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WWE had a special relationship with Connor Michalek, the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania boy who passed away earlier this year at eight after years of living with brain cancer.
The sports entertainment company brought a lot of joy and relief to Connor and his family, and it's clear that the boy who gave himself the kayfabe character name Connor the Crusher touched the WWE family as well.
Today in Michalek's hometown, Stephanie McMahon and her husband, Paul "Triple H" Levesque announced the curation of a new charity, Connor's Cure.
Here's the official announcement from WWE:
WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon and WWE Executive Vice President of Talent, Creative and Live Events, Paul "Triple H" Levesque have announced the formation of "Connor's Cure," a charity that they have personally funded through Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation named in honor of Pittsburgh native Connor Michalek. Connor passed away at age 8 earlier this year from Medulloblastoma, a rare tumor that affects the brain and spinal cord. Donations to Connor's Cure will provide funds for pediatric brain and spinal cancer research, and medical care for children and their families.
Through the love of his family and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Connor persevered over his affliction. His fighting spirit made him a local celebrity in Pittsburgh, including getting Superstar treatment from both the Pittsburgh Pirates and WWE. Although Connor lost his battle to cancer, his message of light and love continue to thrive.
Donations can be made by visiting: www.givetochildrens.org/CONNORSCURE
WWE is in Pittsburgh to tape Smackdown tonight. Stephanie is doing press for the announcement prir to the taping.
We give the whole company a lot of grief about things, sometimes deservedly so, sometimes for silly stuff just because we're fans. Kudo to Levesque and McMahon for doing something very right for young cancer victims here.