WWE wrestler John Cena is no stranger to charity. He set the record for most wishes granted with the Make-a-Wish Foundation back in January of 2012 (300 at the time). Cena recently made a surprise visit to one of his biggest fans – a boy with cerebral palsy named Gary Patterson.
Gary and his elementary school classmates were gathered for a school assembly to celebrate Gary’s new wheelchair – a $32,000 custom chair with power controls, supportive cushions and several decals featuring Cena, Gary’s favorite wrestler. Much to Gary’s delight, Cena made a surprise appearance.
“When you see the look on Gary’s face, it makes it all worthwhile,” Cena said.
‘Time for a new one’
Jillian Kornick, Gary’s teacher, coordinated both the wheelchair gift and Cena’s appearance. The Darrell Gwynn Foundation, which donates special wheelchairs to people in need, customized the wheelchair specifically for Gary. Kornick said he definitely needed it since his old wheelchair was manually operated and held together in spots with duct tape.
“It was time for a new one,” Kornick said.
The Darrell Gwynn Foundation designed a chair that would improve Gary’s circulation, prevent bedsores and allow Gary to recline his seat or adjust his speed. Kornick reached out to the foundation after Medicare denied Gary’s claim for a new wheelchair.
People with cerebral palsy require often expensive medical equipment and treatment, and acts of such generosity are truly life-changing. We might be able to help your child with cerebral palsy if you suspect that a hospital’s error led to your child’s condition. Call our office today at 1-800-460-0606, and we can set up a free consultation to learn about your family and explain how we can help.
Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP – cerebral palsy lawyers
