Dr. Life, Wrestler’s Rescue and the Importance of Helping.

“Dr. Death” Steve Williams is a much-loved figure in professional wrestling as a whole and in the Cauliflower Alley Club specifically.  Steve was at both our 2007 and 2008 Reunions and he was as kind, warm and welcoming guest as we have had.  He was a strong proponent of the “Ring of Friendship” and we are proud that we were able to honor him with the Lou Thesz Award.

As most everybody knows, Steve (or Doc as he is more commonly known) was diagnosed with cancer in 2004 and survived a series of surgeries and other cancer treatments that left him with no vocal chords or larynx (voice box).  Doc has not only survived cancer, though, he has thrived through them, doing things that most would have never thought possible.  Wrestling, training, working and leading a full life.

The end result of Doc’s surgeries is that he has a “stoma,” or opening in his throat that allows him to vocalize in a method similar to the mechanics of a whistle.  There is an option available, though, that would allow Doc to speak without using his hands and would bring back a great sense of “normalcy” to him.  Unfortunately, this option will run approximately $20,000 – a significant sum for any person.

That’s where Wrestlers Rescue comes in.  Founded by Dawn Marie, Wrestlers Rescue seeks to assist various people from the wrestling world with their medical needs – including Doc.  Wrestlers Rescue has been diligently working to raise funds to help Doc receive this hands-free device.  Thus far, they have received donations of memorabilia from WWE, Jim Cornette and the Midnight Express, Jim Ross and others and are auctioning this memorabilia on e-bay to raise money for Doc.

The Cauliflower Alley Club salutes Wrestlers Rescue for undertaking this noble goal for a man who is a friend to all of us and encourages you, our members, to visit their website at www.wrestlersrescue.org and determine whether you would like to support them in helping Steve Williams, “Dr. Life.”  If you have questions or would like to contact them directly, please e-mail wrestlersrescue@aol.com.