We are saddened to report that Dylan Christian, the 12-year-old friend of John Cena from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, passed away on Thursday a fourth bout with cancer. Dylan met John Cena at a WWE RAW event from Cleveland months ago and the two instantly had a special bond. Cena brought the boy and his family to WrestleMania 28 and spoke about Dylan throughout WrestleMania week, talking about how unbelievably brave he was during his fight. Just heartbreaking stuff.
Say what you want about John Cena the wrestling character, but John Cena the human being is a true hero who gives countless hours of his time to bring some magic into the lives of sick children.
In related news, USA Today has published an essay from John Cena this week talking about his Make-A-Wish experiences. Here is an excerpt of what Cena wrote:
“As these kids come looking for a chance to interact with my WWE persona, they are living that moment on their terms. And they exude pure joy. Triumph. Their parents, often through tears, say the wish experience has given them their children back.
There is a lesson here for all of us. About making wishes, and about granting them.
Wishing is powerful stuff.”