Felicia Carraway - Special to the Sun

Eight year old Reed Brown had the ultimate wish come true. In November, Reed and his mother and father, Lindsey and Chris, were flown to Wichita, Kansas, to meet his favorite World Wrestling Entertainment wrestler, Rey Mysterio. The Make-A-Wish Foundation granted this wish for Reed because he has been battling leukemia, a life-threatening disease, for almost two years.

In February, 2006, Reed was a six year old first grader at Woodrow Wallace Elementary school. Lindsey said Reed had unexplainable fevers and painful feet for some time and she brought him to see Dr. Nancy Boyd, a physician in the Kern River Valley. Because of Reed’s symptoms and his extremely low red blood cell count, Dr. Boyd felt Reed needed a blood transfusion and had to be taken to the Fresno Children’s Hospital right away. Reed was diagnosed with leukemia the next day. He spent ten days in the hospital and had to undergo numerous treatments. Although his parents are no longer together, the two banded together in support of Reed during this difficult time. While at the hospital, a representative for the Make-A-Wish Foundation visited Reed and asked what his one true wish would be. Reed wanted to meet Rey Mysterio, a WWE Superstar.

Reed Brown, 8, with his favorite WWE wrestler “Rey Mysterio.”

His health much improved and now in third grade, Reed was happily surprised last November when his family received a phone call from the Make-A-Wish Foundation informing him his wish had been granted. They were receiving an all-expenses paid trip to Wichita, Kansas to see a televised event and meet Rey Mysterio personally on November 15. The foundation paid for the family’s entire trip, including airfare, lodging, transportation, and meals, as well as $800.00 spending money. Reed was ecstatic and could not wait for his special day to arrive.

On the flight from LAX to Dallas, the flight attendant was informed of Reed’s wish and he was given the exciting opportunity to sit in the pilot’s seat and wear the pilot’s hat. He also got plenty of free snacks. On the plane to Wichita, several wrestlers were on their way to the event. After learning of Reed’s reason for being on the flight, the wrestlers paid special attention to him and the family was introduced to many Superstars of the WWE. One Superstar, Tommy Dreamer, met the family in baggage claim and introduced them to more wrestlers. In Wichita, Reed and his parents were given a limo and driver to chauffeur them around the city. They visited the Wichita Zoo, museum, and experienced the finest dining the area has to offer. Upon learning of Reed’s reason for being in Wichita, many restaurants graciously allowed Reed and his parents to eat for free.

A very excited Reed and his parents met with Mysterio for over an hour while the wrestler answered all of Reed’s questions, signed autographs, handed out merchandise, and posed for pictures. Another boy, eleven year old Jesus Lepe, of Independence, Oregon, was getting his wish to meet the wrestler granted as well. Mysterio revealed his reasoning for wearing a mask as being part of the Mexican wrestling tradition. Reed received a shirt, necklace, and signed photographs from Mysterio. Reed also bought himself an authentic WWE Championship belt.

After the meeting, Reed, Lindsay, and Chris went to a pizza parlor and made signs for the wrestling match. Once at the venue, the family had ringside seats and sat directly behind the announcers. Mysterio is part of WWE’s SmackDown, which televises a certain group of wrestlers on Thursday nights. Mysterio won the match against Mr. Kennedy using his signature moves such as 619 and West Coast Pop. Reed was overjoyed to see his favorite wrestler win such an intense match.

The family later realized Reed had a few seconds of fame on television when they watched a recording of SmackDown. After their experience, both Lindsey and Reed have become greater fans of WWE. Reed received numerous WWE presents for Christmas.

According to an article on WWE’s web site, written by Katie A. Raymond, Mysterio was 'genuinely surprised and flattered' that Reed’s wish would be to meet him. Mysterio said, 'It definitely makes you feel special knowing that kids pick you as their favorite.' To see the complete story and view pictures taken by WWE photographers, go to http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/circleofchampions/reyjesusreed. For more information on Rey Mysterio, visit http://www.wwe.com/superstars/smackdown/reymysterio/bio/.

This once-in-a-lifetime event did much to raise Reed’s spirits and will be a memory he will always cherish. Although his health has improved, Reed still requires chemotherapy treatments once a month until 2009 at the Fresno Children’s Hospital and has to take medication every day. In a special collection drive, pop tabs from cans are being collected for redemption in the Ronald McDonald Pop Tab Collection Program through the Fresno Ronald McDonald House. The funds received for Reed from the pop tabs help to offset the cost of Reed’s treatment. One pop tab equals three-and-a-half seconds of chemotherapy for Reed. The program normally provides funding for the Ronald McDonald House, a place families of hospitalized children can stay and be close to the hospital where their child is receiving treatment. Those interested in collecting and donating pop tabs can contact Ethel Eubanks at Gibson’s Garage in Bodfish. For more information on the Ronald McDonald House Charities, visit www.rmhc.org.

According to the Make-A-Wish website, the foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Many children are nominated by medical professionals, parents, or themselves. In Reed’s case, a representative was at the Fresno Children’s Hospital and felt Reed would benefit from a wish. To learn more, visit www.wish.org.

The family would like to add their gratitude and appreciation for all of the support and prayers they have received for Reed as they have been a great help in his healing.

Bunny Woods contributed this story