A Bridgeport mom is asking for donations so she can help her son who has a terminal heart illness.

Jamie Lake says she cannot imagine life without her 7-year-old son, Korey.

"Korey wasn't even supposed to live. He was like a miracle," says Lake. "There's nothing that could replace him, like ever."

Korey has a rare genetic condition called Williams syndrome, which has weakened his heart and put his future in doubt. He has undergone 22 heart surgeries at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital.

"At this point, I've just tried to bypass my tears and just love him and do everything I possibly could for him," Lake says.

A fundraiser was held Sunday in Korey's honor. Mayor Joe Ganim encouraged the public to support a fundraiser for a car the family needs to get Korey back and forth to his life-saving medical appointments.

"Donate and help out this family," says Ganim. "No child should have to face 22 heart surgeries in a young seven-year life."

Lake says without a car, she has to rely on friends or family to help get Korey to his appointments.

The future may be uncertain, but Lake says she has Korey now and nothing can alter the beauty of her love for him.

"I guess I just count my blessings and do what I can for him," says Lake.