In Matt Cappotelli’s Tough Enough 3 victory speech in April 2002, he said, "All things are possible through Christ." The handsome MTV star went on to say that through faith he was standing at the victory podium that night. In a prophetic cadence, Cappotelli went on to tell his fans that he’d been through many trials and tribulations and knew there would be many more, however, he said, "through faith I’ll make it." As he faces the most serious trial of his 26 young years, being recently diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, WWE wrestler Cappotelli resolutely stands firm on the same faith that he spoke of that night and still believes, "All things are possible through Christ." A standout high school football player, Cappotelli went to college on the dream of continuing his athletic success but a knee injury dampened those plans. Well acquainted with pain but also with the virtue of perseverance, Cappotelli began training for a spot on MTV’s reality show, Tough Enough 3 where contestants train and vie for a contract with the WWE, World Wrestling Entertainment. Cappotelli emerged the winner of TE3 and immediately moved to Louisville, Kentucky to begin training with the OVW (Ohio Valley Wrestling), a sort of minor league training ground for the WWE. During an OVW match in December 2005, Cappotelli was knocked out cold in the ring and sent to a Louisville hospital, presumably suffering from a concussion. A CAT scan and follow-up MRI revealed that Cappotelli had a mass in his brain, a tumor. Understandably, he was pretty taken back by the news, especially, he adds, because he had absolutely no symptoms and was feeling great. Still, he has told his fans that he considers what happened to him in the ring that night a blessing, because without that trip the hospital he would not have known about the tumor. He took the next several weeks after the diagnoses to think things through and investigate his next steps before undergoing a biopsy on the tumor at the end of January. That biopsy confirmed the tumor as a grade 2 malignancy. "Grades 1 and 2 are relatively slow growing tumors but have the possibility of invading other surrounding tissues," Cappotelli explained. Word of his condition spread quickly among his fans and in early February 2006 Cappotelli entered the OVW ring and voluntarily relinquished his championship title in an emotional and inspirational speech. Holding back nothing, he allowed his fans and the world to share his angst over this trial but in a most expected manner (by those who know him), Cappotelli again shared his unwavering faith with the crowd and stood firm in his belief that God is in control and he will not fear. He quoted scripture and selflessly prayed for his fans, their private struggles and for them to come to knowledge of the Lord and receive the same peace that he is experiencing in the midst of his ordeal. While he cannot participate in the ring at this time, Cappotelli keeps busy working out in the gym. He says it is difficult to be away from his family (parents Gary and Martha and brother Adam Cappotelli) back home in Caledonia but says he is settled in the Louisville area, has the comfort and strength of his girlfriend, Lindsay and continues to feel well physically. "It’s difficult being away from my family. I know my parents are worried about me. The truth is, I worry more about my family than myself," He confessed. The initial recommendation is for surgical removal of the tumor, though Cappotelli says doctors have discussed with him the possible risks involved. He says he is taking his time, checking out alternative treatments and exploring all options before he makes a decision on what treatment plan he will undergo. When asked if he still believes "all things are possible through Christ," Cappotelli answered, "Completely, yes, it’s what keeps me going." To hear Cappotelli’s inspirational OVW speech in its entirety, click on the link below. http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/cappotelliovw
|
