Triple H and his wife Stephanie McMahon founded Connor’s Cure in 2014 to honor late WWE fan, Connor Michalek. The Pittsburgh-based fund supports pediatric cancer research and families worldwide.Connor was diagnosed with medulloblastoma at age 3. He inspired the WWE fraternity through his unbreakable courage and unforgettable connection to his hero and retired professional wrestler, Daniel Bryan.The Connor’s Cure initiative partnered with UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, and later with The V Foundation. Together, they could fund groundbreaking pediatric cancer research, including studies on DIPG [childhood diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma] and solid tumors.Through these futuristic efforts, Connor’s Cure has raised more than $4.6 million and helped over 500 families worldwide since its launch in April 2014.
Stephanie McMahon and husband Triple H founded Connor’s Cure to honor Connor Michalek
Connor’s Cure was inspired by Pittsburgh native Connor Michalek. When he was 3 years old, he was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a tumor of the brain and spinal cord. He received a lifetime amount of radiation and underwent several surgeries. Doctors gave him a 0% chance of survival. He began clinical trials.In October 2012, a YouTube video of Michalek went viral in which he requested to meet his hero, then-WWE professional wrestler Daniel Bryan.Hundreds of people joined a Facebook group called “Help Connor meet Daniel Bryan.” Within 2 days, then-WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon responded that Bryan would meet Michalek.Twice, they met – once in December 2012 and a second time in October 2013. Michalek became a regular fixture at subsequent WWE events. WWE invited him to WrestleMania XXX. He scored a pinfall victory over Triple H and saw Bryan win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in early April 2014.In late April 2014, Michalek passed away at the age of 8. He left a lasting impression on everyone he met in the WWE sphere. He was known for a quick wit and infectious grin. He melted even the toughest hearts of the WWE superstars and divas.Stephanie McMahon and her husband Paul Levesque became passionate about pediatric cancer research after meeting WWE superfan Connor “The Crusher” Michalek.A month after Connor passed away, Paul “Triple H” Levesque and Stephanie McMahon founded Connor’s Cure fund at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh to honor his irreplaceable spirit.The WWE and Connor’s Cure raise funds to support pediatric cancer research. Donations to Connor’s Cure fund pediatric brain and spinal cancer research and medical care for children and their families.In 2016, Connor’s Cure raised almost $1 million. That same year, Connor’s Cure and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh grew their partnership by joining forces with The V Foundation for Cancer Research. This partnership continued to drive research breakthroughs so no child would suffer as much as Connor Michalek did.Following The V Foundation’s partnership, support from the Connor’s Cure fund expanded nationwide to additional prominent researchers and cancer centers desperately seeking a cure for pediatric cancer.The UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh was named to the prestigious U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals Honor Roll for 2026-2027.The hospital earned a place in the nation’s top 10 pediatric hospitals.The hospital also ranked in all 11 pediatric specialties surveyed. The hospital leads the nation in pediatric care, research, innovation, and education.
WWE and The V Foundation advance the fight against childhood cancer
The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, announced $16.2 million in funding awarded to 18 exceptional scientists through its Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund.Vitale and WWE have combined their efforts to fund three pediatric V Foundation Translational Grants totaling $1.8 million. Of that amount, Vitale and WWE contributed $900,000.Translational Grants are three-year awards totaling $600,000. They support bench-to-bedside research. Two of the grants will fund studies related to DIPG [childhood diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma], a universally fatal brain cancer. The third grant will fund research for solid tumors in children.“We’re thrilled to team with Dick Vitale to help further critical research and studies that are necessary in the fight against pediatric cancer,” Stephanie McMahon said via The V Foundation website.“Through WWE’s partnership with The V Foundation and in honor of Connor Michalek, we are committed to continue helping find a cure and will not stop until we do.”“Words cannot describe the excitement and joy I am feeling learning that Stephanie McMahon and her WWE team have united with us in providing funding that will play a vital role in battling pediatric cancer,” Dick Vitale said.“It is simply amazing what they are doing to attack the cancers that have caused nightmares for many youngsters and their families. These grants are made possible by the generosity of WWE and the kindness and generosity of those who have donated to our gala.We feel confident that these research grants will make a difference in the outcome for children with cancer.”The V Foundation has awarded more than $250 million for cutting-edge cancer research, holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, and is among the top 3% of all charities evaluated.WWE has also produced the “Support Tomorrow’s Superstars” campaign for pediatric patients undergoing treatment, supporting children fighting cancer.
