If you’ve spent any time listening to WOAI 1200 or the nationally syndicated Joe Pags Show, you know the voice. It belongs to Cari Laque (often searched as "Carrie"). She’s been the steady, reliable news anchor keeping the gears turning behind the scenes and on the airwaves for years. But lately, the conversation around her hasn't been about the daily headlines. It’s been about a personal battle that hit the San Antonio radio community like a ton of bricks.
Honestly, it’s one of those stories that makes you stop and realize how much these radio personalities become part of our daily routine. You're driving to work, drinking your coffee, and they’re just... there. Until they aren't.
The Shocking Health Update No One Expected
Back in September 2024, Cari Laque shared news that no one—not Pags, not the crew, and certainly not the listeners—was prepared for. She revealed a diagnosis of Stage 4 colorectal cancer.
It’s heavy. Stage 4 isn't a term anyone wants to hear, especially when it involves someone who sounds so full of life every single afternoon. She didn't just mention it in passing; she was incredibly transparent. The cancer had already spread to her lymph nodes and liver.
Joe Pags himself has been through the ringer with health issues, having battled testicular cancer years ago. Because of that, the show has always had this underlying layer of "we’re all human here." But seeing his longtime news anchor go through this brought a different kind of energy to the studio.
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Breaking Down the Timeline
- Late 2024: Cari goes public with the diagnosis on social media and the show.
- The GoFundMe Launch: Her son, Hunter, set up a page to help with the astronomical medical bills. The response was immediate. Within days, the community poured in thousands of dollars, quickly nearing the initial $25,000 goal.
- Treatment Plan: The initial roadmap involved six months of aggressive chemotherapy followed by scans to see if surgery was even an option.
Why Cari Laque Matters to the Show’s Dynamic
You might wonder why a news anchor’s absence or health struggle causes such a massive ripple. On the Joe Pags Show, the chemistry is everything. It’s not just Joe talking to a wall.
Cari serves as the "straight man" to Joe’s high-energy commentary. She delivers the news with a level-headedness that balances the show’s often fiery political debates. When she’s off the air for treatments, the vibe changes. It’s quieter.
People frequently search for "Carrie on Joe Pags show" because they notice the shift. They notice when the person who usually reads the 15-minute updates isn't there to keep Joe in check or laugh at a joke that landed perfectly.
Navigating Stage 4 in the Public Eye
Working in radio while undergoing chemotherapy is basically a Herculean task. Cari mentioned she would work whenever she felt up to it, but the reality of Stage 4 is that "up to it" is a moving target.
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Chemo isn't just about losing hair. It’s the "chemo brain," the bone-deep fatigue, and the nausea. For a news anchor, you have to be sharp. You have to be "on."
The support from the audience has been a massive pillar for her. On the GoFundMe and Facebook, you’ll see thousands of comments from people who have never met her but feel like they know her. They share stories of their own survival or just offer a prayer.
"Most of you know a part of the journey I am now on... even if it's just leaving a kind word, prayer, or an account of how you beat this monster, I would love to hear it." — Cari Laque
Misconceptions and Search Confusion
If you’ve been searching for "Carrie" on the show and getting confused, you aren't alone. There are a few reasons why the search results get muddled:
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- The Spelling: Her name is spelled Cari, but the internet loves to default to "Carrie."
- Kari Lake: Because Joe Pags frequently interviews political figure Kari Lake, the names often get swapped in Google's algorithm. If you see a headline about "Kari on Joe Pags," it’s likely about the Arizona politician. If it's about a health update or the San Antonio news desk, it’s Cari Laque.
- Carrie Severino: She’s another guest who pops up occasionally to talk SCOTUS and legal issues, adding a third "Carrie" to the mix.
What’s Next for Cari and the Show?
As of early 2026, the focus remains on the long game. Colorectal cancer, especially at Stage 4, is a marathon. The radio world is notoriously fast-paced, but the Joe Pags Show family has made it clear that Cari’s seat is hers whenever she can fill it.
The community support hasn't wavered. If you’re a regular listener, you’ve probably heard Joe give updates or ask for continued prayers. It’s a reminder that beneath the political bickering and the news cycles, there’s a group of people just trying to look out for their own.
How You Can Help
If you’ve followed Cari Laque on the Joe Pags Show and want to do more than just listen, here is what is actually helpful:
- Check the GoFundMe: It is still the primary hub for her son’s updates on her medical status and financial needs.
- Leave a Message: She has explicitly said she loves reading stories of other survivors. Positive reinforcement is a massive mental boost during chemo.
- Get Screened: One of the biggest points Cari and Joe have made is the importance of early detection. If you're of age or have symptoms, don't wait.
Cari’s journey is far from over, but her presence on the airwaves remains a testament to her grit. Whether she’s behind the mic or at a treatment center, she’s still very much the heart of the newsroom.
Actionable Insight: If you or a loved one are facing a similar diagnosis, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance offers resources for patient support and clinical trial navigation. For those wanting to support Cari specifically, searching "Cari Laque GoFundMe" will take you directly to the verified fundraising page managed by her family.