But, the good news doesn’t end there for Josh because he’s also getting the opportunity to spend the day with Oneida County officials. The youngster, who was sworn in as a Deputy for a Day by Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, will be making his way to various law enforcement and government offices to meet with some of the people he admires.

According to the release, Josh will meet with Judge Donalty to learn about the Court system and spend the day in the Forensic Identification Unit at the Sheriff’s Office. Also, County Executive Anthony Picente is presented the youngster with a Proclamation. Oneida County Police Benevolent Association President Michael Simmons offered the “extra wish” to the youngster who shares his last name despite any affiliation. Simmons said when the Kids Wish Network contacted him about Josh he assisted the group to help make his wish come true.

The PBA donated $500 towards helping Josh meet his idol John Cena in Buffalo later this month on February 28, where the WWE wrestler is planned to make an appearance. Jill Atchison, Josh’s Wish Coordinator at Kids Wish Network said, “Josh is a great little boy. He’s 10 years old and he has epilepsy … He has many seizures each day and due to those he’s really not able to do a lot. He’s not able to go to school–he’s just very limited with his activities. But, he is a huge wrestling fan and a huge John Cena fan, that’s really all he cares about. We ask the kids all kinds of questions about what they like, and for Josh everything was John Cena, John Cena, John Cena.”

Atchison said Kids Wish Network, in its 12th year, has touched thousands of kids lives. She said that the organization does more than grant wishes for children like Josh who have life threatening illnesses. She said through the program, Hero of the Month the organization recognizes children who don’t have a life threatening illness but those who have gone through a traumatic situation. Atchison says these types of cases usually come from hospital staff referrals. She said Kids Wish Network grants approximately 700 wishes a year.

WBIX 950 News Radio
Utica, New York
Source:

http://wibx950.com/helping-a-camden-youngsters-wish-come-true/

Oneida County PBA President Michael Simmons announces that on Friday February 18, 2011 that he will be participating in helping a young child’s wish come true. Simmons was contacted by the Kids Wish Network about a month ago and asked if the PBA would be interested in sponsoring a wish for a local child from Camden.

It was explained to Simmons that the child had epilepsy since he was 4 months old and that he could not attend school due to frequent seizures. The child’s name is Josh and his wish is to meet WWE Wrestler John Cena. Cena will be appearing in Buffalo in the next few weeks and Josh wanted to meet him. The PBA agreed to pay $500.00 towards his wish.

Simmons asked if Josh would like to have an “extra wish” and spend the day with him in the Forensic Identification Unit at the Sheriff’s Office. Josh was very excited about going to the Sheriff’s Office for the day. Sheriff Maciol agreed to make Josh a Deputy for the Day and swear him into office. Later in the day Hon. Judge Donalty has agreed to spend some time with Josh and introduce him to the Court system. After that Simmons arraigned for Josh to meet with County Executive Anthony Picente and have a Proclamation presented to Josh. Josh’s last name happens to be Simmons, which is no relation to the PBA President.

The PBA is happy to help Josh’s wish come true we are all looking forward to “Josh’s Day” in Oneida County. Thank you to everyone who helped this Day to happen.

Michael Simmons
OCPBA President

This sounds like a perfect day for Josh and everyone else who will be in attendance. Enjoy your day Josh!

Doris
Development Department

AUSTINTOWN, Ohio - A local boy battling a life-threatening condition is granted his wish to meet wrestler John Cena, thanks to Kids Wish Network and some local sponsors.

Tyler is an 11-year-old boy who deals with difficult challenges on a daily basis.  Having been diagnosed with Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy – an illness that affects the entire body – at just six months of age, simple tasks have become impossible for Tyler.  He relies on a wheelchair or walker for mobility, as he is unable to walk on his own.  To date, Tyler has undergone 11 surgeries to attempt to get him walking, but they have failed to correct the issue.

Kids Wish Network, a national charity dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories and improving the quality of life for children, has been in operation for over 13 years.  With their various programs, Kids Wish Network has touched the lives of over 73,000 children across the country this year alone.  Tyler is one of those special children.

Tyler was referred to Kids Wish Network by a family friend who’s child also had a wish granted by the organization.  When it came time for Tyler to pick his wish, Jennifer said the choice was simple.

“John Cena is his favorite wrestler and wrestling is the main thing he watches.  He really enjoys it and wanted to meet him,” she said.

With his wish confirmed, Kids Wish Network got to work in laying out the plans for Tyler’s wish.  With the help of some local Austintown sponsors, Kids Wish Network arranged a very special experience for Tyler.  Not only did he get to meet John Cena and attend a wrestling match at the Mellon Arena, but Tyler and his family got to experience some other fun activities. They visited the Senator John Heinz History Center, Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum and got a Just Ducky tour.  Some special dinners were set up for Tyler and his family and they were also given tickets to the Pittsburg Zoo and PPG Aquarium.

