By Diane M. Moore
Amid the loss of peopleÂ’s faith in humanity there are some who remind us that kindness still exists. Jack Patterson is one of those people.
Patterson is best known for holding exhibition wrestling matches once a year as a fundraiser for someone battling cancer to help make their life a little easier. That kindness is now being returned to Patterson who went through a double lung transplant in September.
Kenneth Wheeler, who wrestles under the name Chase Hansen, has taken part in many of the matches Patterson has hosted and is now hosting this event for Patterson.
“I have known Jack since I was five years old, this is the least I can do,” said Wheeler. “This is helping someone who has helped so many others. I named it “Alleviation” because we hope it will alleviate some of the burdens Jack is facing.”
Patterson is in Gainesville at Shands after undergoing the transplant where he and his wife, Holley, are living in an apartment close to his doctors and the hospital during his recovery. Meanwhile, they are also paying the mortgage on their home in Panama City, as well. Funding two separate homes is a financial hardship which the monies raised from the event will help subside.
“It is hard for us to continue to do both for the foreseeable future,” said Patterson. “My wife isn’t able to work right now because I need her help here in Gainesville. Even with the discount through Shands, it is really expensive to stay here.”
There is not enough gratitude for the ones hosting the event according to Patterson.
“Thank you for helping me,” he said. “Without good people, this world wouldn’t be anything. I am so thankful for these good people in my life.”
Patterson began hosting the wrestling matches in 2015 after his sister was diagnosed with cancer and has hosted one event per year since.
“Everyone needs help sometimes, I am happy to help in any way that I can,” said Patterson.
Wheeler says that 100 percent of funds raised will go directly to Patterson.
“The wrestlers are donating their time, businesses are giving prizes for a raffle and concessions are being donated,” said Wheeler. “That way we have no overhead and all of the money can go to help Jack.”
A portion of the show will honor and pay respect to PattersonÂ’s former tag team partner, Robbie Flowers who recently passed away.
Patterson doesnÂ’t know if he will be able to make the event or not yet.
“I am hoping to be able to make it,” he said. “I just don’t know where I will be in the recovery process.”
The Alleviation Jack Patterson Benefit event is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 26, at the Possum Palace in Wausau. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and bell time at 7 p.m.. Tickets are $10 with children six and under for free.
COLLIN BREAUX 
Staff Report