I am adding my prayers to the many others who are praying for you.
If you haven't already come across it, I recommend reading "The Median Is Not The Message" by Stephen Jay Gould who was diagnosed with a rare and deadly form of cancer. His story is very uplifting. Here is the link: http://www.phoenix5.org/articles/GouldMessage.html
God bless you, Luke!
luke- so happy you are choosing TO SHARE YOUR CANcer expereinCE! tHANK you - the world nEEDS MORE PEOPLE LIKE YOU. HOW CAN we senD GAS CARDS??? I live in YOUR HOMETOWN anD havE EXPERIENce raising FUNds for families goinG thru canCER - how can WE GIVE?
MUCH LOVE- POSITIVE THOUghts anD A Big shout out at kickinG CANcer's @$$!
JUST ONe of your manY hometown CHEERLEADER!
***MY CPU IS ACTINg funKY-henCE THE WEIRD LEtTerinG!!!****
I KNEW there was a reason I liked you so much on AI! I usually gravitate to the Christians...I think you can see their integrity shining through and that's a huge attraction. I'll add you and your blog to the prayer list on my blog. I'm so sorry that you are having to endure this. And I'll for sure be praying for your wife. Sometimes I think it's harder for those having to stand by and watch. I know I'd much rather be the one sick, than having to watch my husband or one of my kids be sick.
Prayers going up! By the way, I found this link on www.daydreamingboy.com, the forum for Jason Castro's fans. Just wanted to let you know that his Dreadheads are praying for you, and you've been added to the Prayer Forum over there as well! The Dreadheads are an amazing bunch! You'll be happy to have them behind you!
Dreadhead#2656; Bus #54
Luke it's nice to find a site to keep up with everything your going through and how everthing is going period.....you were one of my picks on AI and hated to see you go. But I was able to download your performance just to hear your wonderful voice everyday at work along with David Cook, Micheal Johns, and Carly Smithson. You are in my prayers and if I happen to come across some gas cards....I do have a shot at my work i'd be more than happy to share!! Your Biggest Fan, Diana S.
Luke, you are such an inspiration in the way that you are making something amazingly positive out of your situation. I, along with all of the other Word Nerds, wish you nothing but the best and we are behind you 100%. You are on our minds, in our hearts, and certainly in our prayers.
Much love.
-Kaitlyn
Luke! You are AMAZING! Your post made me cry and smile at the same time. You are a shining beacon of God's love at this trying juncture in your life. Keep fighting the good fight, Luke. And, God be with you.
We'd love to share what we can with you - maybe set up a PO Box for those gas gift cards?? : )
Prayers from my family to yours,
Beth
God bless you, Luke. Our God works in many strange ways to reach us. It's difficult for us to understand, but your cancer is actually a blessing. He used it to call out to you. I am touched by your response!
I am a cancer survivor, so I know how the diagnosis can change your life's direction and show you what's important! Congratulations on choosing Christian music as your outlet! I find such great joy, calm & comfort from Christian music and singing my Savior's praises. I look forward to hearing your music!
Luke, Have faith in yourself & GOD & I know you will pull thru this difficult time. You are in my prayer & wish you a speedy recovery & may your christian songs touch many lives.
Love you lots
Fans from Malaysia
Praying for a quick and easy recovery for you, Luke. Keep us updated. And the Christian music scene is a great one to get involved with! Best of luck to you in that endeavor.
Luke, You amaze me with how strong and positive you are throughout this whole situation. Continue to keep your head up - you and your family are in my thoughts!
I'm also glad to hear you will continue with your music, and that you've found a genre that you feel so strongly about. We can't wait to hear more from you!
well wishes.
A Kansas Word Nerd :)
Brother...good to read! Thanks for the e-mail too. Ya know..if you are doin' stuff in Nashville...we should grab coffee!!! I've been here 11 yrs...know the best places :o) And if I don't...my wife does!!
This is fantastic Luke! I hoped you would decide to go this route! Can't wait to hear you on the radio! :)
Sending you and your family prayers and encouragement during this tough time.
Luke
I'm so proud of you, doing what you're doing and staying so strong. I loved you on AI and can't wait to hear your music.
