Impact Wrestling makes dream come true for child battling incurable condition

The dream of a seven-year-old boy battling an incurable condition came true last week thanks to the stars and staff of Impact Wrestling.

Three years ago, Steven Spice of Toronto (Ontario, Canada) was diagnosed with an extremely rare and incurable condition known as Chiari malformation. The youngster has undergone a pair of major brain and spinal surgeries since, along with a battery of tests to determine further treatment.

"“Steven went from being a normal little boy to never being able to do what a lot of us take for granted. He will never be able to play contact sports, cannot overexert himself in any kind of physical education, no waterslides, no real playgrounds, no roller coasters, sometimes even getting out of bed is a challenge because of how he feels, but this little warrior never lets it stop him,” reads a social media post by his mom, Crystal.“Instead he faces all of the testing and surgeries and uncertainties head-on. He gives back to other children at Sick Kids Hospital, he runs his own toy drive, he’s an advocate against bullying, he runs backpack drives and raises awareness and funds to try and open the first Chiari malformation research foundation here in Canada at Sick Kids Hospital. He is a hero and inspiration in my eyes who has gone through so much in the last two years. But for two nights, Impact Wrestling allowed him to forget his worries and allow him to be a boy with a dream to be a wrestler. They are an all-star team with hearts of gold who went above and beyond anything we could have dreamed for our little boy who only is able to get through the dark days by watching wrestling.”"

According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Chiari malformations are a group of complex brain abnormalities that affect the area in lower posterior skull where the brain and spinal cord connect. The underlying anatomy of Chiari malformations is thought to be present at birth, although in many cases they may not become clinically apparent until adulthood.

In an interview, Cyrstal explained that her son’s love of wrestling helps him maintain a positive attitude through all the hardship he’s faced.

She continued by saying that there are days that Steven is too sick to get out of bed, days when his only outlet is professional wrestling. The youngster was once ashamed of his scar from surgery, she added, until WWE superstar John Cena helped boost his confidence.

Now, he wears it as a badge of his courage.

“Because of wrestling, he gathered the strength to never give up. When wrestlers lose matches, they keep getting up and keep fighting. He truly is an inspiration.”

At the Impact tapings in Toronto on Aug. 12 and 13, Steven and his family not only enjoyed VIP treatment at the venue, but the youngster also had a chance to accompany Joe Hendry to the ring for his match against Tyson Dux.

The Scottish star, a relatively new addition to the Impact roster, quickly formed a bond with the seven-year-old and has continued to reach out to the family in the days since to offer his support.

“What they did for our little guy means more than we could ever say. What Impact did and, more specifically, how Joe has taken him under his wing and has stayed in touch with him all the way from Scotland, means more to me as his mom than I could ever express,” Crystal said.

Her social media post includes heartfelt messages to both of the wrestlers.

To Dux: “Thank you for being such a great sport and hanging with our little guy. Thank you for helping bring a sparkle to his eyes. You have a fan for life.”

To Hendry: “Words cannot express how much everything you have done and are continuing to do for our little guy means to me, but more importantly Steven. From talking strategy to allowing him to sign an autograph all over your shirt, to holding him high up on the ring as the crowd cheered ‘Steven, Steven, Steven’ and sharing your special night and gift with him. You truly are a local hero and the prestigious one. Your support for him will never be forgotten and I am happy that he has a new special friend in you.”

She also thanked Ross Forman, head of media relations for Impact, and other company representatives for the warm welcome they received.

Steven also had a chance to pose for pictures with X-Division champion Brian Cage and Knockouts title-holder Tessa Blanchard and other Impact stars, such as Johnny Impact and the OGz. Photo Credit: Crystal Spice

“To all of the Impact family, you guys were all amazing with both of my little guys and I will always cherish the memories you created with us dear in my heart and can’t wait to see you all again soon.”

As the family left the first night of tapings, they were treated to a round of applause, with Steven excitedly handing out high-fives to his adoring new fans.

“This has been such an unbelievable experience for him. We’ll never forget it,” Crystal said.

All quotes obtained first-hand unless otherwise noted.