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!!!