“The Just Ducky tour was awesome. It took us on land on in the water and Tyler got to drive the boat,” Jennifer said.

Prior to leaving for the wish, Jennifer said they started a John Cena countdown calendar and marked off each day before the wish.

“He knew the day was coming and was just absolutely excited.  That’s all he talked about everyday,” she said.

Jennifer said upon meeting John Cena, Tyler was a bit star struck.

“When Tyler first saw him he was speechless and a bit stunned,” she said.  “He was definitely on cloud nine.”

Tyler made a scrapbook for John Cena and John gave Tyler various signed items including a shirt and hat.  Jennifer said they sat together for about 20 minutes and took plenty of pictures.

“He had the time of his life.  The best part for me was just seeing the look on Tyler’s face when he got to see John Cena and knowing that his wish was granted,” said Jennifer.  “I just want to thank anyone who participated and helped make his wish come true.”

Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for helping to make Tyler’s wish extra special: Ancient Order of Hibernians, Pastor Joyce Lawson, Western Reserve Building & Construction Trades, Austintown Professional Fire Fighters IAFF 3356, St. Mary’s Women’s Guild, Rotary Club of Austintown, IBEW Local 64, FOE 3298, WWE and John Cena, Spaghetti Warehouse, Senator John Heinz History Center, Buca di Beppo, Just Ducky Tours, Omni William Penn, Hard Rock Café, Mellon Arena, Pittsburg Zoo

J-Cena.com
Published: 05/13/10
Source:

http://www.j-cena.com/?p=7370

Tyler is a happy young man who was diagnosed with Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy shortly after being born. This illness affects his entire body, and has left him totally dependent on a wheelchair or walker for mobility. This 11-year-old boy has undergone 11 surgeries in his short life to help address his mobility issues but they did not fix the problem.

Tyler’s wish to meet his hero John Cena came true. Upon meeting the star, Tyler was a bit shy and star struck, but he soon warmed up and took many pictures with John Cena. Tyler’s mom said he was all smiles and was so thankful that her son’s wish came true.

Seven-year-old Jeremy of Lakemont, GA has cerebral palsy. In addition, Jeremy has experienced severe seizure episodes since he was just a baby. He suffers from a half a dozen different types of seizures and is on many different medications. This special little guy has been in and out of the hospital much of his young life and must visit his doctors frequently.

There is one person who always brings a smile to Jeremy’s face no matter what he’s going through and that’s his WWE hero, John Cena! Jeremy had the time of his life ‘rumbling’ with the wrestling champ at a WWE match in San Antonio, TX!

At birth, Bruce was diagnosed with type A hemophilia. This is an inherited blood disorder that causes a lack of clotting, which leads to severe, almost constant bleeding. Bruce has to deal with breakthrough bleeds for which he is then hospitalized, even though he is on various medications to try to prevent this.

Bruce was thrilled to meet his WWE hero, John Cena. Though he was nervous at first he finally warmed up and had a great time talking to his favorite wrestler. Wearing the hat, wristbands and t-shirt that Mr. Cena gave him, Bruce then attended the WWE Raw match that evening and had a real blast watching his hero in action. What a wish come true!

Anthony’s diagnosis of leukemia in November of 2007 put this high school student’s college plans and dreams temporarily on hold. This cancer of the blood and bone marrow has damaged his liver, and the threat of infection is always lurking. Anthony had a very tough year; he had to endure months of chemotherapy, which made him lose his hair and caused him to be very fatigued.

This young pro-wrestling enthusiast received the thrill of a lifetime, getting to experience the non-stop live action of the WWE and meeting Superstar John Cena at the New Orleans Arena prior to the match. Anthony’s adventures also provided him with a taste of the culture in New Orleans, such as a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s biggest yearly event at Mardi Gras World, a surreal visit to the Musée Conti wax museum and a jazzy cruise on the Mighty Mississippi aboard the Steamboat Natchez.

“It was so fun!” said Anthony. Of his son’s reaction to meeting Cena, Anthony’s dad, Mike, explained, ““We loved every minute we spent in New Orleans. It was worth a million dollars to see how excited and happy Anthony was.” Mike continued, “It meant the world to him, something he might not have gotten a chance to do otherwise, a dream come true!”

As Anthony flew into the beautiful city of New Orleans he was ecstatic with anticipation, as he was about to meet his all time favortite WWE superstar, John Cena!  John Cena autographed many items for Anthony, talked with him for a bit and took numerous photos with the teen.  John Cena is one amazing guy for everything he does for these kids.  After Anthony’s meeting, he stayed and watched Mr. Cena do his “thing in the ring.”

Meeting John Cena wasn’t the only thing Anthony and his family did in New Orleans: they also experienced a 2-hour lunch cruise along the Misissippi, checked out the Musee Conti and visited the great Mardi Gras World.

I’m glad you had a fabulous time, Anthony!

-Vanessa

Wish Coordinator