Cook’s ailing brother will attend ‘Idol’ finale

Adam, who is suffering from brain cancer, gets anonymous flight donation

	"Idol" finalist David Cook will have a special member in the audience when he performs. His brother, Adam, who is suffering from brain cancer, received an anonymous donation of a private flight that will allow him to attend the taping.
Phil Mccarten / AP

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updated 4:20 p.m. ET May 20, 2008

LOS ANGELES - When he takes the “American Idol” stage for his final performance, David Cook will have one special fan in the audience – his brother Adam — who is suffering from brain cancer.

Contrary to reports, Adam Cook will be in attendance at the “Idol” finale, Access Hollywood has confirmed.

As previously reported by AccessHollywood.com, Adam, 36, has been undergoing chemotherapy for his second diagnosis of brain cancer, which had spread to his spine.

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Julie Henricks, a Cook family spokesperson and a DJ for B102.7 FM in Adam’s hometown of Terre Haute, Indiana, told Access Hollywood that Adam and his wife, Kendra, left Terre Haute on Monday to travel to LA to see David vie for the “Idol” crown.

The trip was made possible by an anonymous donation for a private flight, Julie said.

“They are very excited and very happy,” Julie told Access. “David is thrilled.”

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David, who is in the “Idol” finals against teen David Archuleta, has had the letters “AC” on his guitar at times during the season as a tribute to his ailing brother.

Earlier this season, Adam was able to attend a taping of the show when friends arranged for a chartered medical jet to fly him out to LA, after doctors had prohibited him from taking a commercial flight.

“It has been an absolute whirlwind. I’m so thrilled for Adam… it’s been an awesome dream, an awesome goal, an awesome thought,” his wife Kendra told Indiana’s Tribune Star at the time. “The excitement of seeing his spirits lifted so high has been wonderful.”