Put Up Your Dukes

Corey is my second oldest brother.  He is two and a half years older than me, and even though he was a typical older brother and prided himself on being the ultimate tease, he has always been one of my heroes.  If I had to sum Corey up in one word that word would have to be fighter. 

I don't remember Corey ever backing down from a fight.  When we were young the fight might have been with a sibling or with Trent VanDam the school bully, but no matter who it was, Corey stuck to his guns.  Years later, Jared, Corey and I went away to Southern Utah University together.  While we were there Corey became involved in a different (less violent) kind of fight.  Corey met Amber and he was smitten, never mind that she was already "committed" to someone else.  Corey's persistence won her over and in the end they were married. 

Shortly after they were married Corey was diagnosed with cancer, and again he was fighting.  The story of Corey's fight with cancer isn't mine to tell, but I will say that Corey's determination and strength during a truly terrible time was amazing.  In the years following his triumph over this most unfair foe, my brother has exeeded every expectation.  He is healthy and extremely active.  Someone who doesn't know Corey would be tipped off by the huge scar that runs from his knee to his hip, but that would be the only clue that they would have of his battle with cancer.

If I said that Corey's fighting days ended when he went into remission, I'd be lying.  Corey has continued to fight for those things that mean the most to him and to fight his way through all of the challenges that life has presented him with.  But, like I've said, my brother is a fighter and no matter what comes his way, you can bet, he won't be backing down.