The WWE star hit the milestone when he granted the wish of a 8-year-old boy battling leukemia who wanted to meet the wrestler with a surprise appearance on 'Today' show.
- Aug 22, 2015
AceShowbiz - John Cena is not only a successful wrestler, but he is also a very generous man. The 38-year-old WWE star recently granted his 500th Make-A-Wish request. He becomes the first celebrity to reach the milestone, after previously setting the records of 300 wishes in 2012 and 400 wishes in 2014.
Cena hit the mark on Thursday, August 20 when he granted the wish of 8-year-old Rocco Lanzer, who wanted to meet the wrestler. Cena surprised the boy on air during the live broadcast of "Today" show, on which Lanzer and his mom became guests.
Cena gave the boy, who was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this year, his merchandise with updated colors. He also offered him a chance to attend "WWE Monday Night Raw" where they can hang out and talk further.
On Friday, Cena and Lanzer stopped by New York Stock Exchange to help ring the opening bell. Also that morning, Cena celebrated his 500th Make-A-Wish appearance.
Make-A-Wish spokesman Josh deBerge said of Cena, "No other person, celebrity or otherwise, has granted more wishes than he has. Not only has he granted more wishes than anyone else, John repeatedly grants amazing wishes every time he meets a wish kid."
David Williams, Make-A-Wish America President and CEO, added, "John Cena's slogan, 'Never Give Up,' is a constant source of inspiration for wish kids and serves as a reminder to stay strong and keep pushing through the difficult times. The fact that he has had the sustained success required to reach 500 wishes speaks volumes about the type of person John is and the quality of the wish experience he delivers."
Cena also said of his experience with Make-A-Wish foundation, "There is no more humbling experience than a child who could ask for anything in the world asking to meet me. I have faced some of the toughest Superstars in WWE history and I've never encountered more bravery or toughness than I see in each wish kid that I meet. It is inspiring to see the impact that granting wishes can have and I look forward to granting 500 more."
