Mason loves watching WWE, so Kids Wish Network, a children’s charity that grants wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses, made Mason feel like the main event by granting Mason’s wish to attend a WWE event and meet WWE Superstar Randy Orton. 

Mason always had severe asthma and food allergies but was also then diagnosed with tracheobronchomalacia, a rare condition that occurs when the walls of the airway are weak and can cause the airway to become narrow or collapse. Since his diagnosis, Mason has been hospitalized several times with pneumonia, sometimes getting so severe that chest tubes are necessary to help drain his lungs. There currently isn’t a cure for his condition, so Mason relies on medications to help control his symptoms.

On the day of the big event, it was like no other Monday night for Mason. After arriving at the Allen County Expo Center, Mason’s special moment arrived. It was a perfect match….Mason was face to face with WWE Superstar Randy Orton. “My favorite memory was seeing the awe on his face when Randy Orton walked through the door,” said Mason’s mom Lindsay. Mason and Randy sat down and spent time getting to know each other. Mason’s mom said, “Randy took great interest in Mason, asking him questions and really interacting with him. Randy also gave Mason a sweatshirt that he had worn in a previous match, hats, T-shirts, programs and lots of goodies that he signed in front of us.”

Mason was also so excited to watch Randy in that night’s event. He said, “I got to sit so close and see him wrestle wearing the Kids Wish Network bracelet that I gave him!”

“Getting to meet an idol is so special for our Wish Kids,” said Kids Wish Network Executive Director Anna Lanzatella. “Our Wish Kids relate and look up to their favorite celebrities in many ways, and having someone to be inspired by provides temporary relief from the stresses of their illnesses.”

During Mason’s wish, he and his family also enjoyed beautiful accommodations at the Hilton Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Convention Center and dined on made-from-scratch goodness at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen.

“He has been so happy and nothing but smiles since his wish came true,” said Mason’s mom. “It has helped him realize that good things do happen in spite of our struggles.” 

Kids Wish Network is a national charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children with life-threatening conditions and struggling with life-altering situations. KWN provides for trip expenses, meals, accommodations, and additional spending monies to all wish families whenever traveling as applicable. Visit www.kidswishnetwork.org to learn about our different programs, and refer a child now.