In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Shane Kreienbrink generously shares the story of how the BFOA provides support for his family after his wife, Holly, was diagnosed with breast cancer. 

Holly Kreienbrink began her broadcast career in 2012, working as a business manager at WOGK of Saga Communications in Florida. At the age of 46 years old, in September of 2020, Holly was diagnosed with Stage 3 triple negative breast cancer, the most aggressive and unknown breast cancer out there. Holly fought for 10 months,  undergoing a double mastectomy and radiation, until going into remission. She lived her life to the fullest, and never once imagined that it would come back.

That was until November 7, 2022, when she  was diagnosed with the same triple negative breast cancer, now Stage 4. This meant it had infected her whole upper chest, leaving masses in her lungs, muscles, upper lymph nodes, and even some in the remaining breast tissue she had from her previous procedure. After battling a second fight with this disease, sadly, Holly passed away in August 2024.

With three daughters and a young son to care for on only his salary, Shane reached out to the BFOA for support. The family was quickly approved for a financial grant. Below, in his own words, Shane shares how the monthly assistance helps his family navigate their new life without Holly.

"I wake up each day with a grateful heart. We are so blessed and humbled by the goodness of total strangers who have decided to selflessly give to our family through this monthly grant. 

It’s hard to describe in words all the changes that have occurred in our day-to-day lives from the loss of Holly. This grant has helped relieve some of that financial stress, allowing our children to continue their education, receive medical and mental healthcare, prepare for another set of braces, and pursue their individual goals and dreams! Seeing Holly’s fight with cancer has inspired all three of our daughters to pursue medical degrees and all are currently in nursing school.  Our 13-year-old son was able to try a new sport and he’s having a growth spurt as we speak. We all know what that means in grocery bills these days! One of my favorite blessings the grant provided was the opportunity to take some family time together and honor Holly during the one-year anniversary of her passing. The memories we continue to cherish, and the ones we now make, are priceless. 

Our continued faith during our grieving journey is what gives us hope. To be blessed by strangers is to 'Be a Holly'. May we all 'Be a Holly'." 

Stories like Shane and Holly's are the driving force behind our mission. The BFOA is often the only financial lifeline for our broadcasting colleagues. Your continued support makes a direct impact.

Listen to more stories here. 
To get help or give back, visit www.broadcastersfoundation.org. 

To celebrate her induction into the Radio Hall of Fame on October 30th, we asked Julie Talbott to join us for the next installment of our Take Five series.

As President of Premiere Networks and National Media Groups at iHeartMedia, Julie oversees the company's roster of more than 100 radio programs. She is the woman to know in radio, working with media superstars like Ryan Seacrest, Delilah, Sean Hannity, Steve Harvey, Elvis Duran, and Angela Yee.

BFOA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the broadcasting industry?
Julie Talbott (JT): It’s a funny story. I came to NYC for a bank training program, but once I arrived, I decided to go on a few different interviews in other industries. One of those interviews was at the advertising agency BBDO – I instantly fell in love with the media business. The creativity in the broadcasting sector stole my heart.

BFOA: In the age of on-demand content, how does syndicated radio maintain its audience relevance?
JT: Great content is great content whether you digest it live or on-demand. Our goal is to give listeners every option to consume our content and there’s plenty of appetite for every option.

BFOA: You work with many superstars in the field. What key qualities create a powerful radio personality?
JT: It all comes down to storytelling. A great radio personality invites listeners into their life, making them feel like a trusted friend and companion.

BFOA: If you were starting your career today, knowing everything you know now, what single piece of advice would you give yourself?
JT: Talk to as many people as possible so you can become aware of all the opportunities in the marketplace. There’s so many interesting jobs and positions that go unnoticed by those beginning their careers.

BFOA: You have been a valued champion of the Broadcasters Foundation of America for many years. Why are you so passionate about the BFOA, and how do you feel the BFOA makes a difference?JT: These are our colleagues and our friends who need our support. We work side-by-side, and when some of them find themselves in need, it’s our responsibility to take care of our own. While there are so many charitable foundations in need, these are our people that we have grown up with and spent hours working together towards making broadcasting such an incredible industry. I have always believed that we have to start making a difference in lives on a “local” level i.e. in our neighborhoods. And certainly the broadcasting community is  our neighbors, colleagues and friends. We have to make a difference here. 

Congratulations Julie - and all the 2025 Radio Hall of Fame inductees - on this great honor! Learn more about the Radio Hall of fame at www.radiohalloffame.com.