FIREWIRE magazine is closely following
the developments regarding Engineer
Cory Norton and his battle with cancer.
Below: : Local 935 Pipes and Drums band proud to support Cory at
a recent fundraiser held at the Tilted Kilt in the city of Victorville.
Right: A county wide fill the boot fundraiser was held to support
Cory and his family during this tough time.
THE FIGHT CONTINUES...
Photo: Terri Nielsen
By Jeremy Pendergraft
To recall, Cory was diagnosed with Epithelioid Sarcoma—with the initial tumor
occurring near his lumbar spine. Cory had to undergo a major back surgery
to extract the tumor, including the removal of vertebrae and stabilization of
his spine. Cory was to also be treated with radiation and chemotherapy.
Anaheim firefighters proudly support our brother
Cory and his battle.
10
FIREWIRE • Spring 2016
Cory’s back surgery at the end of January went amazingly well. It took over 11 hours,
but the tumor was removed, a pseudo-vertebrae was put into place, and his spine was
bolted to his hips to regain stability. He also had one suspicious spot radiated during
the surgery in order to kill possible cancer cells. Cory healed quickly and surprised all of
the medical professionals involved with his determination and ability to rehabilitate and
recover from this extensive procedure.
In late February, Cory began his radiation and chemotherapy therapy, which was expected to last six weeks. Within his radiation treatments he receives chemotherapy for one
week and is given two weeks recovery between. Once the radiation is completed, he will
begin an administration of a different type of chemotherapy that cannot be received at
the same time as the radiation. These will more than likely continue until around June.
Cory’s prognosis is relatively uncertain, but it is known that the cancer has metastasized
elsewhere his body, and that these other areas are considered malignant. His oncologists
hope that his current treatment regimen will halt the progression of the cancer, but this
particular type is rare affliction and the data regarding its treatment is unsubstantiated.
The oncologists insist that while his treatment plan is not necessarily a cure, miracles do
happen and Cory’s case can provide the clinical data linking this therapy with complete
recovery. Cory is a candidate for clinical trials and other alternative/holistic treatments as well.
Cory’s family has been relocated to a hotel near the site
of his treatments at City of Hope, where he continues
to enjoy the unwavering support of his wife, children
and immediate family. As expected, Cory’s treatments leave him feeling ill, fatigued and sore; thus
his family and friends have proven invaluable by
assisting him with what are normally considered
routine daily activities. Cory does enjoy visits from
friends and coworkers while he is not undergoing
chemotherapy treatments, and he is still capable of solving all of the world’s problems with
coffee table chat while hearing all of the latest
gossip. He loves to get out of his hospital/hotel room for short walks, and he cherishes every
moment he has with his wife and kids.
Without a doubt, Cory, his family and the liaisons wish
to express their sincere, heartfelt gratitude for the financial,
emotional and logistical support that this department’s members have
offered their family. Through the volunteer efforts of many floor personnel
we have raised funds to cover portions of treatment, provide relocation
housing and com fort measures to Cory and his loved ones.
This effort is a testament to what can be done when the members of this
department band together. In fact, this is the what we hope to provide
for all brothers and sisters when they are stricken with an unforeseen
crisis. We should learn to take at least a moment out of our own lives to
respect our fire service family and to see if there is anything, no matter
how small an effort, we can do to aid one another when need arises.
Please also take the time to consider your personal health,
whether cancer prevention-related or otherwise. Please
evaluate all available supplemental insurances, no matter how young and invincible you feel that you are. Keep
accurate exposure records, as you just never know
what circumstances may lie ahead.
It should be noted that even as this FIREWIRE issue develops Cory is proving to be a fighter and is
writing the books on the treatment of his cancer.
Results are still coming, but it appears that the
somewhat experimental treatment plan developed for Cory is working. The positive news is
that multiple malignant areas in his lungs have
shrunk to where they are invisible on a CT scan
and other nodules continue to shrink in size. As
this issue is going to print Cory’s oncologists have
said that what was once described as “too many
nodules to count” may have reduced down to just 4 or
5 nodules. These victories in his war with cancer continue
to lend spirit to the Norton Strong movement.
Fight On Cory! Fight On!
Finally, Cory believes in the value of prayer and is thankful for every
such thought and kind gesture sent his way. If you feel inclined to donate to his cause, search “Fight On Cory Norton” on any search engine
and a link to his fund through the Fire Family Foundation will usually be
the first option available.
As always you can contact the liaisons, Captain Darrell Feuerhahn
(909) 353-5229 and Engineer Jeremy Pendergraft (310) 938-5633 for
any questions concerning Cory Norton.
“LIFE’S NOT ABOUT HOW HARD OF A HIT YOU CAN GIVE, IT’S ABOUT HOW MANY YOU
CAN TAKE AND STILL KEEP MOVING FORWARD” -SYLVESTER STALLONE (ROCKY)
Spring 2016 • FIREWIRE
11