Saoirse lives with Renal failure and is currently undergoing hemodialysis three days per week, as she awaits a kidney transplant. In May of this year, Saoirse’s condition worsened, and she had to transition from Peritoneal to hemodialysis , a life-saving treatment for individuals with severe kidney failure. She spent two months receiving treatment during that transition in Temple Street hospital.
Throughout her treatment, one thing that helped her remain strong was her love for the WWE and her favourite wrestlers. Saoirse watched WWE events with her dad, Gary, growing up, and they share a passion for wrestling. Saoirse told us she is inspired by the wrestlers “never give up” attitude.
Whilst undergoing dialysis, Saoirse’s social worker Sarah and play specialist Rebecca recommended that the family apply for a wish. Her mum Stella wondered if she would be eligible, but as soon as Saoirse had the opportunity to make her wish, she told us all about her passion for the WWE. As luck would have it, Dublin was set the host its first ever WWE Friday Night Smackdown event in just a few weeks time..
Saoirse, alongside her parents and sister Shona, all travelled to Dublin on the eve of her wish and stayed in the Ashling Hotel. The next morning, they were picked up by Optimum Chauffeurs and whisked away to the 3Arena for an unforgettable day. Her mum Stella told us that Saoirse was “wired and buzzing with excitement as they got ready in the hotel.”
First up, Saoirse was in for an incredible surprise, as she and her family were brought backstage, where she got to meet Becky Lynch, Drew McIntyre and Chelsea Green. “We were all star struck, but Saoirse was unfazed. She walked over to the wrestlers and eagerly asked them about everything from their favourite wrestling move to their shared love of sausage rolls! She even brought her own action figures from home to get signed!”
Next, the family were shown to their ring-side seats to soak up the incredible atmosphere. Saoirse got to cheer on her favourite stars up close as they competed inside the ring and even got to hi-five Irish wrestler Seamus!
Saoirse is back at school now and proudly showed her signed WWE merch to all her friends. Her mum told us “She is delighted with life at the moment, it’s nice to have some good things happen for Saoirse as she has been through the mill the last couple of months.”
A huge thanks to the WWE and to volunteers Agata and Nabile for helping make Saoirse’s wish come true.
