Biliary Atresia Patient Jarrius Robertson To Be Honored by WWE Hall of Fame

At the 25^th Annual ESPY Awards hosted by ESPN in July, 15-year old biliary atresia patient Jarrius Robertson received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. He was introduced to the stage by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Superstar John Cena.

Yesterday, Robertson learned that he’ll be honored again, this time by the WWE. At the 2018 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on April 6, he will become the fourth recipient of the Warrior Award.

Named after WWE Hall of Famer The Ultimate Warrior, The Warrior Award is presented to an individual who has exhibited “unwavering strength and perseverance and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of The Ultimate Warrior.” Robertson, a double liver transplant survivor and lifelong WWE fan, certainly fits the bill.

Biliary atresia is a chronic liver disease in which the bile ducts do not have normal openings. As a result, a buildup of bile causes permanent damage to the liver. The rare disease has been the root of Robertson’s frequent hospital stints; He received his first liver transplant at the age of 1, and he once spent a full year in a coma.

“I can’t believe I have been chosen to be the 2018 Warrior Award recipient,” said Robertson in a press release. “Being honored by WWE means the world to me. I feel very blessed.”

The WWE Hall of Fame ceremony takes place annually on the Saturday night before Wrestlemania, which is widely known as the company’s biggest event of the year. Previous recipients of the award have included pediatric cancer patient Connor Michalek, former Good Morning America co-host Joan Lunden, and former Rutgers University football player Eric LeGrand.

“Jarrius has shown immeasurable amounts of courage, strength and positivity during the hardest of times. His infectious smile and personality light up any room, with no one the wiser of the pain he could have been enduring at any given moment,” said Stephanie McMahon, WWE Chief Brand Officer. “His determination to help others fight their toughest battles and his work to bring awareness to organ donation make him a true Warrior, and the perfect recipient of this year’s award in his hometown of New Orleans.”

With his motto “It takes lives to save lives” being shouted at every stop, Robertson has made his presence known on the sports world over the past two years. In addition to his recognition at the ESPYs and with the WWE, he was signed also signed to a contract as the official “hype man” for his favorite football team, the New Orleans Saints, and he played in the 2017 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game.

“It is a privilege to present Jarrius with this year’s Warrior Award at the WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony,” said Dana Warrior, widow of The Ultimate Warrior, who will present him with the honor. “He lives everyday with the Warrior spirit and is an inspiration to people of all ages.”