The 2014 SEMA Show will likely be one event 18-year-old Corey Milton won’t soon forget. Thanks to his nephew Debbie Teter, who happens to be the marketing director for Garmat USA, the teen achieved his dream of going to SEMA and meeting some of the most famous car celebrities in the world.

Life has not been easy for Corey, who has had muscular dystrophy from birth. But cars have always been a welcome distraction to this progressive disease.

“He has always watched NASCAR and shows like ‘Overhaulin’’ and shows with Rich Evans and Chip Foose,” said Corey’s dad, Brandon. “He likes cars and is always showing me pictures of cars and pointing out cars while we’re driving. He has always had Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars. And he and his brother are always talking about fancy cars and listing names I don’t even recognize because I’ve gotten disconnected from it.”

When Corey met Rich Evans on Tuesday and got his autograph and a photo with him, Dad said his eyes were as big as “silver dollars.”

“Yep, I’ve liked cars since I was a little kid,” Corey said. “The 2014 Corvette Stingray is my favorite car. I’ve seen two already. I want to see some Dodge Chargers, too.”

Corey’s elation over being at SEMA and meeting his heroes has made the week that much more special to Teter, who comes to the show every year to promote Garmat USA spraybooths.

“Ever since I’ve known Corey, he has loved cars,” said Teter. “Corey has always been an inspiration for me because no matter how rough life gets, he finds pleasure in the smallest things. He’s 18 years old, and I give him a Hot Wheels car and he’s thrilled with it. He just has a special personality. He’s got a lot of difficulties to overcome, so for me to be able to let him come to SEMA and experience what he’s passionate about and see what the industry is like just means the world to me.”