David Cook's touching tribute to Idol finalist Luke Menard

Here is the People Magazine article and comments below:

http://tvwatch.people.com/2008/05/28/david-cook-visits-luke-menard-in-the-hos...

David Cook Visits Luke Menard in the Hospital
May 28, 2008

Preparing for the American Idol finale means long hours and hard work. But days before David Cook was declared the season seven winner, he dropped everything to visit with fellow top 24 contestant Luke Menard in a Los Angeles hospital.

Menard, 29, was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

"I love Luke and I just wanted to show up and make sure that he understood that I love him and know that if there's anything I can do for him and his wife, sign me up, you know?" Cook tells PEOPLE. "Luke, Michael Johns, Jason Yeager and myself, we kind of buddy-ed up one day at Hollywood week," Cook explains. "We called ourselves the four horsemen. Any time one of your own is going through something as horrible as that, it makes everything else seem a little bit insignificant.

"Cancer," Cook says, "is a very big part of my existence." Cook's older brother Adam has been battling brain cancer for ten years. "I'm excited to be put in [the spotlight] where I can hopefully do something to help other people." --Monica Rizzo

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My comments:

Cook is so great. Not many straight men are sensitive enough to publicly express love for another man. Nor to weep publicly. He certainly breaks the stereotype for bartenders and rockers.

I like a lot of Idol contestants, but Cook is the first one I really really really respect. His actions and intelligence make him truly deserving of the title, "idol." I'd love for my kids to emulate him.

David Cook, Michael Johns, Jason Yaeger and Luke Menard bonded early on and became known as The Four Horsemen. Menard was voted off after his rendition of Wham!'s Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.

Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a cancer. It's heartening to know that Cook and the other finalists keep in touch.

You can read more about him and see his exit video here:

http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season7/luke_menard/

Category:

Entertainment

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• Idol
• David
• Archuleta
• Cook
• Syeesha
• Mercado
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• Brooke
• Kristy
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• Menard

[F29Dfanatic5]

wuts hacencinphoma?...sorry my spelling is really bad!

[AskMeForMoreInfo]

> wuts hacencinphoma?...sorry my spelling is really bad!

Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer of the white blood cells. Luckily, it is one of the most curable cancers, especially when it is detected early. Since Luke is young and generally healthy, he'll probably make a full recovery.

When you see "oma" at the end of a word, it's usually a type of cancer. (not "Oklahoma" though!)

[hawkse]

I saw an interview with Luke, and he seems to be doing great and keeping his spirits up. Keep up the prayers.

If you need another reason to love David Cook, Luke said that he came to visit him in the hospital right after the diagnosis (which was 3 days before David had to perform on the finale). Says Luke, "He truly is an American Idol to me."

[fitz2012]

luke was at my highschool football game last night just as cheery as ever. [he went to my highschool and his bro is a varsity football captain now]

but theyve been raffling off a guitar signed by the top 10 american idol finalist, and look was there to pick the winner. But what i was gonna say was that David Cook pledged to match whatever the rafle makes and it all goes towards Luke's treatments and everything.

He is an american idol.

[AskMeForMoreInfo]

fitz2012, thanks for this info. I've enjoyed the music of many Am Idol contestants and winners, but I've never considered them "idol." They weren't people that I particularly looked up to, nor want my children to emulate (although there was nothing bad about them). David Cook is different. From his willingness to emotional, to his concern for his brother and Luke, to his eloquence and intelligence -- Cook is truly Idol-worthy.

[AskMeForMoreInfo]

> Luke said that he came to visit him in the

> hospital right after the diagnosis (which

> was 3 days before David had to perform on

> the finale)

It angers me when Cook-haters accuse David of visiting Luke as a publicity stunt to get votes. They're wrong. Cook's visit was completely private and unreported so how could it have helped him? And this tribute on Larry King occurred after he already won. Cook is genuine and a real idol to me too.

[hawkse]

Publicity stunt? I hadn't heard that one. He kept his brother's illness a secret because he wanted to win or lose on his own merits.

[lizmarie94]

I love David Cook <3

Archie is my favorite and always will be but I know Cook won't let the fame get to his head.

He's so down to Earth, I wish I could meet him.

[HopelessDaydreamer55]

David is a TRUE Idol. He hasn't simply used his new status to boost himself, but to help others. What a genuinely incredible guy.

Prayers go out to Luke.

[Lamorosii]

Yeah, he's a really cool guy. I live roughly 7 miles from his hometown and have met him personally a couple of times. Glad to hear he's okay.

[dangtienanh]

omigosh I feel so sad for Luke. He just performed last night in Texas with his band Chapter 6 and I had no idea. He was great though.

[psupride89]

wow....that's awesome! kudos to David Cook! :-)

[pojstla]

your comment really made my day, u know :) i really hope he did recover all the way and he can live a normal and happy life with his family.

[MsChromatic]

Yep. ^.^ That's what I was told. Pretty awesome guy.

[Sweetmuffins0018]

He paid for ALL of them?! Omg he is even more awesome than I thought!

[MsChromatic]

One of my mother's coworkers knew Luke from church personally. Not sure if this has been announced but he has made a full recovery and David Cook actually paid for all his treatments.

[LovelyLaugher94]

David is so sweet. We all DO want to wish Luke and quick and full recovery. We all love David Cook for his sicereity and kind-heartedness! I hope to see him in the near future!

[serrora1]

Adam's Road will be performing with 2008 American Idol contestant Luke Menard June 20, 2009 at Church of Christ of West Orange, Florida 1450 Daniels Road!!! Time of performance TBA. Adam's Road on myspace via google search for details!