Superstars Bring Joy To Sick Kids

By Phil Speer
WWF.com

      As the World Wrestling Federation tours the country, the superstars frequently visit hospitals to bring a little cheer to ill children.
      Officials at the hospital, the world's premier center for research and treatment of potentially fatal childhood diseases, were kind enough to provide photographs of the event to wwf.com.
      Seven superstars took part in the visit: Al Snow, Blue Meanie, Debra, Edge, Christian and Matt and Jeff Hardy. They even brought action figures for the 40 children staying in the hospital that day.
      "I do these types of things because it’s a chance for me to give back some of what I’ve received," said Al Snow, who was accompanied by Head. "As a Federation Superstar, it’s the right thing to do."
      The superstars join a distinguished list of celebrities who have visited the research hospital, including Cindy Crawford, Amy Grant, Daisy Fuentes, Danny DeVito and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.
      According to Director of Sports Marketing Stacy Pryor, many celebrities stop to tour the facility because St. Jude is such a nationally known and well-respected organization. The research hospital is dedicated to finding cures for cancer and certain blood, genetic and immunodeficiency disorders. It was founded by comedian Danny Thomas.
      Pryor told wwf.com that the children really enjoyed the visit from the superstars: "They loved it. They had a ball. It was just great to see their faces light up when [the Federation Superstars] walked in. [The children] are struggling to beat the diseases they have so it’s an exciting thing for them to meet the superstars."
      Some of the athletes dedicated upcoming matches to the patients.
      While some people don’t know how to react to sick children, representatives from the Federation did a great job, according to Pryor. One superstar, Debra, admitted that visits like this can be a challenge.
      "Seeing those young people in that situation is so troubling—to see these young adults who should be in the prime of their lives--but I love doing it, because I know I’m bringing joy into their lives," said Debra.
      According to Blue Meanie, if fans can’t come to the Federation it will come to them. "I know what it’s like to be a fan because I’ve always been a fan since I was six years old," said Meanie. "So for fans who might not be physically able to make it to a World Wrestling Federation event, I find it just as important to bring a part of the World Wrestling Federation to them."