Corey Groves’ dying wish is shake the hand of Los Angeles Lakers superstar Lebron James.
The 17-year-old Brampton boy has stage four sarcoma cancer and has been given a year to live.
He will be in Los Angeles on Christmas Day to see a game at the Staples Centre between the Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers.
“Before getting sick, I would eat, sleep basketball,” Corey said Wednesday during a break in his week-long chemotherapy treatment.
“Chances are (being in L.A. for the Christmas Day game) will be my last holiday ever. I’m hoping to spread the word and maybe get Lebron’s attention so I can shake my hero’s hand.”
Corey says he doesn’t only love James on the court but admires his work supporting under-privileged kids and first responders.
A week ago, Corey created an Instagram page — which has since attracted 12,000 followers — to highlight his story and display pictures of him showing his love of the Lakers.
Corey has told the Children’s Wish Foundation about wanting to meet James, but hasn’t heard back in months about any prospect.
The Toronto Sun reached out to the Lakers but didn’t receive a response.
“I know it’s a big wish. Even if I don’t meet him we (his mom and younger brother) will have a great vacation,” Corey said.
“It will be a nice break for all of us.”
9D_Chess on December 5th, 2019 at 02:40 UTC »
Terminal cancer at 17yo, that's so fucking young. Life can be so cruel sometimes
emoti0n on December 5th, 2019 at 01:14 UTC »
I probably wouldn't smile one bit if I was given a year to live. Hope this man gets his wish granted. Love to you and your family Corey.
NoirPochette on December 5th, 2019 at 01:09 UTC »
Shake Bron's hand? If Bron does anything, it will be something like all access tour of Staples, upgraded seats, shootaround with the team, sneakers and several pics and that would be amazing. I hope that happens.