David Cook released a statement on his website thanking fans for their support and explaining why he chose to participate in the Race For Hope — the 5K run in Washington D.C. that raises awareness and funding to battle brain cancer — this weekend, after learning his brother Adam (pictured, at right, with his wife and David) had succumbed to cancer the night before. "I decided to run in the race for two reasons," Cook writes. "First, my brother never wanted his illness to affect others. That wasevident in the fact that he wanted his illness to have no part in myexperience on Idol, a point he was quite adamant about….Secondly, there are many people who are still battling, and byrunning and sharing my brother’s story, I hope that it offers thosestill fighting that much more resolve to not succumb to this wretcheddisease."
Cook also expressed gratitude to everyone who had shown their support, and pledged that his tour would continue as scheduled, with the exception of the May 6 show in Toledo, Ohio, which Cook promised he would "do everything possible to reschedule."
Click past the jump for Cook’s full statement.
ON BEHALF OF MY FAMILY AND MYSELF
MAY 4, 2009, 4:25 pm
I wanted to write everyone and say a few things, in light of recentevents, to dispel any misinformation that may be circulating and to saythank you on behalf of my family and myself to everyone who has showneven the slightest bit of support to us and our efforts as a family tohelp eradicate this terrible affliction.
My brother, Adam, passed away at 11:52pm Eastern, May 2nd. He was 37years old and leaves behind his wife and two children. We had playedSunfest in West Palm Beach that night, walking off stage atapproximately 11:00pm Eastern, and I rushed to get on a plane to fly toWashington D.C., to be a part of the Race For Hope-D.C., a fundraiserfor research and development of a cure for brain cancer. I learned ofAdam’s passing upon getting to my hotel around 3:00am Eastern. Idecided to run in the race, despite all of this, for two reasons.First, my brother never wanted his illness to affect others. That wasevident in the fact that he wanted his illness to have no part in myexperience on Idol, a point he was quite adamant about. So, with thatwish in mind, I ran and was involved with the event as an homage tohim. Secondly, there are many people who are still battling, and byrunning and sharing my brother’s story, I hope that it offers thosestill fighting that much more resolve to not succumb to this wretcheddisease.
I want to again thank everyone who donated to the race and continues todonate, sent a kind email, posted thoughts and prayers, called, etc. Itake it as affirmation that my brother was the great man that I knew,and whose ideals I constantly try to uphold in myself. It is with thoseideals in tow that I vow to continue to speak out in hopes of raisingwhatever necessary to help eliminate cancer entirely.
Also, I mentioned earlier that Adam never wanted his illness to affectanyone. So, with the exception of our Toledo, OH, show on May 6th,which we will do everything possible to reschedule, all other showswill go on as scheduled.
Lastly, thank you to everyone for allowing us, as a family, to grieveand come to terms privately. This event has shown me, beyond doubt,that I have the greatest people in my life, family, friends, and fansalike, and for that, I can never offer enough thanks.
~D
Comments (1-30) of 50 Add your comment
David and his family’s courage and strength are remarkable. Adam will always be remembered. May he rest in peace.
If anyone would like information on how to make a donation to the Cook family, please go to http://fanssupportadamcook.com.
That is the wrong picture. That is not David Cook, its the other David A.
David your strength is admirable and the love of your brother pure. Adam you will be missed, rest in peace
David your strength is admirable and the love of your brother pure. Adam you will be missed, rest in peace
My thoughts are with David and his family. I lost my dad to cancer and it just sucks.
Grace under pressure. He is one articulate MoFo. No fancy slick press release for David Cook. Just a message from the heart. Did not get him on idol but I think I am starting to realize what all the fuss was about.
Heart felt sympathy for you & your family. May God bless you through you grieving journey.
Heart felt sympathy for you & your family. May God bless you through you grieving journey.
Please consider doing something to help Adam Cook’s family. You know how medical bills can quickly add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Opportunities to help his family can be found at http://www.fanssupportadamcook.com. By helping Adam’s family, you’ll also be showing love and support for David.
