Kids Wish Network Makes Georgia Boy’s Dream Come True Meeting WWE Superstar Carmella
Samuel was born with spina bifida, a birth defect where the spinal cord doesn’t develop properly. Because of his condition, Samuel has needed many surgeries and relies on crutches or a wheelchair when walking longer distances.
Samuel loves watching WWE, and while he would aspire to be a wrestler, knows it will never be a possibility for him. He’s inspired watching WWE matches on TV and shared how meaningful it would be to attend a live show and meet a WWE Superstar. Kids Wish Network, a children’s charity that grants wishes for kids with life-threatening illnesses, would also make Samuel feel like a champion… he’d be meeting WWE SmackDown LIVE Superstar Carmella!
Kids Wish Network flew Samuel and his family to New Jersey. The main event was everything Samuel wished for and more. WWE Superstar Carmella spent time with Samuel away from the crowds. They took pictures together, talked about her career and Carmella presented Samuel with lots of WWE merchandise, including an Official Program which she personally signed for him. “It was like they had known each other for a long time,” said Samuel’s mom Mindy. When Carmella met Samuel, she was wearing her special hat that she always enters the ring with. She took it off, signed it, and gave it to Samuel as a special memento. At the night’s event, it was the first time she entered the ring without it.
“I thought I was going to cry,” said Samuel’s mom. “You would’ve thought it was my wish. It was really overwhelming seeing Samuel with Carmella.”
Samuel also gave Carmella a special gift on behalf of Kids Wish… a custom tank top with a blinged-out design replicating the WWE SmackDown LIVE Women’s Championship. After spending time with Carmella, Samuel and his family enjoyed seeing many of WWE’s Superstars in an action-packed SmackDown LIVE event.
During the wish, the family also enjoyed accommodations at the Ocean Club Hotel and dinner at Fins Bar & Grille. While at Fins, Samuel amazingly met someone just a little older who also has spina bifida. It was very special for him to spend time with a new friend who also relates to his same health challenges.
“We couldn’t have done anything like this on our own,” said Samuel’s mom. “Everybody was wonderful and it was better than any of us could have imagined.”
“We’re so happy that Samuel was able to have such an amazing WWE experience,” said Kids Wish Network Executive Director Tam Lai. “It’s what brings him his inspiration and happiness.”
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.
