Since being diagnosed with motor neurone disease, Jo Boon has been on a mission to tick every item off her bucket list.
Among her catalogue of dreams, one goal stood tall but proved elusive: to meet Peter Sterling.
That was, until a surprise visit from the Eels' legendary halfback in a heartwarming moment at Parramatta's home on Friday.
A diehard Eels fan, Jo has adored Sterling since his playing days when he lifted four premierships for Parramatta in the 1980s. She proudly refers to him as her "lifelong crush".
Jo grew up to become a physical therapist at the Queensland Academy of Sport, and worked closely with the Matildas many years before women's football had surged in Australian popularity.
She transitioned into nursing, before being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), a rare disorder without a known cure.
In the five years since her diagnosis, Jo has worked tirelessly to bring awareness to MND. Outside of her own health battle, she has fundraised over $100,000 towards research into the disease.
Despite her condition, Jo has continued to chip away at her bucket list.
Last week, she journeyed from Brisbane to Sydney for Parramatta's local derby against Penrith at CommBank Stadium.
After learning Jo's story, Eels Chairman Sean McElduff arranged a spot on the sideline so she could cheer her beloved Blue & Gold onto the field for the Battle of the West.
Eels Co-Captain Junior Paulo stopped by to introduce himself to Jo, before she made her way to the Director's Club to enjoy the game from the best seats in the house.
For all the wonder of her night, her bucket list item of meeting Peter Sterling remained unticked.
But as the half-time siren sounded, "Sterlo" turned Jo's dream into a reality as he made a surprise appearance to befriend his biggest fan.
In a magical moment, Jo's face sunk into her hands before she shared a warm embrace with the apple of her eye.
The pair chatted and laughed their way to a treasured memory, bringing Jo one step closer to completing her bucket list.
While she continues to chase her dreams, Jo too plans to continue raising funds and awareness for motor neurone disease sufferers. Learn more here.