Yes, more grace under pressure from Mr. Cook. Hearfelt condolences, David.
EW: Thank you so much for posting David’s entire message here, and for covering the story accurately. I’ve already read so many incorrect ones flying around the net. In that regard, let me remind everyone that DC has TWO brothers, and that his younger brother Andrew, who many people remember seeing on AI occasionally, is a college student in Missouri.
condolances to the Cook family.. This was a battle well fought with grace and dignity…Prayers are with you.
My sincere condolences to you, David, to Adam’s widow and children, and to other members of the Cook Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of your loved one, Adam. Thanks, David, for sharing your talent with us, and for sharing your sharing your story about Adam with us.
My heart goes out to the Cook Family and I will continue to pray for them….
thank you posting this, it truly is a wonderful testament to just how fantastic this family is. my thoughts, prayers and appropriate donations have been made in the past, and i will continue to do so. many <3's david
Upon hearing this sad news I immediately made a small donation (any amount will help) to the cause that David ran for yesterday (Sunday). I could think of no better way to show my admiration and support — David truly is a hero and a stellar human being. But then again, it’s obvious Adam was a great man as well.
I was saddened by hearing the news of david’s brothers passing. My dad passed away in January this year of brain cancer and a heart attack brought on by the stress of his chemo and radiation treatments. I can unfortunately relate to loss this disease takes away and the affect it has left on the living.-amy
our dear friend passes away from brain cancer on Sunday also. He will be missed by us. We know how David and his family feels.
my deepest and heartfelt sympathy’s go out to David’s family.You’ll always be in my prayers.
I am sooo sorry David. You and your family are both in my heart. I consider myself to be one of your most adoring fans, and my favorite song you’ve written is A Daily AntheM, and i think its sweet that you capitalized the letters to spell Adam. I wish you the best.
I hated to read this news.
“He is one articulate MoFo. No fancy slick press release for David Cook. Just a message from the heart.”
So true. He speaks just like he writes, sings, and plays his music- straight from the heart. Condolences to the Cook family, and rest in peace Adam. Cancer, unfortunately, touches the lives of so many people, and Cook’s song Permanent is a powerful catharsis if you know the pain it can bring first hand.
Sorry to hear about the tragedy you have recently experienced… Although time doesn’t nessecarily heal all wounds it does make it a little easier to handle each day.
I hope david feels better… I lost my favorite grandma at the wrong time because of cancer… and i wish they woud find a cure all ready!!!! because everyday someone dies from cancer… if we found a cure more then thousands would be saved! and thats a young age to die… I send my love to davids family! and hope they feel better. =D
David, I am truly sorry for your loss, I recently lost a good friend from a malignant brain tumor, his family and I strongly believe he developed the Tumor from cell phone use, which is why I am now involved with the WaveShield. If you are looking to promote any products or tools for a great fund raisers, please consider the WaveShield. It is a proven and tested product that blocks upto 97% percent of the electromagnetic radiation that emits from the cell phone into entering your inner ear, which is the most receptive part of the body! I have the Sylvester Cancer Institute and Hadassah using our product to raise funds. Please visit thewaveshield.com and cprnews for more information. Sincerely, Mike 954.918.4020
I’d like to add my sincere condolences and to say you are in my prayers…
David,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family..Your brother is a true inspiration and I admire your decsion to honor him by living life to the fullest and continuing to fight in the search for a cure.
RIP Adam. I’m truly saddened to hear the news.
I lost my husband to brain cancer as well. My deepest sympathies to you David and to your family.
Celebrate his life
Blessings to you and your family
Layla
I’m sos so sorry!
R.I.P Adam Cook!
you are and forever will be an amazing singer/songwriter. i don’t care what others say but you are in my heart. you touched me with your music. so thank you.
adam is off in a better place and is probably looking down on you still as you amaze us with everything you do. music, benefits, races, charity events, etc. your just so amazing! i love you! know that… my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your amazing family!
RIP ADAM COOK