To Inspire:

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John Cena, professional wrestler, actor, and world record wish-granter.

Last Fall, Cena was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for granting the most wishes through the Make-A-Wish foundation.

John Cena has granted more than 650 wishes.

I’m not a fan of professional wrestling, but John Cena has a level of stardom that transcends the wrestling world. He has remained one of the most popular wrestlers in the history of WWE since his debut in 2002. He granted his first wish that same year.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation has been around since 1980 and helps fulfill the wishes of children who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Targeting children ages 2 to 18 years old, they can choose to meet a celebrity, travel, go to an event, etc.

John Cena is the most requested celebrity – and no one, except for Cena, has ever granted more than 400 wishes in the foundation’s history!

When Cena meets the children, he mostly just hangs out with them, posing for pictures with them and has been known to sometimes bring them with him into the wrestling ring. Cena often brings his championship belts for the children to see. He’s won the WWE Championship 13 times, the World Heavyweight Championship title three times and has won five United States Championship titles.

Talking about his work with Make-A-Wish Cena said, “If you ever need me for this ever, I don’t care what I’m doing – I will drop what I’m doing and be involved because I think that’s the coolest thing…If I can offer a fantastic experience, I’ll be first in line to do my part.”

Cena has won many awards during his career, but his incredible impact on ill children must be the thing he treasures the most. And not only has he helped so many children, but his star power also helps shine a continuous light on the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the work they do every day.

Someone with a busy career in both wrestling and acting, Cena could support this cause at a much lower level but doing more than 650 wishes truly shows his heart. What an amazing gift of time and energy John Cena is sharing with the world.

Talk about an inspiration! And a lesson in looking beyond what someone seems to be on the surface and seeing what is in their heart.

Written by Michelle O’Brien, Manager of Marketing & Communications