Patty Jackson
Real People Real Stories
Don’t stop the
R
MUSIC by John Nacchio
adio Personality and acclaimed broadcaster at WDASFM collapsed at age 52. She became one of more than 795,000 Americans who suffer a stroke each year. She survived in a statistic that ranks it as No. 5 among all causes of death in the US, killing nearly 133,000 people a year. Heart disease is often thought to be a man’s disease but is the number one cause of death among women, claiming one in three women’s
lives. Her relentless spirit was key to the three years that followed. “I’m a proud South Philadelphian from 23rd and Ellsworth,” she says. “My Mom taught me to be good to people. My father taught me how to be a good worker.” She attended South Philadelphia Motivation High School and the American Academy of Broadcasting before embarking on a radio career at WSSJ in Camden, NJ. Jackson reflects, “I didn’t go to college because I started my broadcasting career six months after I graduated from high school. I got my work ethic from my Dad.” Her father worked long and hard at the Navy Yard when the Navy was building and overhauling ships. Her drive is unmistakable. For more than 35 years, Philly listeners have known and loved the voice and the heart of Patty Jackson. She created a diverse career of country, urban and pop formats, including Power 99 FM and Q102. But, her
warm and soulful voice found its true home with listeners on WDAS-FM. Jackson was working at the station seven days a week as well as doing numerous personal appearances. Applying the same principles, she tirelessly cared for her aging mother. It was the saddest day in her life when she passed in October 2015. “I had my stroke two weeks after my mother died and I think everything just came down on me. I really do.” Working hard had consumed her life but thanks to singer Jill Scott and others, she gained new awareness about how she had neglected her health. It caused her to pause and make changes like extensive gum health surgery and dental implants. Apparently, the pause was not enough and she found herself in the midst of an abrupt stop. When she collapsed, it was several days before she even acknowledged and attended to her daunting symptoms and went to Abington Memorial Hospital. The diagnosis was con-
clusive that a vessel had burst in her head and she had suffered a stroke. Jackson’s whole life was turned upside down by her stroke. Not only couldn’t she walk, her condition was further complicated because she was unable to see straight. She suffered partial paralysis of her right side and a loss of vision, which is why you may have seen her wearing an eye patch on her left eye. Staying on the air attests to her indomitable spirit and work ethic. During her scheduled breaks, she went through weeks of rehab, which included learning how to walk again. She also had to recover use of her right side and work to regain her vision. Jackson credits not only the support of her family and friends for her recovery, but also the health professionals at the Moss Rehabilitation Center. “Listen to them,” she says. “They are there to help you. They won’t let you give up. Having a positive attitude is crucial to your recovery. If you ever are in this kind of situation, listen to the doctors.” Although back on-air and making personal appearances like hosting her weekly Friday Happy Hour at Warmdaddy’s on Columbus Boulevard, she continues physical therapy. “Pay attention to signs when something is wrong,” she says. “Don’t
wait. Don’t keep going. Stop and say, ‘Hey, I think something is wrong.’ I didn’t take care of myself. I neglected me. You can’t help anybody else if you don’t take care of yourself.” The hardest working woman in Philadelphia radio, Jackson is known for hosting scores of engagements, public appearances, interviews, podcasts and devoting time to raising her teenage son. On the go and in the moment, she is a diehard Philly sports fan. On Sunday, it’s dinner, a long-time family tradition. Jackson is an exceptional cook. Taking on any recipe complemented by her spicy seafood salad, jambalaya and peach cobbler, she’s got everyone’s taste buds covered. Also, take note. She is the official voice of welcome and information at the Philadelphia International Airport. Travelers from all over the world are greeted by Patty Jackson’s warm and inviting voice. Her long list of interviews, interactions and social media is filled with a record number of music legends, newsmakers and local personalities. She now acknowledges the importance to better balance her schedule at this point in her life. Nevertheless, Jackson has Olympic champion characteristics rooted in her early days growing up in South Philly – an unstoppable spirit that won’t stop the music. PRH
| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | 57
April / May / June 2018