Don West came to fame as a host and salesman on late-night television and caught the attention of Vince Russo. The controversial writer tried to recruit West for WCW, but he declined. However, when TNA later needed a color commentator, Russo would suggest West to TNA founder Jeff Jarrett, and this time, West accepted the job offer.
He’d work for the promotion for a decade before leaving in 2012 to become director of sales and marketing for the Wenatchee Wild ice hockey team. Nowadays, he works as a radio presenter for News Radio 560 KPQ in Wenatchee, Washington, but has recently gone on hiatus. It’s now been sadly revealed via a statement on the station’s website that he has been diagnosed with a brain lymphoma.
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.
I can’t wait until this is all over and I can be back with you all again, I love you all! Don WestDon West
Following the disclosure, many of those in the wrestling world who worked with West over the years expressed their sadness at the news and sent prayers. Among them was Jarrett, who revealed on Twitter he’d just spoken to West, and he was in good spirits despite his diagnosis.
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!
Jeff JarrettWest has a tough battle ahead of him dealing with this rare disease that represents under 4% of all brain tumors. Surgery is not usually an option due to the risk of severe side effects. Instead, chemotherapy is typically the first cause of treatment, along with steroids to control brain swelling.
