With just six months to live, news anchorman finds comfort with God

An Illinois news anchorman with Champaign WCIA-TV shared heartbreaking news with his viewers on September 11, revealing that after a lengthy battle with cancer, he had only six months to live.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The 51-year-old anchorman, Dave Benton had a brain tumor which was too big to be operated on, but the born-again Christian revealed that he was "at peace" and hoped to keep working at the station for as long as possible.

Pray for Dave Benton, who is in God's hands now.

He had kept his viewers informed about his cancer for some time before the shocking broadcast, but that didn't lessen the blow any.

"I've found out a few weeks ago, my brain cancer is back," he said. "But I've learned more about what the future holds.

"This new tumor is too big for surgery or radiation. I've decided to do an antibody treatment and some chemo to try to slow its growth. That's my best option," he continued.

"That being said, doctors say I have anywhere from four-to-six months before things turn bad. I'm dedicated to keep working. I'll be here bringing you the news as long as I am able.

"I'm grateful for the outpouring of support, prayers and cards. It's meant the world to me. It's changed my life."

Benton is married and has two grown-up children, and said that his current goal was to add "a few more days and make them the best they can be."

He told viewers that faith in God was helping him face his diagnosis.

"I believe that I am in God's hands. I'm at peace and I know that he's going to take care of the days ahead," he said. "The goal here is to have the best ones possible."

He also paid tribute to viewers who had supported him through his health problems, many of whom had shared their own stories of illness and recovery.

"The viewers have so supported me through this. They too deserve that support - because it's not just really only about me."

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