People in Pueblo West help a student with a life-threatening condition

A high school student with a life-threatening condition is getting help from the Pueblo West community.

People gathered at a Pueblo West restaurant to show their support for Aaron Cortese, 17.

He is a junior at Pueblo West High School. Billie Jean Cortese, Aaron Cortese’s mother, said her son’s spine is collapsing and he is paralyzed from the neck down and forcing him to be in a wheelchair. She said if a cure is not found, his spine could eventually press on his heart. That’s why a fundraiser was held, so that money could be raised to find a cure.

Hundreds of people showed up at the event. Aaron Cortese said he is grateful for all of the support.

“Inspiring, I never realized how many people love me,” Aaron said.

Aaron Cortese’s mother said just because he is in wheelchair doesn’t mean he isn’t living the life of a high school student.

“Aaron has always been treated just like one of the kids. He even went to homecoming this year; we were very excited about that and he was very excited as well,” she said.

The event made more than $10,000.