FIREWIRE Magazine Winter 2019: Celebrating 5 Years | Page 48

CORY NORTON UPDATE!
sound odd, but Epithelioid Sarcoma is usually considered more common in the young of age. Cory met with the management of
the research firm to learn how their research is charitably funded. He committed himself to their process and negotiated a specific
commitment to finding a cure for his cancer. The firm will even use Cory’s personal cancer tissue for the research.
Upon working out this relationship Cory could not contain his excitement. Cory truly feels that this is the best chance for a cure
and his ultimate survival! He is elated that he found a research facility that is willing and able to fill the gap and give him a chance
to conquer this demon. Obviously, the research will need to be funded and it is a grassroots outreach to begin this Epithelioid
Sarcoma specific work towards a cure.
By Jeremy Pendergraft
CORY NORTON CELEBRATES
3 YEARS OF SURVIVAL
The beginning of a new year is oftentimes a period of recollec-
tion and inspiration with many looking forward to what the next
year will hold. It is no different for San Bernardino County Fire
Department Retired Engineer Cory Norton, other than this time
period marks what would be the most life-altering circumstance
he had ever faced; his cancer diagnosis.
We are pleased to announce that in January of 2019
Cory celebrates three years of victory in his battle with
Epithelioid Sarcoma.
Cory Norton, who medically retired in July of 2018, is happy and re-adjusting to life
outside of the fire service. In talking with him he says that what he misses most is the
daily banters with his brothers and sisters and the spontaneous nature of station life.
He conveys that he is rapidly learning a new appreciation for the expectations and
risks faced daily by firefighters. He recounts that working as a firefighter was all that
he had ever known. He has now journeyed into a more “normal” civilian career as a
real estate agent. It has opened his eyes to how much people in the “normal” sector
do not know or understand the amount of training and the broad range of experience
that is needed just to function in a normal, modern, professional firefighter duty day.
He adds that most people he talks to do not understand the complexities of the
job, let alone the hazardous exposures that studies have shown lead to increased
changes in physical and psychological health. His changed view renews his respect
for those who continue to protect life, environment and property and added that it is
absurd when people comment that firefighters make too much money, considering
the breadth of what they encounter. He is adamant that he will be a sounding board
in his new walk in life, along with being a living example, of the increased risk of
major illnesses that can result from exposures in public service.
Cory and his family are eternally grateful for the outpouring of financial and emotional support throughout
his ordeal. Cory and his family appreciate the continued thoughts and prayers and send their love to each
and every one of you. For those who still would like to help he wants to guide the assistance towards this
new research firm. For those who would like to donate please go to www.epsreseach.org or use the follow-
ing link and unite with Cory and his family to find a cure for him and many others who continue to fight!
https://cc-tdi.kindful.com/honor-pages-2017/the-epithelioid-sarcoma-group-research-fund-
Three years and counting! Fight On Cory Norton...Fight On buddy!
*All information is the with the permission of Cory Norton and his family.
let him ride on a fire engine anymore, but that loving, charismatic,
motivated spirit that he used to help the public in need will still
come coursing out of him in different ways now.
The new year brings some exciting news and opportunities for
Cory. After retirement Cory and his family were blessed to attend
an educational seminar and conference in Oregon related to can-
cer research. Cory went to the seminar with high hopes of learning
the newest and greatest advances in medical treatment to aid
in his fight. He was, initially, deflated to learn that his specific
cancer is almost completely unfunded for research. He explained
that the reality of Epithelioid Sarcoma is that it is a slow growing
cancer with a grim end prognosis. It usually includes a (some-
times) decade-long cancer fight that lacks a storybook ending. It
became evident that his cancer is possibly called incurable simply
because most cancer research is committed to dynamic, fast-act-
ing cancers. Cory was inspired on the spot to make a change for
himself and others. Cory and his family began networking with a
research firm that commits itself to child cancers. This choice may
Cory’s family stands in solitude with Cory in his new life outside of the firehouse
grind. They still live in Big Bear, just down the street from his dad, Retired Battalion
Chief Chris Norton, and mom Beth. Wife Tawni, Cory’s steadfast rock, now readjusts
to having her husband tell a different sort of story when he comes home from work.
He’s talking about houses he is selling instead of breaking in the door with a hose
line in hand. Is it a welcome change? Maybe sometimes it is. After what he has been
through she wells up with pride to see him put on that suit and still get to provide a
life for his two beautiful children Cole and Tenley. Her heart melts to watch him still
be able to be an example to their moldable minds, but also still lean down to give
them a loving hug and a kiss in between work meetings. His physical body will not
48
FIREWIRE • Five Year Anniversary
Winter 2019 • FIREWIRE
49