Luke, hang in there, and, allow God to lead you. It was no accident that you were on American Idol. In HIS infinite wisdom, He surely has a great plan for your life. I'm a Jason Castro fan as well,a nd, you are in our prayers.
Luke, I wish you well and am praying for you as I write. May God be with you and your family throughout this time and bless you His strength and comfort always, Stephanie
hi, luke. i just found my way to your blog and you caught my attention. i'm an oncologist and i am interested in stories of cancer patients. they make me see life from a different perspective. everyday, there are so many people who turn out to have this dreaded disease and it pains me to see/hear about their struggles. i hope your faith in God gives you strength to endure your trials. may He heal you in every way. and may you (and your music) serve as an inspiration to other suffering cancer patients. Dennis
Luke, I am excited that you have found this career path. I know God has big plans for you. Your faith is amazing and your story has already touched so many lives. I can't wait to see what the future holds for you. We are praying for a speedy recovery and strength for you and Lara.
And, where do we send those gas cards?? (ask and ye shall receive)
God bless, Sarah Carter-Nevels
Luke - Your positive attitude is inspiring. It is also wonderful to hear about your faith. Keep strong and trust in God and you will go far! I was a fan when you were on AI and I can't wait to hear some of your music!
Hi Luke, I wish you a prompt recovery and the best to you in the future with your music. I remember you on Ai, always smiling and being so positive. Praying for you from New York City.
Praying for you and your family. I look forward to purchasing and listening to your CD.
May God's love envelop you during this time - please know that you have tons of people you've never met before holding you up in their prayers!
Luke, you are an awesome guy! God is really using you to touch lots of people along the way. You are an angel to those around you. will pray that God sends you many angels to guard and take care of you. I will pray that God will show Himself to you in all you go through. I am deeply touched and inspired by you.
1 Cor 2:9
No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him.
Lots of Love and Hugs,
Luke,
I, also, just found your blog site. It's very courageous of you to talk about battling cancer with your fans.
I loved your spirit when you where on AI and I pray that God and your family will help keep that beautiful spirit shining throughout your fight. Looking forward to hearing you on the radio. Stay strong! (And please be careful on those long trips to Nashville--love the town but crazy drivers!)
Equine Lovin'
Word Nerd
#762
Hi Luke, thanks for the update. I sure appreciate the update. You are being prayed for Luke. Lost my mom to breast cancer and I hate that word but God is with you! God bless and I'll pray for you.
Take care,
Carry
All the best to you Luke, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Blessed be!!
Luke
Just wanted you to know that everybody at First Christian Church in Decatur, IL is praying for you.
May God hold you and your family in his hand and see you through this difficult time.
I hope you would recover in no time... take care Mr. Orlando Bloom look alike... ;)
Prayers here coming from the Philippines.
Luke, I heard of your cancer diagnosis on Jason Castro's fan forums. I want you to know I am praying for you and your family. You are an incredible inspiration and I know God is going to use you in a great way. I can't wait to hear your Christian music. By the way, I'm an RN who has worked with cancer patients, and the ones with your diagnosis really did great! God has great plans for you! God bless you!
Hello Luke-
I was looking for something online and came across Chris Sligh's blog that he was writing with you and he had a link to your update. I don't know what made me click on it (even though I did like you on AI), but I clicked and when I read your entry about your career etc. It brought tears to my eyes. Too much for me to say to put it all here, but you gotta read a book, you can read it one Weekend. It is called "When God Winks." It came to me when my sister in law had a brain anuerysm last year. And it put a lot of things in to perspective. Wish I would have read it years ago, like after Sept 11, 2001 and I moved from Washington working for the President back home to Tulsa. Because I had a feeling that I just had to be home. Well, I got sick too, with disablig arthritis, but I know why God brought me home, so I wouldn't have to go through my arthritis infusions by myself and also to be here when my sister in law had her anuerysm. Well, we might not be huge stars, or people all knowing our names (but they probably know yours) but you know what, God works in totally miraculous ways, and that is why I loved this book.
Well, you have all that you need if you are with your family and doing something you love.
God Bless You Luke, but it looks like God already has.
Best, Kim
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