August 3rd was a special night. I was first diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, on June 23rd. After a series of tests and follow-up appointments, a specialist at the UCLA Medical Center confirmed my diagnosis August 3rd. The pictures that follow show me, Charles McPhee, with my co-host Frank Runyeon, the night of my announcement. As you can see, I look well and certainly am not in any pain. You, my audience, have always shared your life stories honestly with me, so it is only natural that I would share my story with you.

Any diagnosis of a terminal illness is devastating. As I write this though, I want you to know that my health and spirits remain excellent. The ALS, for better or worse, so far only affects my voice. So, I still run five miles several days a week, and I continue to exercise, swim and enjoy my work. My current plans include continuing with the Dream Doctor show for as long as I am able, continuing my research on the sociology of dreams with Marvin Bressler, Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Princeton University, and performing the largest study ever on the effects of sleep apnea on pregnant women and their unborn children at the Women and Infants Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island.

I, my family, and everyone here at The Dream Doctor show want to thank you for your phone calls, emails, and kind letters of support. Come back to this page soon for updates on me and the show!

Charles McPhee, The Dream Doctor

1) Frank and I enjoying our show, as usual.

2) Dreams always fascinate me - as do the lives of my callers.

3) We always have fun on the show, even when the stories are dramatic or heart-wrenching. When life throws you a curve, you need a sense of humor!

4) In private I call the show "Meet Your Neighbor." Every night we meet new people from every walk of life, and we share our stories and our dreams.

5) Every dream is a challenge to answer as best I can.

6) Getting ready to give the answer!