HOLYOKE — Professional wrestlers faced off inside the ring at William J. Dean Technical High School Friday night to help an 11-year-old Holyoke boy battle his illness.
A crowd packed the gym for the Brave in The Heart event, a fundraiser to benefit Andrew Wilson and Dean Tech’s career technical education programs.
In 2023, Andrew was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease called HLH (Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis), an autoimmune disorder. The disease prevents your immune system from working properly, leaving you vulnerable to serious infections.
In addition, Andrew also suffers from MAS (macrophage activation syndrome), a related condition that causes painful hyperinflammation.
Andrew faced a critical health crisis that required his transfer to Boston Children’s Hospital due to multi-organ failure and pneumonia. He spent more than 20 days in the ICU, undergoing multiple blood and platelet transfusions, daily dialysis and numerous tests.
One of Andrew’s favorite pastimes is attending wrestling events. So the wrestling community decided to come together and give back the love they have always shown the sport.
The action-packed professional wrestling event was sponsored by Headlocks for Humanity and Legacy is Timeless. Raffles and prizes were also held.
On hand was John Cena Sr., the father of famous professional wrestler and movie star John Cena, who hosted the event.
Ring action included bouts between “Top 5 Dead or Alive” Sammy Diaz and “Blue Thunder” Jay Freddie; “Number One” Ichiban and Jiggie Sosa, Springfield’s best “The Heart of the City”; “Big Bacon” Brad Hollister and “The Moonlight Son” Mike Skyros; “The Magnificent” Marcos Santiago with Honest Abe and “The Dream Crusher” Danny Miles; and “The Spectacular” LIT Yungboy and “Da Big Boofa” Dezmond Cole.
Also, The Test of Strength Tag Team titles were defended when Nolan Pierce and Mark Alexander aka Counterstrike took on Pretty Papi and Dicky Moon aka Pretty Chill.
A tough and complicated battle for the Valley All Star Rumble had fans clamoring for more.