Ali-Ollie Woodson was a talented and versatile singer, musician, songwriter, and actor who rose to fame as the lead singer of the legendary Motown group The Temptations. He was known for his soulful voice and charismatic presence, as well as his contributions to the group’s hits such as “Treat Her Like a Lady”, “Sail Away”, and “Lady Soul”. However, his life and career were cut short by a deadly disease that he battled for years: leukemia.
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What is leukemia?
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, the soft tissue inside the bones where blood cells are made. Leukemia occurs when abnormal white blood cells (called leukemia cells) grow out of control and crowd out the normal blood cells. This can cause problems such as anemia, bleeding, infections, and organ damage. Leukemia can be acute (fast-growing) or chronic (slow-growing), and can affect different types of white blood cells (such as lymphocytes or myeloid cells).
How did Ali-Ollie Woodson get leukemia?
It is not clear what caused Ali-Ollie Woodson to develop leukemia, as the exact causes of this disease are still unknown. However, some possible risk factors include exposure to radiation, chemicals, or viruses, genetic disorders, family history, and age. Woodson was diagnosed with leukemia in late 2008, when he was 57 years old. He had previously been diagnosed with throat cancer twice, in 1996 and 2004, and had undergone surgery and radiation therapy to treat it. According to his testimony at a televised religious service, he believed that God had healed him from throat cancer and gave him a second chance to live.
How did leukemia affect Ali-Ollie Woodson’s life and career?
Leukemia had a significant impact on Ali-Ollie Woodson’s life and career, as he had to undergo intensive treatment and cope with the side effects and complications of the disease. He was hospitalized for several weeks in 2008, and had to receive blood transfusions, chemotherapy, and stem cell transplantation. He also suffered from infections, fatigue, weight loss, and pain. Despite his illness, he continued to perform and record music until his last days. He released his solo album Right Here All Along in 2009, and collaborated with other artists such as Aretha Franklin, Jean Carn, and Bill Pinkney. He also appeared on TV shows such as The Jamie Foxx Show and The Parkers.
How did Ali-Ollie Woodson die from leukemia?
Ali-Ollie Woodson died from leukemia on May 30, 2010, at a Los Angeles hospital. He was 58 years old. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends. His death was mourned by his fans, colleagues, and peers in the music industry. He was remembered as a gifted and influential singer who left a lasting legacy in the history of R&B and soul music. He was survived by his wife Juanita and several children.
