Maine Mariners surprise young cancer fighter with heartwarming visit to Kennebunk Elementary

KENNEBUNK, Maine - Six players from the Maine Mariners professional hockey team came to Kennebunk Elementary School on Wednesday to surprise 6-year-old Jackson K. during his PE class. 

The surprise, arranged by Jackson’s mother, Martine, and administrative staff at KES, was the culmination of a relationship formed months ago while Jackson was in treatment for bone cancer at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital.

“Wyllum Deveaux of the Mariners came to the hospital last October and met Jackson for the first time on one of the Mariners' many community outings to BBCH,” Martine said. “Over the course of the year, Wyl came back on his own to visit, gifted us tickets to many games, shared Jackson’s story with his family while back home at Christmas for less than 36 hours- so much that his mother contacted me to let me know how much of an impression my 6-year-old son had on hers.” 

Martine said Deveaux even showed up to one of Jackson’s physical therapy sessions to cheer him on while Deveaux was out on injury reserve. Jackson is now six months cancer-free.

“The Maine Mariners do a lot in the community and especially for the children battling cancer and other illnesses,” Martine said. “This visit was a wonderful surprise for Jackson and his classmates, and while childhood cancer is horrible on every level, this amazing relationship between Jackson and some of the players has been a bright light for us all.”

During Wednesday’s surprise visit, the six players helped conduct various activities during Mr. Fulford’s PE class including hula hoop, rope swing, scooters, and rock wall. 

Watch a recap video of the surprise visit below: