DJ Darren Scott’s ex-wife launches BackaBuddy campaign to support his cancer treatment

Broadcaster and Hot FM presenter Darren Scott's ex-wife and mother of his two sons, Sarah-Kate Accetta, has launched a BackaBuddy campaign to assist with the costs of his cancer treatment.

“I have just shared with the boys that their father has cancer. I know he might be furious that his friend and I even made this page, because he is so used to being the one who is helping others. Mostly, I ask for prayers for him. We serve a mighty God who has proven so many miracles in my life and we are believing for full healing in Darren’s body,” said Accetta, who lives in the US.

Scott, who has been battling melanoma for more than 38 years, left for the US in 2022 to receive treatment under medical aid. However, upon returning to South Africa in early 2024 he was no longer covered and is now waiting out an exclusionary period.

“I came back from America with cancer. Unfortunately, it has now progressed, resulting in my being off air for lengthy periods. Hot 102.7FM has been incredibly supportive and I thank them and my network of friends for the financial assistance and emotional support as we tackle this thing together,” said Scott.

The campaign has already raised R126,415 towards its R960,000 goal, with contributions from 86 donors.

Hot 102.7FM MD Lloyd Madurai acknowledged the fundraising initiative and expressed the station’s continued support for Scott.

“Despite his condition, it was exciting to have Darren back on air at Hot 102.7FM. I’m happy to have played a part in helping fulfil his dream of entertaining our audience in his unique way. He remains a South African broadcast icon and it was with great sadness we learnt the cancer had spread. Our thoughts are with him and his two sons Mark and Matthew,” said Madurai.

“The station will continue to provide assistance for Darren as he tackles the disease. Darren will remain on air and his Hot 102.7FM family are praying for his wellbeing and speedy recovery,” Madurai added.

Scott’s battle with melanoma began in 1986. Since then, he has faced multiple instances of melanoma, including advanced and aggressive forms of the cancer. “Since 1986 my body has been like a ‘pinball machine’ when it comes to this disease,” Scott said on his Facebook page.

He has undergone numerous surgeries, including the removal of parts of his lung, chin, and lymph nodes, as well as chemotherapy and radiation.“My first one was diagnosed in 1986 as a result of many hours on a cricket field without adequate protection against the sun,” Scott recalled. 

In 2023, after returning to the US for another chance at life, Scott felt a lump in his armpit, signalling the return of melanoma. “I knew immediately that traces of my previous melanoma had snuck through my defences, evaded detection by my last PET scan and was now in a place that needed immediate attention,” he said.

In 2011 Scott was at the centre of controversy and resigned from Jacaranda 94.2 and SuperSport after he used derogatory language towards a colleague over a loan dispute. 

Despite his challenges, Scott said he remains optimistic and deeply grateful for the support from his Hot 102.7FM family and his friends.

TimesLIVE