“Chicanito” & WBC Champs Help Bring HOPE

Exclusive: L.A. Boxers at CHLA event for young cancer fighters

Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez has been facing his own personal battle against cancer since last fall. Now in remission, the former World Boxing Council (WBC) Champion took time yesterday afternoon to inspire some youngsters battling their own courageous fights against this deadly disease.

Along with current fighters Alfonso Gomez, Chika Nakamura, Walter Sarnoi, Katarina De La Cruz, former boxers Mando Muñiz and Rodolfo “Gato” Gonzalez, the athletes participated in Childrens Hospital Los Angeles’ (CHLA) Celebrate Life with HOPE gala. This private event for childhood cancer survivors and their families was held at the legendary Paramount Studios in Hollywood.

Representing the boxing organization’s World Boxing Cares charity, Genaro, and fellow WBC Legends of Boxing Inductees Muñiz and Gonzales, teamed up with this group of popular L.A. fighters to bring a message of hope and inspiration to young kids, the littlest champs but surely the very bravest. Since 2006, Dr. Jose Sulaiman and WBCares’ Jill Diamond have paired boxers with youth centers, hospitals and orphanages to inspire kids worldwide. The boxing team at Sunday’s gathering were there to encourage the kids to keep up their fight to knockout cancer.

“Big champions supporting little champions” is the WBCares’ motto and the crew of boxers were happy to oblige the attendees at the outdoor carnival on the sprawling New York City backlot of the famed studio. The fighters–newly anointed WBC “Ambassadors of Goodwill”–signed photos and WBC certificates for the tots and posed for pics under perfect June weather at the HOPE (Hematology/Oncology Psychosocial and Education Program) festivities.

Genaro, Mando, and “Gato” had a blast posing in front of the massive blue screen at Paramount. This infamous blue sky and clouds backdrop was used in the filming of the blockbuster “Titanic” and also Jim Carrey’s “The Truman Show.” All of the boxers were thrilled to be on the hallowed grounds of the famous film and television studio, where everything from the 1920’s silent films starring Rudolph Valentino, to Elvis Presley “Girls, Girls, Girls,” to “The Godfather,” to TV classics “Happy Days” and “Mork & Mindy,” and decades more shows and movies have all been filmed here.

The kids, their parents and siblings were also treated to a surprise concert by pop icon Jessica Simpson. The bubbly, blonde performed a mini-concert for the fans, including her hit song “With You” (“Nothing but a T-shirt on…) and a beautiful rendition of “Amazing Grace.” The pretty singer thanked “all the angels” in the crowd and pledged her support for the children.

Besides the WBC team of boxers, and “Dukes of Hazzard” star Simpson, other VIP guests in attendance were J.K. Simmons (the dad in “Juno”), AVP volleyball star, the 6′ 2″ Jennifer Snyder, ChivaGirls from Chivas USA Soccer, the Disney Kids, Dodgers Derrel Thomas and Ken Landreaux.

Center fielder Landreaux and “Chicanito” hit it off at the VIP check-in and quickly formed a mutual admiration for each other’s athletic accomplishments. Landreaux holds the distinction of having caught the very last out in the 1981 World Series and was part of a historic lineup that included Steve Garvey, Steve Yeager, Fernando Valenzuela, Mike Scioscia, Ron Cey, Bill Russell, among others.

While Genaro reminisced with the baseball player about those glory days in L.A., Landreaux respectfully held Hernandez’s green championship belt with the gold WBC medallion. The Dodger was in awe of the belt and told “Chicanito” he remembers watching his past fights.

Genaro brought his adorable son Steven, 9, to join the kids at Sunday’s function. The boy proudly carried his father’s title belt as the other children excitedly reached out to touch the shiny metal. As many boxing fans know by now, “Chicanito” was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, usually found only in children. So joining the hospital staff, sponsors, and community of CHLA was a poignant opportunity to offer a message of hope to the kids that they, too, can beat cancer.

The former two-time junior lightweight champ, in remission, will continue his treatment in conquering the disease. Hernandez will be receiving a perseverance award from the Boxing Writers Association of America next week, and after that trip will head to Houston for further therapy.

But yesterday, after greeting fans, Genaro got the chance to just be a dad as he watched his son make it to the top of the rock climbing wall, play with kids in the bounce house, and enjoy treats including everything from Snow Cones, popcorn, pizza and ice cream to steak tacos, meatball sandwiches, spaghetti, and more.

