When he’s not in the ring, John Cena has dedicated much of his free time to putting smiles on the faces of the WWE Universe, including kids from Make-A-Wish. The Superstar achieved an awe-inspiring milestone this week, granting his 300th wish to Jonathan Littman of Make-A-Wish. (PHOTOS)
“I thank Make-A Wish for making me such a part of the charity,” Cena told WWE.com. “It’s an honor to be requested that many times!”
Cena met Littman, 7, of Hop Bottom, Pa., Monday before Raw SuperShow, along with Jonathan’s parents, Charlie and Ruth.
“It was awesome!” Jonathan said about meeting his favorite WWE Superstar.
Then, Wednesday morning, the leader of the Cenation surprised the youngster on ABC’s “Good Morning America," since Jonathan’s wish is to meet Cena and also become a television star.
While Jonathan was interviewed by Sam Champion and Josh Elliot, Cena made his way through the crowd gathered in New York City’s Times Square to hang out with him once again.
The Cenation leader didn't come empty-handed. Cena asked the youngster to join him as his special guest in St. Louis on July 23 for Monday Night Raw's historic 1,000th episode. Jonathan happily accepted the invitation, then presented Cena with a handmade gift of his own - a star with a note on the back from him and his parents, thanking him for all the work he does.
"Because of your positive attitude and example, Jonny never gives up," it read. "Thank you, John Cena. You are one of Jonny's special stars."
The day didn't end when the cameras went off. Cena spent time after the show talking with Jonathan about everything going on in WWE. Jonathan also got a chance to do something he forgot on Monday, getting the former WWE Champion to sign his blue autograph book.
Jonathan's appearance on "Good Morning America" will also get him a reward he's very excited about: his Cub Scouts media badge.
Still, at the end of his time with the WWE Superstar, he was a little sad. Jonathan's mood picked up when he was reminded that he'd be seeing Cena again in just a few weeks for Raw 1,000.
Eight years and 300 wishes later, Cena says meeting each and every child with a life-threatening medical condition through the Make-A-Wish is a special event.
“It felt very good to accomplish the milestone of 300 wishes,” he explained. “In the same realm of Raw hitting its 1,000th episode, it truly is just a foundation. Today was a fantastic day, but no greater or less important than any other wish I’ve been able to be a part of.”
Cena granted his milestone 200th Wish in December 2010 – an achievement six years in the making. In 2009, Cena received the foundation's Chris Greicius Celebrity Award for his dedication to granting wishes. He also serves on Make-A-Wish's Wish Ambassador Council and assists in expanding wish-granting outreach across the United States. Overall, WWE has granted close to 4,000 wishes with Make-A-Wish in more than 25 years.
“That’s what’s special about what we do here in WWE. We offer excitement, we offer entertainment. We offer a positive atmosphere. To an everyday member of the WWE Universe, that is special when you’re a kid or a family that’s up against it,” Cena said.
“You can’t underestimate the power of positive thinking. It’s something as simple as that that maybe could get someone through a day.”
For more information about Make-A-Wish, visit wish.org.