Saturday, March 31, 2007

But the 17-year-old's time has been spent fighting leukemia instead.

This year, the disease is in remission and he is healthy enough to make it to Metro Detroit for the 23rd annual WrestleMania.

"I have always wanted to come to it," Jared, of Youngstown, Ohio, said Saturday afternoon while bowling in Taylor at a Make-A-Wish Foundation fundraiser, which included several professional wrestlers. "It is exciting."

Ten families were flown to Detroit for WrestleMania, which happens Sunday night. In addition to the bowling fundraiser, which was held at Skore Lanes, they also attended a screening of wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin's new movie and will attend a Hall of Fame induction ceremony Saturday night at the Fox Theatre.

The nonprofit foundation and the WWE are partners and sponsored the trips for the families who live across the country.

"This is incredible," said Felicia Powers, an organizer with the Michigan chapter of the foundation. "It is so neat to see the support from the community and the WWE. It gives you goosebumps."

Although the families came for free, several hundred others paid as much as $300 for access to the wrestlers before they bowled a few games.

Diva Victoria, tag team wrestlers The Highlanders, Jamie Noble, Val Venis, Bobby Lashley, and wrestling icon Rey Mysterio signed autographs and mingled with the crowd.

Mysterio brought many in the crowd to tears when he placed a mask on the head of a young fan. The acrobatic Mysterio, like many other Mexican wrestlers, wears a mask when he grapples.

Orlando O'Neill, a 17-year-old from Jersey City, N.J., appreciated the visit. His cancer is in remission.

"I grew up watching wrestling," he said. "I see it as an art form."

Kim Copeland of Dearborn Heights turns 38 on Sunday. She is celebrating at WrestleMania events with her son, Brendan Sharp, 9. They will attend the big event Sunday.

Copeland said she paid $300 Saturday so she and her son could meet the wrestlers in a VIP room and get their autographs. Proceeds go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

"It is worth it," Copeland said. "The Make-A-Wish Foundation is great and I love wrestling."

Lashley is representing Donald Trump in a match against Umaga in a Battle of the Billionaires during Sunday's event. Umaga represents WWE owner Vince McMahon. The billionaire who backs the losing wrestler has agreed to shave his head.

Kathy Brauer said the weekend has been a whirlwind of activity. She is happy her son is able to take part in the festivities.

"We are so excited for Jared," she said. "He has wanted to go to WrestleMania for several years. We are very thankful. Jared will be a volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation one day."