'Laying the SmackDown' on Leukemia: Wrestling event to benefit 5-year-old boy

CRANSTON, R.I. (WJAR) — About 40 professional wrestlers are getting in the ring Saturday in honor of five-year-old Lorenzo Neri, who is in remission from leukemia.

The fundraiser, “Watch This Fight Orange,” also promises to raise awareness about “laying the smackdown” on the disease, as well as showing Lorenzo a good time that’s off the ropes.

“He’s looking forward to it,” Lorenzo’s father, David, told NBC 10 News.

David, who is a Cranston firefighter and lives with his family in Glocester, said his son was diagnosed March 26. Since then, Lorenzo has undergone various treatments, including several types of chemotherapy, Lumbar punctures, as well as steroids.

“Every three weeks, he goes on a dose of steroids and that kind of knocks him out for the week,” David said.

But Lorenzo is staying strong, as he is taking karate lessons. He also has a positive outlook.

“His spirits are very high,” David said. “At his last karate class, he did 25 pushups, no problem. Sometimes, you can’t even tell he’s sick. Two weeks before that, he was on steroids and he was hurting, but he bounces back. It’s a big roller coaster. The good news is that the success rate is very good, but it’s a long road. There are a lot of ups and downs.”

To help Lorenzo and his family, Nic Carcieri, who works with David at the Cranston Fire Department, spearheaded the event.

“When I heard about Lorenzo and what was going on, we decided to organize the show,” Carcieri, who also founded “Watch This Fight Wrestling,” said. “It’s not only about the money. It’s really about giving Lorenzo a day to have fun, be a kid and just forget about cancer.”

The event will include six wrestling matches, a brief intermission, followed by a 30-man “Lorenzo Neri Rumble.”

“The main event is the big rumble,” Carcieri said. “The winner of that will be the champion and win the belt.”

Carcieri said he’s grateful to the local independent wrestling scene, as they have stepped up to make the event possible. He said he held a similar show two years ago after the death of Providence firefighter Joe Vinacco.

Carcieri said Vinacco lost his battle with brain cancer, adding that “Watch This Fight” was Vinacco’s motto.

“He was sort of the inspiration for the show and we wanted to carry on his message,” Carcieri said. “The independent wrestling scene is a big family and we’re all coming together for one show.”

Ed Sherman, of Warwick, is one of the wrestlers taking part in the rumble. He said he is “truly honored” to play a role in helping others, especially a child in need.

“I've had family members struggle and survive from leukemia, so I've seen first-hand what this can do to a kid, let alone his family, so to try and help in any way means the world to me,” Sherman said. “Beyond that, it's also great to show what the local wrestling scene is all about. It's like being part of a big family. So, to help someone near our family is worth everything we do in and outside the ring.”

Other wrestlers include T Phoenix, Chris Cruise, “The Bionic Badass” Brian Albertson, “The Saturday Night Delight” Vinny Abruzzi, Theodore J. Liftington, Pump-o-licious, The Old School Icons and more.

David and his wife, Rebekah, who is a Cranston police officer, said they appreciate everyone’s efforts.

“There are people out there that aren’t as lucky as we are. We see families that don’t get a lot of support and we want to make sure that we give back to The Tomorrow Fund clinic and families that need help,” David said, adding that his band often performs at charity events. “I’m usually on the other side of this, so for people to be helping us, it’s very heartwarming but also it’s very humbling. The assistance is great and we are lucky enough to be able to give back and look out for others, too.”

The event will take place at Chop Shop Part 2 at 25 Conant St. in Pawtucket from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission is $10. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

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