BURGHILL, Ohio, July 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — International children's charity Kids Wish Network today commended WWE Superstar Sheamus for helping make a dream come true for a Burghill teenager. Fifteen-year-old Frankie Matejka, who suffers from Neurofibromatosis, had the opportunity to meet Sheamus during a WWE SmackDown event.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130710/PH44881)
Kids Wish Network is a Florida-based charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children having experienced life-altering situations.
"Bringing smiles to the faces of children in need through our programs is a joy unlike any other. With the compassionate support of partners like Sheamus and WWE, we are able to make a difference in the lives of tens of thousands of children every year," said Anna Lanzatella, Executive Director of the Kids Wish Network.
At the age of two Frankie was diagnosed with leukemia and throughout his life he has suffered through full body radiation treatments. Frankie has also endured several surgeries for cataracts in both eyes and was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1, which causes him severe pain and has impacted his spinal column with many tumors. Frankie has had 4 surgeries to remove the tumors and receives an MRI regularly to monitor his condition. Despite all of the pain Frankie endures he is a true warrior; he never complains and is a source of strength to his friends and family.
When Frankie learned his wish to meet WWE Superstar Sheamus was coming true, he said, "I can't believe I get to meet Sheamus! I love his hair and I think he has the best finishing moves out of all of the Superstars!"
"Surprisingly, Frankie was not nervous at all to meet Sheamus; he was very excited and upbeat. He is very thankful for the opportunity to have this experience and the whole family felt that this wish was such an enjoyable surprise," said Barbara Matejka, Frankie's mom.
For Frankie's wish, Kids Wish Network arranged an all-expenses paid trip to Beavercreek, Ohio, so Frankie could meet Sheamus before his WWE SmackDown appearance.
If you would like to sponsor a child's wish or if you know a child who is suffering from a life-threatening illness and may be in need of Kids Wish Network's wish granting services, please call 727-937-3600 or toll free 888-918-9004.
PR CONTACT:
Julia Shelly
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
, Kids Wish Network
4060 Louis Ave.
Holiday, Florida 34691
Phone: (727) 937-3600 ext. 227
Fax: (727) 937-3688
www.kidswishnetwork.org
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