A Community Helps Ailing Mother Watch Son Wrestle At State
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- A dream came true for a Minnesota family at the state wrestling tournament, even when the odds weren't in their favor.
Julie Deslauriers of Canby, Minn., has ALS and doctors have given her a year to live.
Her son, John, made qualified for the state wrestling tournament at 170 pounds.
"It's been my dream ever since I was in kindergarten," he said.
But Julie didn't think she'd be able to go.
Then donations poured in from all over -- from family, friends, and even complete strangers.
"I don't want to say it because I'm a macho guy, but I cried," John said.
A hotel room was booked and suite was secured at the Xcel Energy Center.
"I saw his first match and now I get to see the end," Julie said.
When the moment finally came, John wrestled hard, but came up short.
But, in so many other ways, he won.
"This was my year to go and my mom was here to watch me," John said.
