Words by Smiley Team
Many know John Cena for his time in the squared circle as a 16-time champion in the WWE, or for his on-screen role as Peacemaker. What not as many might know him for is his work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that grants the wishes of children diagnosed with critical illnesses.
Targeting children between the age of 2 and 18, the foundation allows recipients to choose to meet a celebrity, go to an event, or even give a gift to someone else.
“For children diagnosed with critical illnesses, a wish come true can be a crucial turning point in their lives,” says Make-A-Wish. “A wish can be that spark that helps these children believe that anything is possible and gives them the strength to fight harder against their illnesses. This impact is why we are driven to make every one of these wishes come true.”
Cena granted his first wish for the foundation over 20 years ago back in 2002, just three years after starting his professional wrestling career. Since then he’s gone on to grant over 650 wishes from kids all around the world, breaking the world record for the most granted wishes according to Guinness World Records.
No other celebrity has granted over 200 wishes.
“If you ever need me for this ever, I don’t care what I’m doing, I will drop what I’m doing and be involved because I think that’s the coolest thing. I just drop everything,” Cena said when he was honored for granting 500 wishes. “If I can offer a fantastic experience, I’ll be first in line to do my part.”
DONATE: If you want to support Make-A-Wish you can always donate.
SUPPORT: Even if you’re not a celebrity you can always make a difference in a kid’s life by being kind and understanding.
