Teen’s life to inspire

BRYCE McKiernan’s story is one of those rare issues that has unified our community.

The 15-year-old’s plight and his resilience while suffering the rare genetic kabuki syndrome seems to have touched the hearts of almost everybody he meets.

From the Geelong Cats to the Wiggles, Jamie Oliver to MasterChef judges, Bryce has met and won over a collection of his heroes — even being granted the rare honour of photobombing the Cats’ official team photo shoot earlier this year.

Bryce’s family and friends — and in particular Geelong hospital staff — have ensured that the infectiously happy teen has been able to jam-pack a lifetime of memories into his short years. In fact, he has attracted the attention of celebrities and sportspeople most people only dream about meeting.

This Sunday the avid wrestling fan will meet his biggest hero yet when he is granted a private meeting with US pro wrestling superstar John Cena.

Cena, who has won millions of fans worldwide as a wrestler, rapper, movie star and TV host, was touched by Bryce’s lifelong health battle and his love of wrestling. He will get to meet the brave teen in the flesh before his appearance in Melbourne on Sunday.

It will be a special moment for the entire McKiernan family — Bryce discovered his love of wrestling while watching it with his dad and brother — and comes as his health rapidly deteriorates.

With each amazing experience, Bryce is creating a memory not only for himself but for those he will leave behind.

The outpouring of community support, fundraising and starpower the youngster has attracted speaks to his ability to touch the hearts of people.

Bryce inspires us all to be better people. He brings out the best in others and unites a community through his resilience and courage.

Bryce McKiernan will leave a mark on this community that will last long after he leaves us. It is an amazing legacy.