Jackson fan heads to L.A. for memorial

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A western New Yorker is on her way to join thousands of other Michael Jackson fans in a final goodbye to the King of Pop.

Candace Middlebrooks is a huge Michael Jackson fan.

Middlebrooks said, "When I was young, I would watch "Thriller." I loved it so much that even though it scared me, I would hide up under my sister and still watch it."

Sunday night, the 26-year-old received an e-mail that she won two free tickets, to Tuesday's memorial service for the King of Pop.

Middlebrooks said, "I didn't think it was going to happen, but it happened. I can't believe it."

But without the funds to fly to Los Angeles, those free tickets were useless. Monday WBLK Radio, where Candace used to intern, tried to help her find someone to pay for her trip.

News 4's Jericka Duncan asked WBLK Promotions Director Kole Porter if he thinks it's likely she will make it.

Porter said, "Um, I think we'll make something happen."

Before WBLK found a sponsor, Candace's father, who had been waiting outside the studio booth said, "I didn't know what the whole deal was. I didn't know money was an issue! I'm proud of her. My daughter went to Hutch Tech, graduated National Honor Society, went to U.B., got her Masters, going to a prestigious school in the south, entering her second year of her doctoral school worked hard she deserves some things in life. She want to go, so she gets to go."

So Candance booked her flight just before noon for a flight to Los Angeles that left at 1:45 Monday afternoon. Candace Middlebrooks said, "Hopefully it all works out. I don't know. What a trip. What an adventure. What an experience."

The round trip ticket to L.A. costs $710 dollars. News 4 will let you know if Candace makes it to L.A. in time to redeem her voucher.

You can see live streaming video of the Michael Jackson tribute on WIVB.com, and you can also join in a live web chat beginning at 6:30 Tuesday morning.