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“ But there was no documentation of Corby ’ s unit responding . Therefore there was no investigation of the call in relation to the cancer ,” Vicki explained . “ And the way the law is written on that state bill for presumptive for cancer , it says if you have ever smoked - Corby smoked as a young adult - he hadn ’ t smoked in 20 years .” That truthful answer meant Corby was not covered . He was originally diagnosed with Esophageal
Cancer and that isn ’ t covered either .
“ It was later discovered that the cancer was in the Gastrocardio and the decision was made not to cover Corby due to smoking when he was younger and the location of the cancer ,” Vicki said .
After Corby lost his battle , legislation and unions are working to change the bill to be more specific in the verbiage . Vicki has reached out to her Congressman to make sure the bill is changed .
“ There is no federal cancer coverage for firefighters and Texas coverages has so many loopholes in it to not have to provide coverage ,” Vicki said . “ I will not be eligible for life insurance for line of duty death if I don ’ t fight the current ruling . That ( insurance ) would take care of me for a little while , but there is a lot not covered .”
If she hadn ’ t woke up in the middle of the night after Coltin ’ s call , no one would have known Corby was at that warehouse fire .
Vicki is still working her way through the documentation and discovery to prove that fire was where Corby was exposed to chemicals that caused his cancer .
Corby peacefully passed away at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands after a year-long battle with cancer , with his devoted wife by his side on Sunday , March 3 , 2024 . He is survived by his loving wife Vicki McKenzie , his cherished children Christopher McKenzie , Hailey McKenzie , Coltin McKenzie , Madison Stankevitz , Taylor Decell , and son-in-law Kyle Decell , as well as his two adored grandchildren Hudson and Evelyn Decell .
His resilience , determination , and unwavering faith during his battle with cancer served as an inspiration to many .
A Full Honor Funeral service took place on Friday , March 8 , at Oak Ridge Baptist Church in Spring , Texas .
As Vicki continues to mourn her husband ’ s death , she has vowed to continue to make the changes necessary to keep all first responders safe while protecting the lives of others .
Editor ’ s Note : The Huntsville Item chose to honor Corby McKenzie with a posthumous award for Honorary Firefighter of the Year . The Item hopes that this award will inspire a legacy within the fire departments of Walker County to honor those who give so freely and love so deeply ,
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