Life Note: Bristol Broadcasting WXBQ/Johnson City, TN morning co-host Ben Walker is in ICU at Bristol Regional Medical Center recovering from surgery to remove multiple aneurysms. The aneurysms, which were found during cancer treatments, were scheduled to be removed several weeks ago, but Walker was attacked by his neighbor’s dog and had to allow time for his injuries to heal. In the midst of his own medical battles, Walker received word that his mother, Dr. Rhoda Chalker-Speck, had fallen ill and was admitted to a hospital in Alabama. Unable to travel, Walker phoned his mom to share his most recent good news – an ACM Radio Awards win for Small Market Personality of the Year. It was the last conversation they had, and Dr. Chalker-Speck passed away April 28, just hours before Walker was admitted to surgery. She was 83.

Walker will remain in recovery for the coming days and is accepting cards addressed to Ben Walker, WXBQ Morning Show, 1990 Valley Drive, Bristol, VA 24201. Email him here. Services for Dr. Chalker-Speck are pending; complete obituary here.