Support Corbin Croomes' Fight Against Oral Cancer

Days ago, my friend, Corbin Croomes, made the leap to share his medical journey with the public. However courageous this moment was for him, it was only a small piece of a much larger and more complicated story. Although April was the first of his oral cancer diagnosis, Corbin suffered both physically and mentally for months prior. Wrong diagnosis, wrong medications, more wrong diagnoses. All the while, his tumor grew. It grew to be so large that he eventually was unable to eat. He swallowed down applesauce and protein shakes the best he could. The tumor grew to be so large and became so painful that it soared through his head and neck, making him paralyzed in pain most days. Eventually, he was unable to speak due to pain and the swelling in his tongue. Those closest to him stood by, waiting helplessly for answers, praying that THIS doctor’s visit, THIS CT scan, THIS moment, would finally give us the answer.

During this time, Corbin’s health insurance denied his claim due to a fine print clause, which meant every PET scan, MRI, and CT scan was paid in cash to prevent any further delay in treatment. This hardship and stress the family felt during an unknown time was incredibly overwhelming, but the impact of finally hearing that this was oral cancer was devastating. There is just no other feeling or way to describe it. The family made their decision quickly, and Corbin began his chemotherapy treatments. He did 4 rounds of induction chemo, all the while keeping his diagnosis just between family and close friends. He started feeling an improvement almost immediately after his first treatment. Eventually, he was able to swallow more solid foods, his speech improved, his spirits were lifting, but only to receive another devastating blow. After his chemotherapy was complete, his CT scans showed that the tumor, although it made significant changes in how he felt and his abilities, had not shrunk enough to still be able to keep his tongue.

Another decision had to be made, and radiation is now where we are currently. Before radiation could start, Corbin had to have 5 teeth removed. Corbin will not be allowed to have implants put in after radiation, only partial teeth or a clip-in type. Unfortunately, insurance will not pay for this either. Currently, Corbin travels to Vanderbilt each week. His stay while in Nashville is not cheap. During those 5 days in Nashville, he receives his radiation treatments, and when his 5 days are up, he travels back home to be with his family. Corbin chose to share his journey because of his faith in God. He felt called by God to bring glory to His name and use this moment as a platform to bring others closer to Him. Corbin is a man of God, but he is also a husband, a father, a son, a brother, and a friend.

I have created this page in financial support of our friend through his medical journey. I believe in the power of community. I believe that through the support of community and prayers, anything is possible. Please, if you feel it in your heart and are capable of donating, Corbin, his wife, and children need the support through this financially stressful time. I pray as a community we can come together to allow the Croomes family to focus on healing together without the worry of financial expenses. If there is a different way you feel called to support the Croomes family, please feel free to message me. God bless you all, and please continue to pray for total and complete healing.