Rebel’s Fourth of July post hit hard, because she wasn’t just celebrating the holiday. She was wondering if it might be her last one.
Rebel took to Instagram and shared a photo of herself watching fireworks while sitting in her wheelchair. It was a quiet moment, but the caption made it clear how heavy the night felt for her, as she isn’t even sure if this would be her last Fourth of July.
“Was this my last fourth of the July? I don’t know, but I got out of the house even though very difficult, just in case it was. These are the Cowboys conversations that are my norm now. #ALS can suck it”
Rebel revealed back on May 1 that she had been diagnosed with terminal ALS, and since then, AEW has made sure she knows she isn’t fighting alone. The company launched its Rebel Heart merchandise line on June 2, with 100% of profits going to organizations helping people affected by ALS. AEW also promoted the line on social media, writing:
“Join us in supporting a cause close to our hearts: #RebelHeart tee and bracelet – both available now on @ShopAEW in honor of @RebelTanea and #LouGehrigDay. 100% of profits go to @iamalsorg and @TeamGleason, benefiting those affected by ALS. @AEWTogether ❤️”
That support has shown up on TV too. At AEW Double or Nothing, several names were seen wearing red #REBELHEART wristbands, including Mick Foley during his first AEW appearance on the Buy In. Dustin Rhodes also shared a photo of one of the wristbands before the show and sent a simple message to Rebel: “Love you @RebelTanea”
AEW had already acknowledged Rebel on Collision after she went public with her diagnosis, with Tony Schiavone delivering an on-air message of support. Rebel later thanked AEW and the locker room for standing by her during such a difficult chapter.
This post was another reminder of just how real that fight is. Rebel still got herself out to see the fireworks, even though she admitted it was very difficult, because she doesn’t know how many moments like this she has left. It was heartbreaking, honest, and very Rebel. She didn’t sugarcoat anything, but she still made it out there anyway.
What do you think of Rebel’s emotional Fourth of July message? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
