WAVE 3 TV Louisville, KY | Greg Page Foundation honors a child champion

Greg Page Foundation honors a child champion

By Marisela Burgos - bio | email
Posted by Charles Gazaway - email

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) – The legacy of a boxing legend came alive Friday night. In honor of Greg Page, championship boxing came back to Louisville. The event at Expo Five on gave boxing fans a chance to see fighters battling in the ring, but it also reminded them of a much bigger issue - the Greg Page Foundation’s mission to bring awareness to brain injuries and disabilities.

Page died just six months ago due to complications from an injury he suffered from a 2001 fight. During Friday night’s event, his foundation recognized 6-year-old Erica Hughes, a child that faced a similar challenge. When Erica was two, she was shot in the head, shoulder, and leg. She survived the shooting, but her mother did not. The Page family said the little girl is a champ just like their boxing legend. 

The foundation gave Erica the first annual 'Greg Page Spirit of a Champion Award'. It will go to a child that is fighting a disability or a brain injury. When Page was alive, Patricia Page said Erica made an impact with her husband. "He was there for a doctor’s appointment. He said, 'oh, hey cutie'. She came running to him. He wanted to take her home with him."

Because Page had a dream to help others, his family wanted to make sure his dreams become a reality. Dennis Page, Greg's brother, remembers when Greg Page told him that he wanted to help. "That's what he's always said. I want to do things for people with disabilities.  I want to do things for kids."

Greg Page's wish came true on Friday night. Not only is Erica taking home the 'Greg Page Spirit of a Champion Award', she will also be given a part of the proceeds from the nights event. 

"I think he'd be very proud that little Erica is being honored because she, like Greg, has the heart of a true champion," Patricia Page said.

The Page family wanted to inspire Erica and let her know she is not alone. "You keep being a little girl,” Dennis Page said. “There are other people out here that will help you fight your battle you just concentrate on growing up."

Copyright 2009 WAVE-TV and Raycom Media. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.