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  July 2009
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The event was part of the Make-A-Wish foundation and Paul Wilson was one of the children at the event. The 18-year-old was diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition a couple of years ago. More than 50 kids' wishes came true at Reliant Center when World Wrestling Entertainment superstar John Cena showed up for a pizza lunch and a special fan session. The event was part of the Make-A-Wish foundation and Paul Wilson was one of the children at the event. The 18-year-old was diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition a couple of years ago. "They flew my family and I down from Indiana," said Paul, who was there with his brother, grandfather and mother. "It's my first time seeing the WWE live. I've only seen it on TV." The fifty kids and their families came from all over the country to take part in the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania in Houston. Paul's grandfather, William Wilson, says the entire event came as a surprise. "They asked if we were available this weekend and flew us out first class from Indiana. It's been nice. We didn't need to worry about anything," said Wilson. Over the weekend, the kids had a private tour of the Houston Zoo, an autograph session with the WWE Superstars and Divas, a special WrestleMania Axxess event and of course, the Make-A-Wish pizza party with special guest John Cena. "I didn't know I was going to meet John Cena until just now," said Paul. "Not until they called my name to go up and meet him." Cena is one of the Make-A-Wish Foundation's most-requested wish granters. He's granted more than 130 wishes since 2004. In addition to personally shaking each kid's hand and taking a photo with them, Cena was formally introduced as the foundation's newest Wish Ambassador. "Moments like this are special for me," Cena said. "As long as Make-A-Wish wants me, I'll be happy to keep granting wishes." Based on the response from the kids, Cena may be granting wishes for a long time. The children cheered, shook his hand and hugged the wrestling superstar as he spent a little one-on-one time with each of them. Cena also signed hats, shirts and books. Video Slideshows Blogs Watching the kids laugh and smile, you almost forgot that each of them had a life-threatening condition, including Paul. "They found a tumor in my brain when I was 16. That's when I joined the Make-A-Wish Foundation," said Paul. Paul was one of the luckier kids in the room as his condition is currently in remission. His grandfather said that after they found the tumor, Paul underwent intense radiation treatment. "He just had a MRI and it came back clear. So we're hoping it stays that way," said Wilson. But just in case the tumor does return, the family is thankful for each day and especially for the support they've gotten from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. "The foundation has been really wonderful. I can't say enough good things about them," Wilson said. Also online: 1 CommentsLeave a comment |
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Aww everytime I read this stuff about my hero John Cena, I get all teary and this warm feeling inside me=] He's such a sweetheart and my jaw drops when I hear just how much wishes he granted 4 all those people, he truly cares 4 all walks of life and I love that about him, he's a all around great guy. It be my dream 2 meet him someday thats accually a dream come true 4 me 2 meet him someday. And He deserves 2 win 2marrow at night of champions coz he's a true champion in and out of the ring from the heart=] with or without a title but he deserves a reward. I love it how he's so good with kids=] a strong man great with kids thats precious 2 c=] and hear about=] and may god bless each and every one of those kids=]