The father and son also took in the expansive acreage of the studio lot were Disney Princesses, Star Wars characters, and the L.A. Kings hockey mascot all mingled with the children. A volleyball court, fun slide, carnival games, face painting, magicians, clowns, prop cars, photo booths with costumes, and live DJ also entertained the kids.

For the parents, exhibits promoting health and wellness, including blood donor and marrow match info were made available. During a break from helping out with the boxers, I met Mariela Castillo and Diana Cortez from the unique St. Baldrick’s Foundation. I was impressed with the noble actions of these volunteers. They explained that volunteers shave their heads to bring awareness to kids’ cancer research and the hope for a cure.

I also chatted with Richard Tate, from HopeLab, who created a DVD called “Re-Mission,” a game to help young people with cancer. “We’re taking technology and making it fun, and for the good of helping the kids,” he said.

As the event winded down, I toured the rows of vendor food booths and noticed long lines still formed at the pink Fry Girl’s booth where they offered throngs of families delicious hot mini donuts. Seeing the people waiting patiently for a taste of the yummy snack, I asked Shelley from the Fry Girl company how many donuts they served throughout the day. “We served over 3,600 donuts today!” she answered while handing out another batch of the fresh donuts to an eagerly awaiting patron.

The generous sponsors all donated their time, services, and products to ensure the children have a full day of carefree fun in the sun. “We have great sponsors and supporters; everyone donates their time and product,” CHLA Chair Albert Garcia tells me. “It’s amazing who has supported us! This is the largest event of its type in the country.”

Garcia, and all of the dedicated bunch of volunteers, cheerfully assisted the crowd who were united by their passion for bringing awareness to childhood cancer in hopes of finding a cure. CHLA’s Garcia explains, “I feel so passionate about this; I’ve been involved for over nine years now.”

The amiable Garcia is also a big boxing fan and speaks of Genaro’s own fight against cancer, “It broke my heart when I heard the news, but if anyone can win the fight it would be him! I am lucky to know him and spend quality time with Genaro. He comes by to visit the kids so often; that is something to admire. It’s a pleasure and honor to be acquainted with him.”

I, too, personally witnessed “Chicanito’s” dedication to the youngest patients. When he first arrived at the venue, Genaro had a large box of toys to present to kids he’s met at CHLA. Each gift had a post-it note with the child’s name on it–not too many people would find out exactly which toy the boys and girls desired, go out and purchase them, and then deliver them in person! He does not do it for publicity. He does it because he wants to make the children a little happier during the fight of their lives, something Genaro knows all too well.

During Sunday’s program, Garcia, and his colleague Claudia Thomas, escorted Hernandez and the WBC squad of boxers to the Radio 690 AM booth with host Mirthala Salinas where they were surrounded by youthful fight fans for more photos and autographs. As the boxing gang made their way back to the stage area, the kids playfully put up their dukes while meeting the professional fighters.

For “Chicanito,” Muñiz, Gonzalez, Gomez, Nakamura, Sarnoi, and De La Cruz, their weekend of volunteering at this outstanding cause was well worth the time. The elite group were all happy to donate their services and during the day formed a bond, as I saw them exchanging autographed photos with each other, shaking hands, sharing hugs, and group high-fiving with the kids at the HOPE party.

At the beginning of the day, volunteer Susan Rhoads had spoken to me about her anticipation of a wonderful day for the children. She said, “We all want them to defeat the disease.”

And at the end of the day, that was still the main focus, as the WBC group of boxers cheered on the kids to not only fight the battle, but to win the battle against cancer!

I am honored to have participated in this festive day with the boxers, celebrities, entertainers and most of all, the staff and children from CHLA.

A big thank you to the A-Team of fighters–You are all A-mazing!

Special thanks to WBCares’ Chair Jill Diamond and CHLA’s Chair Albert Garcia.

To my Co-Captain Kelli Freeman, and our Asst. Captains Steve Harpst and Alesha Reyes–A hardworking trio.

And to the very special children who continue to fight on–You bring HOPE to all of us, and you are my HEROES!!!

Photos by Michele Chong: The WBC Team of boxers at CHLA’s HOPE day; The festivities at Paramount Studios; Jessica Simpson serenades the crowd; Radio host Mirthala Salinas; Dodger stars, volleyball hero, J.K. Simmons, the Disney Kids and ChivaGirls; The brave young cancer fighters!