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This week, I was given good news and then bad news in my mail. I have been trying to put into thought the words that could express my feelings toward both.
It is with a sorrowed heart that I send the news out about John Tenta to you readers that have not been informed. John was recently diagnosed with more problems with cancer. He has been given little hope to live and is to undergo lots of chemo treatments during the next few weeks.
This is from a post that was on Wrestlecrap by John...
John Tenta announced yesterday on the Wrestlecrap website's message board that he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and has been given 13-18 months to live as a result of the discovery of a new tumor in his left lung, as well as two enlarged lymph nodes found in his heart. Tenta is going in for chemotherapy beginning today for a four-day session that is slated to be first of many.
The following statement was made by Tenta on the Wrestlecrap message board:
"I'm not giving up, and hope to of course live longer, but that is what I've been told, and that it is incurable. I don't really know what else to say, it really caught me off guard. I'll try to keep you posted, but no guarantees folks. Thank you for all your kind support, and may God bless you all."
John's ring names include (to the best of my knowledge), Kototenzan (Japan Sumo), The Canadian Earthquake (WWF), Earthquake (WWF), Avalanche (WCW), Shark (WCW), and Golga (WWF)
Please remember John in your prayers as he gave the world of Wrestling and Sumo his all, and only asked for your applause in return.
On a brighter note, Juan Hernandez … Mr. Karate, a personal friend of mine, is to be honored in New Orleans. This is the official news release that was sent to me.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brad Gemeinhart
918.584.2481 ext. 418. [email protected]
Juan Hernandez Named One of the
2004 Ten Outstanding Young Americans
TULSA, OKLAHOMA - The United States Junior Chamber (Jaycees) is pleased to announce that Juan Hernandez has been named as one of the 2004 Ten Outstanding Young Americans. The presentation of the 66th annual black-tie awards ceremony will be held September 18, 2004, in New Orleans, Louisiana at the Radisson Hotel.
The career of Juan Hernandez, 38, is filled with a variety of professional achievements. A former world karate champion and U.S. heavyweight champion wrestler, Hernandez' athletic career ended with a fall and a broken neck. Hernandez became a minister after the injury, wanting to give back to others from his joy at still being able to walk.
Meeting and marrying Stella, Hernandez became an instant devoted father and grandfather to Stella's family. When the youngest grandchild, Alicia, was killed in an accident, Hernandez and his wife were devastated, but determined to honor Alicia's memory. They started a food pantry called Alicia's House with the goal of helping alleviate hunger within the south suburbs of Chicago.
Alicia's House provides food at no cost to low income residents of Crete, Beecher, Steger, Monee, University Park, and Peotone, Illinois. In 2002, the first complete year of operation, Alicia's House fed 1,563 families, 4,062 individuals, and distributed 74,245 pounds of food. By the end of 2003, Alicia's House fed 3,755 families, 9,844 individuals, and distributed 147,800 pounds of food while being open only one day a week for two hours.
Hernandez' service to others doesn't stop with Alicia's House. He is a member and serves on the Board of the South Suburban Resource and Hunger Network and makes numerous appearances visiting children with cancer at Camp Quality, All God's Children Camp, the Make a Wish Foundation, and the American Cancer Society. He is an Associate Pastor at New Life Family Christian Center and also serves as Chaplain for the Peotone Police Department.
Inducted into the 2002 Hall of Fame of The Cauliflower Alley Club, a prestigious club made up of wrestlers, boxers, and martial artists. This honor is only given to the best of the industry.
Hernandez is widely recognized for his work on behalf of the communities in the south Chicago area. Hernandez, his wife Stella, and their three children Donny, Kimberly, Vicki, and 4 grandchildren Amanda, Anthony, Gianna, and Dominick reside in Beecher, Illinois.
The Ten Outstanding Young Americans program (TOYA) is one of the oldest and most prestigious recognition programs in America. Annually since 1938, The United States Jaycees has sought out the ten young men and women who best exemplify the finest attributes of America's youthful achievers.
The TOYA selection process begins in the spring of each year. Following the submission deadline, all nominations are forwarded to a panel of screening judges who, working independently, select and rank their top twenty choices. The top twenty point getters become the finalists. The finalists' nominations are forwarded to a panel of finalist judges who rank their top ten choices. The task of judging the nominations is arduous.
Each nominee's accomplishments and contributions are also judged in relation to the Jaycee Creed: "That earth's great treasure lies in human personality, and that service to humanity is the best work of life" and they must meet certain qualifications: age (21-40, inclusive), American citizenship (or application therefore), and agree to attend the TOYA Awards Ceremony.
Certainly, a better man couldn't have been elected to this gathering. I hope that he comes out number one in the country. The second annual golf outing grossed over $10,000 to feed the hungry.
Saying THANK YOU to JUAN for all that he has done to help others just doesn't seem like it's enough. I am wonderfully happy that he and Stella are my friends.
If you would like to send something to help Alicia's house continue the great work they are doing, the mailing address is P.O. Box 1232 Beecher, IL 60401.
Percival A. Friend, Retired
The Epitome of Wrestling Managers
2004 CAC Honoree
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