A California radio star is pleading with fans for donations as his medical expenses mount to contend with several health issues, including Parkinson's disease.
Bay Area media veteran Ronn Owens, 79, is hoping to raise $140,000 for his treatment, according to a GoFundMe page he shared via Facebook on Saturday.
It comes as his daughter, Laura Michelle Owens, 34, is embroiled in a court scandal for allegedly lying about being impregnated by a former star of The Bachelor.
Prosecutors have said she made the false claim between May 2023 and June 2024 in a ploy to receive child support from reality TV hunk Clayton Echard, 32.
Laura was indicted in Arizona on seven counts, including perjury, forgery, tampering with evidence, and fraud. She has pleaded not guilty to each charge.
Meanwhile, Ronn, who is known for hosting KGO's The Ronn Owens Report each weekday in San Francisco until 2021, has recently been hit with four bouts of cancer.
His friends and family launched a fundraiser to cover his medical expenses on New Year's Eve. They said he most recently battled colon cancer and cardiac issues.
The GoFundMe page, which has so far raised more than $126,000 of the $140,000 goal, reads: 'Today, Ronn is facing profound challenges.
California radio star Ronn Owens (pictured) is pleading with fans for donations as his medical expenses mount to contend with several health issues, including Parkinson's disease
Bay Area media veteran Owens, 79, is hoping to raise $140,000 for his treatment, according to a GoFundMe page he shared via Facebook on Saturday. He is pictured with his daughter Laura Michelle Owens, 34, who is currently embroiled in a sex scandal in court
'After living with Parkinson's disease for 23 years, his health battles have intensified.
'He has courageously faced not only Parkinson's but also four bouts with cancer—most recently colon cancer—and serious heart issues.
'These medical struggles have taken a toll, both physically and financially, on the man who has been a pillar of strength for so many.
'If Ronn's voice has ever brought you comfort, sparked a meaningful conversation, or simply made you smile, now is the time to show your love and gratitude.
'This GoFundMe is an opportunity for us to give back to the man who gave us 48 incredible years of radio excellence.
'Every donation, no matter the size, will help Ronn and his family navigate this difficult time.'
Ronn described the fundraiser as 'a crucial source of support' as he shared it on his Facebook page over the weekend.
'Since 1975, I’ve considered my KGO listeners to be more than just an audience—you’ve been an extended family,' he wrote.
'The messages, memories, and kindness you’ve shared with me have been a profound source of strength, especially during these recent health and financial challenges.
'Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the role you all continue to play in my life. Knowing that I’ve made even a small difference in yours has been the greatest honor of my career.'
Ronn, who is known for hosting KGO's The Ronn Owens Report each weekday in San Francisco until 2021, has recently been hit with four bouts of cancer
Bay Area media veteran Owens, 79, is hoping to raise $140,000 for his treatment, according to a GoFundMe page he shared via Facebook on Saturday. He is pictured with his daughter Laura Michelle Owens, 34, who is currently embroiled in a sex scandal in court
Ronn described the fundraiser as 'a crucial source of support' as he shared it on Facebook
Ronn revealed in August 2014 that he had had Parkinson's disease for more than 12 years.
He told SF Gate at the time that the recent death of comedian Robin Williams, who also suffered with the disease, had prompted him to share his own diagnosis.
'The main reason that I didn't want to come out, it's twofold,' he told the local newspaper.
'One, I just cannot stand the thought of people feeling sorry for me. And the other, which is more of a factor with me, is that I don't want to be defined by Parkinson's.
'I felt it was important to tell people that you can have it like I have for 12 1/2 years and not be severely impacted by it,' he added.
'It's possible, and it's not a death sentence.'
Parkinson's is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system with no known cause or cure, but medication can slow its progression.
Meanwhile, his daughter's case continues in court.
It comes as his daughter, Laura Michelle Owens (pictured) is embroiled in a court scandal for allegedly lying about being impregnated by a former star of The Bachelor
Owens sought child support from Clayton Echard, the star of The Bachelor Season 26. He denied ever having intercourse with her. Owens later dropped a paternity case against him
Her accuser, Clayton Echard, recently spoke with the Daily Mail about a prosecutor's decision to bring felony charges.
‘I'm celebrating the vindication I’ve received from having these charges handed down to Laura, the perpetrator,’ he said in May.
‘For her to be facing seven felony charges is absolutely incredible. It was a shock to me. It was a shock to the other victims.
‘We thought she may be charged but we didn't think that she was going to get the severity of the charges that she did.
‘Because a Class 2 felony being at the front end of those seven charges is major.
‘We have just been elated, over the moon, that this is the outcome that we were waiting on.
‘It took a long time to get there but the day has finally come where she's going to be facing some accountability.’
Laura has denied the accusations and will face trial later this year.
