There aren’t many people nowadays that you come across that have that traditional sense of down just down-right fun, love, and mechanical knowledge. For those that know him best, you’ll know that Corry embodies all of those things. Not to mention his utter loyalty, care, and willingness to give and do anything for *literally* anyone and ask for nothing in return.

In July of this year he was hospitalized for complications of which no man would wish upon their worst enemies. It was then that they found a very large tumor in his bladder.. One that contained everyone’s worst fear, cancer. It was one of which that’s size was too large to address right then and there and would need rigorous treatments and possible surgeries in the near future.

Corry was hesitant to even reach for the phone to break the news to his loved ones as he, again, is not one to ask for anything, especially for help. Fast forward he, thankfully, allowed me to take him to his treatments (or maybe more like I didn’t give him an option ). Chemo had no chance against Corry, he took it like a champ in full stride.

At one particular treatment day, of which we prepared to be a long day full of playing video games together, scrolling marketplace for things we don’t need, reminiscing about our MANY boating trips together, drinking some grape juice, and making wise cracks to the nurses to make them smile… it seemed normal. Just another treatment day. Nurses and a doctor rushed in explaining it was not a normal chemo day.. bloodwork numbers are off and it is imperative that he be taken to the ER.. Confused was an understatement for us both as he felt fine, has no abnormal symptoms, etc.. They saved his life that day..

Something was blocking his ureters (the tubes from the kidney to the bladder). This caused for urine to be trapped and keep cycling inside and becoming infected, unbeknownst to even himself. The next 36 hours remain a mystery to Corry as he fought for his life in response to the infection. They had to relieve this infection and reroute the flow of fluid and attempted what is called a “Nephroctomy” - placing tubes into both his kidneys through his back and having two bags on either side to drain the urine. The left tube was placed successfully but upon starting the right Corry’s body started to vigorously shake - what doctors call rigors, causing the surgeons to immediately stop the operation and confirm he was septic. 5hours… we watched his vitals wildly dance around almost avoiding the numbers that they needed to be. All the while Corry laid in the bed in and out of consciousness shaking.. Doctors and nurses in and out nonstop… one in particular looked at me with a face of tiredness, stress, and fear stating “we can’t get his vitals on track, he needs to go to the ICU”

We stayed in ICU for a few days where they were able to get his vitals under control, finish the nephrocotmy, and get him back on his feet. It was slow, but he lived through it.

Again, all the while.. he kept most of this under the radar and out of earshot to avoid any worry and sympathies from others.. Carrying the weight of not only the bags that are now a part of his body but the concerns of the future, life quality, work abilities, and monetary obligations..

Still, though, staying tough through his remaining chemo treatments and all the pokes and prods that comes with it. He completed his chemo cycle!

Results showing that the chemo did attack the tumor and decreased its size, slightly… However, the tumor is still not gone and sizable but further more there is more cancer in his bladder.

No more options. The next step is getting his bladder removed and having a bag as a permanent part of his body for the rest of his I attempt to live cancer free. As you all know, his work as an Einstein of a mechanic.. this is extremely difficult to hear, to handle, and will be even more so difficult to adapt.

As many things do, this is going to take time.. it’s going to take rest.. and unfortunately will take more money. Money that he may not be able to earn while he allows his body to heal from this immense surgery..

He’s been there for so many people in their times of need.. or even when they maybe didn’t know they needed someone!! If you have it in your abilities and heart.. to help alleviate some of the weight of the monetary burden this disease has inflicted, please do! A fundraiser date will also be announced soon!!

Thank-you so much in advance!!

Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions on Facebook: Brianna Wilkinson