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Support Swells For Naval Officer, Ex-Wrestler From LI Facing 'Toughest Fight Of His Life'
A Long Island father and naval officer in the fight of his life is finding an outpouring of support from the community.
Chris Araoz, of Massapequa, has been described as many things to those who know him best: a devoted father, a loving husband, a brave naval officer, and a fierce competitor on the wrestling mat at Columbia University.
Now, his family and friends are rallying around him as he faces "the toughest fight of his life," a rare and terminal brain cancer diagnosis.
“In this unimaginable moment, Chris’s wife, family, and friends have rallied around him, offering love, strength, a…
NYU Wrestling Captain Battles Brain Cancer With Unbreakable Spirit
Benny Bautista isn’t new to tough battles.
The 21-year-old captain of the NYU wrestling team and Paramus Catholic grad has spent years facing challenges on the mat. But now, Bautista, of Montvale, NJ, is up against something even tougher: Grade 3 Oligodendroglioma, a rare and aggressive brain cancer.
Despite the diagnosis that came just after New Year's, Bautista's unwavering spirit and selflessness have not faltered. For his teammates, Bautista is more than just a leader—he’s the glue that holds them together.
"When I think of altruism, I think of Benny," said Danny Lightfoot, team …
Wrestling Standout, 'Devoted' Father From Long Island Killed In Shooting 'Lit Up Every Room'
Support is building for the family of a young father and wrestling standout from Long Island who was killed in a shooting.
Lee Mauras, age 22, originally from Hempstead, was shot at around 2:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, in a parking lot in downtown Portland, Oregon, police told local station KATU. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities did not speculate on a possible motive for the shooting. No suspects had been arrested as of Tuesday, Oct. 8.
Mauras had recently moved to the Portland area to attend Clackamas Community College, where he had committed to wrestling in the upcomin…
