My son’s Make-A-Wish experience at WrestleMania was unforgettable

I’m writing this column as my husband, Jason, drives our family through the last rolling hills on the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains. Last week, we took an epic road trip from our quiet hometown in Nebraska to the eclectic sounds and neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip. Jason and I share seven children, including three sons — Max, 19, Rowen, 16, and Charlie, 14 — who live with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

We traveled 1,160 miles over three days on our way there, and 1,329 miles over two days on our way home. One thing I learned about myself on this trip is that I get carsick in the mountains, so we took a different route home, hence the extra miles.

The road trip was grueling, but we’d do it a million times over. The reason we spent four full days in Vegas was because the Make-A-Wish Foundation had granted Charlie’s wish: to attend WrestleMania. I realize many readers may not be wrestling fans, so I’ll explain WrestleMania as Charlie did: “It’s the Super Bowl of the WWE!”

The trip was everything Charlie could’ve dreamed of — and more. Every mile (and bout of nausea) was well worth it. We could never repay everyone involved for the experience Charlie and our family were able to enjoy.

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A wish come true

The event involved 25 kids who’d all made the same wish of attending WrestleMania. Everything was perfectly planned and executed for the children, with surprises splashed around like confetti.

First, they were given a shopping spree in the WrestleMania Superstore. Charlie’s wardrobe has doubled, and he can now wear a different WWE shirt each day of the week — and probably will!

Second, each kid picked a superstar name. Charlie’s was C Vert the Destroyer! Then, they made entrances similar to those of the WWE superstars Charlie watches every Monday and Friday night. I cried for every one of the kids, and when it was Charlie’s turn, I smiled so big that my tears were falling into my mouth.

Many WWE superstars made it a priority to spend time with the Wish kids. Charlie met many of them in person, including Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. He got their autographs and took pictures with them. If you Google “Charlie Vertin WWE,” you’ll find photos of him with some of these superstars!

These activities happened over two days. The following two days were WrestleMania 41.

Charlie was awestruck the entire time. Jason and I wanted to talk with him and point things out, but he told us to stop; he didn’t want any distractions or interruptions.

Instead, we watched his dream come true — the faces he made, the gasps of excitement, the shouts of joy when his favorite wrestler won the match, the bouts of disbelief. Our hearts were filled with joy. Charlie deserved this.

As a parent, I was experiencing a whirlwind of emotions. I barely slept our first night in Vegas, as a wave of grief had swallowed me.

Max and Rowen had already gotten their wishes, and I kept thinking it wasn’t fair that I have three kids who qualify for them. I don’t want to watch three of my children die. This DMD life is hard. Having three sons living with a fatal disease is fear-inducing and grief-provoking, and an everyday reality in my life.

But then, as we followed the Wish kids into the superstore on that first morning, we saw fans line up to cheer and clap for them. I wept. Perfect strangers were showering my son and others with love and support. It was overwhelming and powerful.

We were immersed in wrestling for the entire week. We didn’t go to the WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, but we watched parts of it. One superstar gave a speech for his wife, who was being inducted. He shared that she left the WWE at the height of her career to do the most important job: motherhood. That touched my heart. I needed a reminder that my job as a mom is the most important one I’ll ever do.

I was never the biggest wrestling fan, usually busying myself with other things while my sons watched it on TV. But the generosity the wrestlers showed the Wish kids has made me a lifelong fan. WWE is truly made up of superstars!

Note: Muscular Dystrophy News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Muscular Dystrophy News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to muscular dystrophy.