Durham, NC native Chuck Coates was living the dream, he was traveling the country working as a professional wrestler. Coates would go from working independents to opportunities in the WWE and WCW and work along the eastern seaboard from 1988-2006. Then the world would stop turning once doctors found a lump during a routine physical and Coates would see his whole life change.
Hodgkin's Lymphoma was the diagnosis and immediately Coates would begin radiation and chemotherapy treatments which would cost his job when he moved to Concord, NC so he did not have to make the long commute for treatment. After months of intensive therapy and treatment the cancer was in remission and Coates would marry and start to lead a normal life yet one without professional wrestling.
Five years later, again during a routine check-up, doctors would again find a mass, this time in his lower abdomen near his pancreas. The cancer had returned and once again Coates would find his world crashing down around him. More chemotherapy would follow and this time Coates would have to undergo a bone marrow transplant that would hopefully send the cancer into remission again and spare his life.
Being stricken with cancer a second time including a stint in quarantine so his immune system could recover after the bone marrow transplant has run up innumerable hospital bills and expenses. Coates brother David and friend Mike Howell brainstormed putting together a benefit wrestling show to help offset some of the expenses occurred while being in recovery and out of work for months battling cancer.
Charlotte, NC native "Hurricane" Shane Helms was immediately on board with the idea and "Chinlock for Chuck" snowballed and the wrestling community has come together to help a friend in need. The show is set to take place on January 15, 2013 at the Northern Durham High School in Durham, NC and will include a number of great talents from wrestling including TNA World Champion Jeff Hardy, Gunner and James Storm. Matt Hardy and girlfriend Reby Sky as well as current NWA World Women's Champion Kacee Carlisle will also appear.
Mid-Atlantic wrestling legend Cueball Carmichael, who has been instrumental in gaining awareness for the event said "Usually when we hear about a wrestler with health trouble it's to late they are dead, this was one opportunity to make a difference in an ailing wrestlers life. If I ever go thru anything like this I hope I can attack it with the same get it done mentality as Chuck and be half the man he is."
TNA superstar Gunner added "I am very glad to be apart of "Chinlock for Chuck" on January 15th. Such a great cause for a great guy and friend to many. As always we all look forward to entertaining the fans. With myself, Jeff and Matt Hardy, Shane Helms, Christian York, Jayme Jameson and many others I'm sure this will be a huge event that reaches the goal we all set out to achieve, giving Chuck the help he may need! Lets Rock!"
If you are unable to attend the live event but would like to make a donation or if you would like more information about the show you can do so here. Highspots, a major wrestling merchandise outlet will be on-hand and will be offering a DVD of the show with a portion of the proceeds going to help Coates as well.
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