1. The Life and Legacy of Jen Myers at Y98
Jennifer “Jen Myers” Farmer was a beloved radio personality and longtime music director and co‑host at Y98 (KYKY) in St. Louis. A New York native, her 26‑year radio career began in Buffalo before stops in Des Moines and ultimately St. Louis, where she spent 15 years helping wake up the city with her spirited morning show and music selection. Her warm, candid style endeared her to listeners, and she often shared personal stories—from infertility to parenting challenges—creating a genuine bond with her audience
Jen stepped away from Y98 in April 2022 to focus on her health. At the age of 49, she passed away on October 24, 2024, after an eight‑year battle with breast cancer. Her legacy includes not just her voice on the airwaves, but her tireless advocacy and community involvement, including fundraising for Pedal the Cause, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and Pink Ribbon Girls
2. The Timeline of Her Cancer Journey
Diagnosis and Early Treatment
Jen Myers was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016. At that time, she continued her radio work and began treatment while maintaining her presence on air and in the community
Metastasis and Stage 4 Progression
In 2018, her cancer metastasized to her lungs, advancing to Stage 4. That announcement was deeply personal and public—she shared that a newer chemotherapy regimen was challenging to endure and not a cure, but one she hoped would extend her time and quality of life
Final Years and Departure from Radio
By spring 2022, Jen stepped away from her role at Y98 to focus full‑time on her health. She wrote that her “very public cancer story” was about to become private, recognizing that her energy needed to go toward family and treatment rather than broadcasting
3. Her Role as Advocate and Survivor
Sharing Personal Struggles on Air
Throughout her ordeal, Jen used her platform to open up about infertility, parenting, and the emotional weight of a cancer diagnosis. Her honesty resonated with many listeners and helped foster a compassionate radio community
Fundraising and Community Engagement
Even during her treatments, Jen remained dedicated to philanthropy. She helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for local health organizations such as Pedal the Cause and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Her commitment to giving back persisted even when her own health made it difficult
Impact Within Radio and Beyond
Colleagues and industry peers remember her as a shining presence. Becky Domyan, Audacy St. Louis SVP/Market Manager, described Myers as “an absolute warrior” whose positive impact was felt by everyone she encountered. Across St. Louis and the radio world, her influence extended far beyond her on‑air time
4. Support, Remembrance, and Memorials
Community Tributes and Memorial Services
Following her passing, Y98 paid tribute on air while hosts at neighboring stations also honored her. The gathering at The Gathering Church in St. Louis on October 28, 2024, offered public visitation, with a private memorial service in her honor
Family and Personal Loss
Jen is survived by her husband Ryan and their two children, Finn and Nora, as well as her parents, siblings, in‑laws, and nieces and nephews. Her family requested donations in her memory instead of flowers, emphasizing causes she cared about deeply
Continuing Her Mission
In lieu of flowers, contributions could be made to Pedal the Cause, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and Pink Ribbon Girls. A GoFundMe also remained active to support her family’s ongoing needs. Colleagues note that her legacy of caring and advocacy continues to inspire listeners and broadcasters alike
5. Broader Reflections: What Jen Myers’ Journey Teaches Us
Jen Myers’ story is one of courage, resilience, and connection. Her willingness to share the realities of cancer—from diagnosis through metastasis and treatment—humanized the illness for many who listened from a distance. It reflected how communities can rally, and public platforms can become vehicles for empathy and awareness. Her life also underscores the reality of Stage 4 breast cancer—metastasis to the lungs is a sign of advanced disease, and while treatment may improve survival or quality of life, it often presents immense physical and emotional challenges .
Above all, Jen’s journey reminds us that people facing serious illness can still impact their community profoundly. Even as her illness progressed, she leveraged her voice to uplift others, driving fundraising, dialogue, and support. Her memory endures not only in #STL’s radio history, but in the lives she touched through her honesty, hope, and heart.
