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Is Don West OK? Ex TNA wrestling announcer reveals cancer battle to shocked fans

Legendary wrestling announcer Don West was diagnosed with brain lymphoma

Don West, the legendary TNA IMPACT wrestling announcer, has been diagnosed with brain lymphoma. West addressed his recent sabbatical from 'The Don West Show', a discussion sports radio show located in Seattle, Washington, in a letter posted online on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 15.

In the past, there have been other celebrities who have been diagnosed with the deadly cancer affecting the lymphatic system. 'The Big Lebowski' star Jeff Bridges revealed his lymphoma diagnosis last October. The same year, Abby Lee Miller of 'Dance Moms' fame was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Last year, the film fraternity was also grieving the loss of Chadwin Boseman who succumbed to colon cancer. 

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Is Don West OK?

The former voice of TNA Wrestling said in a letter this week that he has been diagnosed with brain lymphoma and will begin treatment immediately. 'The Don West Show,' which airs on NewsRadio 560 KPQ in Washington State, had been on hiatus recently. West said he's hopeful the chemotherapy would help him recuperate faster so he can return to the airwaves sooner rather than later. In his letter, he thanked his wife Terri for her love and support, along with the rest of his family and co-workers.

“Hello everybody," his letter began. "Don West here to tell you about how disappointed I am not to be talking about the Seattle Seahawks, the Mariners, the Wenatchee Wild and everything else that we love to talk about every day on the Don West Show. Many of you have wondered where I have been and why the show is on hiatus. So I want to share this news directly with you. I have been diagnosed with a brain lymphoma and will begin immediate treatment."

"I want to thank my wife Terri for her love and support, my family and everyone that works at Cherry Creek Media and KPQ. I also want to thank the Don West Show’s incredible sponsors and my friends for all the prayers that are coming my way. I am praying the chemotherapy will help me heal faster and hopefully I’ll be back on the radio soon." He signed off with: "I can’t wait until this is all over and I can be back with you all again, I love you all!"

'Cancer beat Don?' No way

Fans took to Twitter to show their support to West and looked forward to his return. "Don West is an absolute legend. Kick Cancer’s ass. You got this. My thoughts and prayers are with you @DonWestDeals and hope you get well soon!" said one. "Don West knew nothing about wrestling in 2002. By 2003 he was naming moves like the Fosbury Flop and the Pele kick. The most passionate and positive man that ever lived. We as a fanbase are lucky to have experience his work. Cancer beat Don? YOU GOTTA BE KIDDIN ME!" said another. "Don West is a legend with infectious enthusiasm. It is very clear he puts his heart and soul into everything he does. Wishing Don and his family the best," third chipped in.

'Did everything at 1000% motivation'

"Truly awful news about Don West. One of the main reasons I fell in love with TNA in 07/08 was because of his voice, and the way he and Tenay bounced off of each other. One of the voices of my childhood!," a Twitter user said. "Prayers up for my great friend, Don West! Just hung up the phone with him and he’s in great spirits and ready to take on this challenge! " said another. "Best wishes to Don West battling cancer, one of the most passionate men I've ever seen on TV. Did everything at 1000% motivation," a third said.