PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — There’s been a massive response from the Pittsburgh community after KDKA-TV’s stories with beloved retired colleague and friend Jon Burnett, who shared his diagnosis of suspected CTE — the brain disease caused by repeated hits to the head.
On this Valentine’s Day, all of the words of love pouring in on social media are like Pittsburgh’s love letters to Burnett, offering support, prayers and thanks.
KDKA-TV’s Kristine Sorensen visited Burnett again to share some of those social media comments, and they laughed over messy food, just like they did when they co-hosted Pittsburgh Today Live. That same humor and genuine good nature shines through Burnett even though his expressions are diminished, his voice is quieter and his short-term memory is a challenge.
KDKA-TV’s Kristine Sorensen showed him the hundreds of messages of support for him on social media and read him a few. One Facebook post said, “I have watched Jon Burnett since Evening Magazine. I was about 8-years-old and always loved his personality and antics on TV. I got to meet him once at the Italian festival in Bloomfield some years back and was delighted he was so friendly – just like on TV. John’s one of the good guys. We love you Jon.”