Stephanie McMahon isn’t actually a villain. She just plays one on TV.
Fans of World Wrestling Entertainment are familiar with her disdain of certain in-ring performers. Almost as well known, especially after meeting Hampton native Connor Michalek, is her support of pediatric cancer research and care.
Furthering that resolve, WWE announced Thursday that Ms. McMahon, the company's chief brand officer and a part-time on-air television character, has been named to the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation board of trustees.
Ms. McMahon and WWE became involved with the hospital after meeting 8-year-old Connor, who was battling a rare tumor affecting the brain and spinal cord.
Connor was invited backstage to a WWE show at Consol Energy Center in 2013, and attended Wrestlemania, the company's signature event, in New Orleans in April 2014. He got the chance to meet many of his heroes, including wrestler Daniel Bryan, who captured the WWE world heavyweight title that night. With confetti falling in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and more than 70,000 fans cheering them on, Mr. Bryan celebrated the main event win with his biggest fan.
Connor died three weeks later. He was the first-ever recipient of the company’s “Warrior Award” earlier this year. His father, Steve, accepted the honor during WWE’s Hall of Fame ceremony in March.
Shortly after Connor’s death, Ms. McMahon and her husband, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, helped launch “Connor's Cure,” a fund dedicated to furthering pediatric cancer research at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.
Since then, Ms. McMahon, who also sits on WWE’s board of directors, has been a constant adviser, said Greg Barrett, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation president.
“I don’t think there’s a week that’s gone by where she’s not talking to a member of my staff,” Mr. Barrett said.
In a release, Ms. McMahon said she's “extremely humbled and privileged” to join the board.
“Connor Michalek had such a profound impact on so many people, including my husband and me,” Ms. McMahon said. “Through the tremendous work at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, I hope we can help find a cure for pediatric cancer, and ensure no other child has to endure Connor’s fate.”
Aside from her role in the boardroom and on TV, Ms. McMahon is the daughter of Vince McMahon, the majority owner and chairman of WWE. Her husband, Mr. Levesque, is an on-screen character and part-time wrestler who helps oversee the company’s talent and live events.
“Stephanie is someone, with her business background, who can bring great benefits” to the foundation, Mr. Barrett said.
WWE programming reaches more than 650 million homes and is broadcast in 35 languages, according to its corporate website. Its flagship show, “Monday Night Raw,” is the longest-running weekly episodic program in the U.S., debuting in 1993.
“We’re thrilled to have someone of her stature, nationally and internationally, that understands what Children’s Hospital is doing,” Mr. Barrett said.
The foundation, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, serves as the primary fundraising arm for Children’s Hospital. Ms. McMahon, her husband and her parents have all made personal contributions in the past, Mr. Barrett said.
Members of the foundation’s board serve three-year terms. Its more than three dozen members include Howard Hanna, CEO of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services; Arthur Levine, dean of the Pitt Medical School; and Sylvan Holzer, PNC bank president.
Mr. Hanna said Ms. McMahon’s stature and name recognition opens the door for fundraising opportunities outside the Pittsburgh region.
“We’re excited that she accepted,” said Mr. Hanna, who also is chairman of the Children’s Hospital’s board of trustees. “She’s going to be a great addition.”
First Published: July 30, 2015, 3:24 p.m.
Updated: July 30, 2015, 4:23 p.m.
