OXFORD — Three years ago, doctors diagnosed Stephen Warren of Fryeburg with a glioma brain tumor, and now, as his family faces an uncertain future, the Ryan Michaels Colson Cares Foundation has stepped forward to host a pro-wrestling event to help bring a little brightness into the Warren family’s world.
On Nov. 7, at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, wrestling fans will have an opportunity to see pro-wrestling talent from all over New England in a charity event to benefit Stephen Warren’s family — in particular his two little girls, who are facing life without their dad at some point in the near future.
“People can expect three hours of non-stop action,” said event organizer Mike Turner. “It’s raising money for this family’s security. We’d like to see as many people come and cheer on the family as we can. Even if they don’t like wrestling, but know somebody who does, they can pass on a ticket.”
Tickets for the event are $12, and donations are welcome. Spectators can expect battle royales, championship matches, live music and photo ops with some of the wrestling talent, as well as with some of the cast of the History Channel’s Down East Dickering.
Some of the well-known names who will be participating in the evening’s events include 2011 Tough Enough runner-up Luke Robinson, WWE Hall of Famer “Mr. USA” Tony Atlas, and special guest general manager John Cena Sr. Of course, Ryan Michaels, founder of the Ryan Michaels Colson Cares Foundation, will be there, as well as other independent wrestling talent from as far away as New York. Tim and Greg Morin, Tony Bennett, “Codfish” and Bruce Thomas from Down East Dickering will also be on hand.
“We’re very excited,” said Jennifer Warren, Stephen’s mother, who said the distraction will be a welcome one. “We’re looking forward to a great night out. Family and fun, it’s really needed.”
When her son first received his diagnosis, doctors performed surgery, removing 75 to 80 percent of his stage 2 tumor. Unfortunately, though, it recurred with a vengeance, and now his prognosis is not good. His girls, Hailey, age 10, and Faith, age five, know that their time with their father is limited. Stephen’s mother will care for the children when the unthinkable happens.
“He underwent chemo and radiation earlier this year,” said Jennifer Warren. “Basically, it’s just a waiting game at this point. We’re thankful for anything they’re able to raise. Stephen has absolutely no income — no way to pay his rent, and that’s been an issue.”
Turner works with the Ryan Michael Colson Cares Foundation. Part of his job is to find families in need of assistance, and he found the Warrens via a Facebook page that a friend of the family had started for a smaller fundraiser they were planning. After researching the situation, they chose the Warren family as the beneficiary. Then they set out to find local sponsors for the show so that the costs were covered and all proceeds could go directly to help the family.
Turner said in addition to the talent for the family-friendly event, there will also be food available. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the event scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Now through Nov. 6, people can purchase four or more tickets for a reduced rate of $10 each. Children under 4 are free, as well as anyone with a physical disability. Presale tickets are available at Shaker Hill Outdoors in Poland, or by contacting Mike Turner at (207) 329-4375.
mjerkins@sunmediagroup.net
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