Corey Jackson lives with Mason's Syndrome, a rare neurological condition that has already taken three of his siblings. The 18-year-old wasn't expected to live past 16, but has beat the odds, and won't allow his condition to stop him from enjoying life.
Jackson is a returning grad at Northeast Kings Educational Centre in Canning, N.S. Students know and love Corey for his positivity and ambition. He's already accomplished rock climbing and surfing, but Corey's latest goal is to watch his favourite team in person.
"To see Corey at a Toronto Maple Leafs game. I've never wanted my team to lose more than when I'm with Corey," says educational assistant (and Montreal Canadiens fan) Ted Champion.
The Toronto Maple Leafs recently sent Corey three tickets to attend a January game. The only problem is Corey needs help to cover his travel costs to Toronto.
"This has been on his bucket list for quite some time. He's always liked Toronto as far as I can remember and his room is plastered in Toronto Maple Leafs- he wears Toronto Maple Leafs gear every day!" explains educational assistant Tanya MacBride.
Corey has been working hard to raise the funds he needs to get to Toronto. Students and teachers at his school are offering up their support- even willing to wear a Montreal Canadiens jersey if enough money is raised.
"His love of life, to see him happy is my utmost intention and for him to have that struck off his bucket list of being actually there at an NHL game, to see the team that he loves and adores everyday, is worth anything I can do to help get him there," says Champion.
Northeast Kings hockey game on Friday night was dedicated to raising money for Corey. Fans were encouraged to wear white and Corey joined the teams on the ice for a ceremonial puck-drop. Some of the proceeds from the game went to helping Corey's dream vacation come true.
Corey and his classmates have designed these Maple Leafs ornaments as a way to say thank you to everyone attending the hockey game. The 18-year-old says he is touched by all the love from his community.
"Thanks- thank you to all the student body for everything and everyone who helped my dreams come true," says Corey Jackson.
A sincere message of gratitude from a fan who hopes his blue and white dreams come true.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Suzette Belliveau.
