Gary Lezak, Chief Forecaster for TornadoAlleyLive.com

Gary developed a passion for weather as he learned his first words. Growing up in Southern California, he was fascinated by clouds and rain, but always wondered why the weather seemed to be more exciting in other places. After graduating from high school in 1980, he decided to pursue a Bachelors of Science degree in Meteorology and headed off to the University of Oklahoma.

Shortly after receiving his degree in 1985, Gary became an intern at the CBS affiliate in Oklahoma City. It was there that he got his first big break when he was hired as Meteorologist of the morning show and midday news program for the number one station in the market.

In 1992, Gary made the move to Kansas City. In 1999 Gary became Chief Meteorologist at KSHB, NBC ACTION NEWS. He established himself and his weather team as the most accurate in Kansas City and has been #1 in forecasting not only during his time at KSHB but since he arrived here in 1992.

An animal lover, Gary has been known to share air-time with his well known dogs. Windy lived to a nice old age of almost 17 years old. Breezy and Stormy now carry on Windy's legacy of going out in the public with Gary. Both Breezy and Stormy were adopted from the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City.

By far, the biggest challenge in Gary's life was being diagnosed with cancer in 1999. It was a very rare form called extra-skeletal osteogenic sarcoma. Only six adults a year are diagnosed with the same form of cancer in the United States. The doctors discovered it was very aggressive and recommended Gary undergo extensive chemotherapy to ensure the cancer was removed from his body. Two surgeries to remove the cancer were performed before chemotherapy treatments could begin.

Gary is now cancer free since 2000 and celebrates every day! He shares his cancer experience and his passion for weather at his more the 70 public appearances a year around the viewing area.

You can follow Gary on Twitter ( @glezak ) or connect with him on his Facebook page . You can read more about Gary on his NBCActionNews.com station biography , and check in on his own daily Kansas City-area weather blog .