WWE Stars Visit Sick Children at Montefiore before Annual Summerslam Event

WWE Stars Visit Sick Children at Montefiore before Annual Summerslam Event
by David Greene

WWE superstars Becky Lynch, “Bayley,” Xavier Woods and “Big E” joined WWE ambassador Dana Warrior as the group paid a special visit to sick and chronically ill youngsters at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore in Norwood.

The special event was held at the Bainbridge Avenue hospital on Wednesday, August 16, as the wrestlers were busy preparing for and promoting the upcoming WWE SummerSlam, held at the Barkley Center in Brooklyn on Sunday, August 20.

Passing doctors and nurses were observed lingering, many taking cell phone photos of the wrestlers as they spoke with the children, poised for pictures and signed autographs.

Jhenlyva Vargas, 17, of Westchester meets WWE stars Kofi Kingston AKA "The New Day (left) and Big E (right) during a visit to The Children's Hospital at Montefiore.--Photo by David Greene

Jhenlyva Vargas, 17, of Westchester meets WWE stars Kofi Kingston AKA “The New Day (left) and Big E (right) during a visit to The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore.–Photo by David Greene

Jhenlyva Vargas of Westchester, who would turn 18 the following day, was obviously in a great deal of pain as she waited for her favorite wrestler, Kofi Kingston. Vargas perked up and even cried when she met the wrestlers.

Vargas said simply, “I am a big fan and it’s very nice they came here to visit.”

Vargas’ mom confirmed, “She is in pain, but she hung around because she wanted to take more photos.”

The event at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore capped off a week-long list of events to school’s and community centers around the New York City area by members of the WWE.

Arlene Aguirre, who was with her two boys, Carl and Clarence, both 15, said of the event, “This is great. I’m very excited for the kids. We were also here last year when they visited.”

WWE star Becky Lynch admires WWE shirt of Clarence Aguire, 15.--Photo by David Greene

WWE star Becky Lynch admires WWE shirt of Clarence Aguire, 15.–Photo by David Greene

Clarence and Carl have been continuing follow-up medical treatment, 13 years after coming from the Philippines, so doctors could separate the conjoined twin boys.

Both boys were observed smiling from ear to ear as they poised for a photo with Becky Lynch.

Rosie Arenas of Fordham was busy watching her daughter Dulce Maaria, 9, sharing a moment with Lynch. Arenas said of the event, “She’s so excited that they came to visit today. She’s happy when she attends their events and I enjoy them too.”

Lynch said after meeting with many of her fans, “This is amazing. All of the kids are so wonderful and have been so welcoming to us. And as happy as they are to see us, we are a million times more happy to see them.”

Advul Barrie, 7, gets a high-five from WWE star Bayley.--Photo by David Greene

Advul Barrie, 7, gets a high-five from WWE star Bayley.–Photo by David Greene

Lynch added, “It’s just been such a great day. We always felt at the WWE that our goal is to put smiles on people’s faces and we feel like were doing that today and they are definitely putting smiles on our faces.”

Megan Kelly of Montefiore Hospital said of the event, “The WWE superstars are visiting our pediatric patients today, we have kids of all ages with all kinds of diagnosis here. Many of our children are chronically ill or have life-limiting illnesses and there in and out of the hospital a lot so it’s really great for them to see that these talented folks have taken time out from their busy schedule for the Summer Slam this weekend on their day off and visit with them.”

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