-- This article appeared in the Blackstone Valley section of the Providence Journal (Feb. 3,1999)
Wrestlers go to the mat to raise money for ill child
By SUMATHI REDDY
Journal Staff Writer
CENTRAL FALLS -- She's a little girl fighting for her life and the community is behind her every step of the way.
Natasha Puerta, 8, desperately needs a small intestine transplant. She is waiting for the day when her family receives the magic phone call that will whisk her and her family to the University of Nebraska Medical Center for a transplant operation.
When that day comes, the Puertas will be prepared, thanks to the outpouring of support they have received from the community.
The latest showing of generosity comes from Power League Wrestling, a nonprofit independent wrestling organization that raises money for charities in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. The group will hold a fundraiser for Natasha on Friday at Veterans Memorial Elementary School, 150 Fuller Ave.
The world title match will feature the champion, the Universal Soldier, versus Carlos Arenas, otherwise known as Shane Simmons, the American Eagle.
Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the event will kick off at 7:30 p.m., Arenas said.
Tickets will be $5 and can be bought at the door. All proceeds will go to pay for the Puertas' expenses when they are in Nebraska, Arenas said.
Natasha will be at the event. In fact, Arenas said she can't wait.
``When I called I spoke to her mother and she was so overwhelmed with all the help she's getting from people,'' Arenas said. ``She told me Natasha is a big pro wrestling fan. She can't wait.''
Meanwhile, in the neighboring city of Pawtucket, The Concerned Citizens ``Smile on a Child'' Committee is circulating a ``Note to Natasha.''
Mayor James E. Doyle will sign the card in his office today at 10:15 a.m.
The cost to sign the card is $5 and all money raised will be placed in Central Falls Credit Union as an educational scholarship for Natasha.
The card says: ``We love you Natasha. Get well soon,'' and it will be mailed to Natasha following her transplant operation in Nebraska.
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