Wrestling Community Needs To Come Together As Vinny Vespa Battles Cancer
Every so often, something happens that helps us keep our perspective …. provides clarity to the “big picture.” Sadly, our Section 9 wrestling community has been given such a reminder as we’ve recently learned that Monroe Woodbury wrestler Vinny Vespa has been diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma.
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that attacks lymphocytes, the cells that make up a person’s immune system. Stage 4 implies that the cancer has, unfortunately, not been detected early and it is rather advanced.
Fortunately for Vinny, he’s a wrestler. Wrestlers are physically and mentally the toughest athletes on the planet. Stage 4 lymphoma has no idea who he’s stepped on the mat against! Vespa is a 4X Youth Champion, 3rd at NHSCA MS Nationals, 3-year varsity starter, Kohl Tournament Champion, 2nd in S9, and a NYS tournament qualifier. Thanks in part to his trainer, John Rahn, Vinny is in tremendous physical condition. Monroe Woodbury head wrestling coach Steve Fischbein has said that “Pound for pound, Vinny is the toughest wrestler I’ve ever coached. “
Vespa also has a loving support system around him including a family that has not left his bedside. To help offset the astronomical costs associated with his treatment, the Friends of Section 9 and Forever Fierce will join forces and sell tee shirts that say “Vinny Vespa, BELIEVE .” All proceeds will go to the family. Information will be posted as it becomes available.
Stay strong Vinny….You’ve got this!!!
Vinny and Lisa..I’m so sorry to hear about your son Vinny. Stay strong…He can beat this….My prayers are with you…much love to all of you!
stay strong Vinny and God bless you I will keep you and your family in my prayers
The entire Saugerties Community and Wrestling program has your back Vinny! We have watched you battle throughout the year and you have turned some heads! This is just another faceless opponent in life and we wish you and the family all the best! Wrestlers never give up and I know from watching your matches you are a fighter kid. Remember that no matter what side of the mat your opponent is on we are all fighting with you brother! Section IX baby! Kick some ass Vinny!
There’s a lot of people in the corner of this match.
The c has picked the wrong kid. Vinny will tec this.
Thoughts and Prayers are with the Vespa family, stay strong Vinny!!!!!! Love The Smoot Family.
Vinny, our prayers are with you and your family. Stay strong – you will win this battle!
Love The Corradino Family.
We are all praying for you and your family. Stay strong and kick this cancers ass!!!
On behalf of the entire Warwick Youth Wrestling family, we just wanted Vinnie and the Vespa family to know they are in our thoughts and prayers. As in wrestling, Vinnie’s strength and willpower will help him in his fight against this opponent as in all his past ones on the mat.
Vespa Family, You are in out daily prayers! This is the toughest fight but with love and support of family & friends, you will beat it! Stay positive and strong! We Love You! XOXO
Stay Strong you can beat this!! Anything we can do we are here for you, sending prayers your way!! Love Cheryl and Sean Smith
This disease has no clue what it’s in store for… Stay strong Vinny! You are in our daily prayers!
Just wanted the Vespa family to know that on Friday night and Saturday morning the congregation of Monroe Temple Beth El prayed a misha beirach (prayer for healing) for Vin…..don’t worry team Vespa….WE GOT THIS ONE COVERED! Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours, stay strong we are here for you always.
From the Mullers!! Port Jervis /Tri-state wresting
Sorry to hear about Vinny!! Anything we can do to help let us know!! Prayers are sent your way!! xxoo
Stay strong Vinny you can beat this thing , Im praying for you man keep your chin up .
This thing doesnt know who it step in with lets go for the pin and the win.
HANG TIGHT VINNIE. YOU CAN BEAT THIS. YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN MY DAILY ROSARY. IF ANY ONE CAN INTERVENE ITS THE BLESSED MOTHER. LOVE THE MOLONEYS
The wrestling community is behind you !
MV youth program and coaches send their support and prayers.
Praying and sending you all our thoughts and well wishes….here’s to Team
VINNY V …STAY STRONG BRO…The Moskowitz Family
Thinking and praying for the Vespa family at this time….Here’s to:
TEAM VINNY V…STAY STRONG BRO
Stay strong Vinny, you have the support of all section 9 behind you and you are one tough kid!! We can’t wait to see you win a section title next year.#teamvinnyv
That’s the spirit!!!
Vinny – We are sending our prayers and our strength and encouragement to you. We love your family and if we can help in any way, know we are here for you however you need us. Thinking of you always…..Laurie, Jordan, Hailey and Andrew
Stay strong Vinnie….Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Vinny our prayers are with you.
THE POWER OF PRAYERS CAN BE HEARD ALL OVER THE WORLD! IF WE ALL TAKE 1 MINUTES IN OUR DAY TO SAY ONE FOR VINNY AND HIS FAMILY TO GIVE HIM STRENGHT THOUGH THESE TOUGH TIMES. AND WITH HIS HEART OF A LION AND WITH HIS FIGHT FOR LIFE THAT NOTHING CAN COMPARE TO. HE WILL BEAT IT! LISA AND VINNY IF THEIR IS ANYTHING YOU NEED DONT HESITATE TO CALL ME 646 418 8083 . MAY GOD GUIDE VINNY AND YOUR FAMILY THOUGH THESE TOUGH TIMES.
As a fan of Section 9, my thoughts and prayers will be with you. Great to see that you are covered in prayer, God promises that where 2 0r 3 are gathered in his name, there he will be. He is all over this. God Bless you and your family!
hang tough kid, you’re a wrestler with a heart of a champion, none stronger
There are angels among us. Vinny you have always been a role model for others to follow. I have and always will be proud of all you can do. Have faith. I do. You can do anything! Strength lies within us and you are doubly blessed with physical strength. I’m so glad you were my student. Love. Mrs. Chait
Dear Vinny and family,
The Purcells send you loads of prayers…. We have an unbelievable community..we will hold you up..God bless you all…debbie Purcell
My heart goes out to you and your family. I know that you do not know me but Keep strong and if you need a ride in anyway or any help email me. My children all attend Monroe Woodbury School. God Bless
Vinny,
We don’t know you personally but we do know and adore your Dad. We know how much you mean to him as he talks about you and wrestling ALL the time. We all care for you and your family and we will pray for your recovery. Stay strong!!! Warmest regards, Leslye, Paul, Jeremy and Max Joseph
Stay strong Vinnie, You got this!
to the vespa family: i will pray for your family and vinny everyday. hang tough; keep the faith; never quit; never even slow down. vinny, i hope you feel the love and prayers of the community and receive strength from it. may God bless you and keep you safe.
YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS!
There is a strength in numbers and you have a number of prayers! With Love
The Pesce Family
Vinny,
I know right now you must be pretty scared of this opponent coming up, but in all the years I’ve watched you wrestle never once did I ever see you back down from anyone or anything. Don’t back down!! The third and final period is always won by the wrestler with the most HEART!! Know in your heart and soul that you are loved by all of us and you will beat this GUY!!! We have your back now and always buddy. Love ya Vincent!!! Coach Bob V
God bless you vinny…stand strong as you always have. you can absolutely beat this. love and prayers from past VC wrestler and his mom.