Emily Corey's start to motherhood looked different than most.
In December 2023, while pregnant with her daughter, the 22-year-old went to the emergency room complaining of symptoms believed to be related to her pregnancy, but received unexpected news from her doctor.
“I was pregnant and had some complications, so we were like, 'Oh, this is just a pregnancy,'” Corey said. “But when I finally went to the ER, they started testing and stuff, and they came back and said, 'You have cancer.'
Corey was diagnosed with a type of B-cell lymphoma and immediately began treatment. Her daughter wasn't due for another five weeks, but her doctor ordered her to be delivered by C-section so her daughter could start chemotherapy. Despite her early birth, Corey said her baby girl, Laney, was healthy and she did not spend any time in the NICU.
“It was a blessing, but it was definitely scary,” Corey said.
Since her diagnosis and the birth of her daughter about a month ago, Corey said she has adjusted to both motherhood and cancer treatment.
“You definitely have to look on the bright side of things,” Corey said. “If I had a bad attitude towards everything, it would be very difficult. It would be terrible and it would be very depressing and I don't want that, so keeping a good attitude keeps me positive. I think it will help keep you in shape and get you through it.”
She relies on her mother's support, and Elizabeth's community rallies around her so she doesn't feel alone.
“(The community) has been amazing,” Corey said. “I have literally never felt so loved. And I think that's probably why I have such a good attitude, because I feel so loved and They have supported me beyond anything I could have ever imagined they would do for me. I know everyone has definitely lifted me up in prayer and I'm in everyone's thoughts and I think that's helping as well. ”
South Central Junior/Senior School Principal Jenna Hinkle said the school's annual Cancer Night includes T-shirt sales and other fundraisers, with all proceeds going to Cory's family. He said it was donated.
“Typically, after the night’s fundraiser is over, we end up donating to the American Cancer Society,” Hinkle said. “We recently had something like this happen with Emily, so we decided to take her proceeds and donate them directly to her.”
Hinkle said the school set up Venmo for community members to send digital donations for Emily, but donations came in all forms. David Bratcher approached the school about donating two wooden American flags for the raffle, and both South Central Elementary and High School sold raffle tickets during the game prior to the Cancer Night game. John Ferry donated the porch swing and artwork to the silent auction, which was sold along with a homemade turkey call, with the proceeds going to Corey and his family.
Battle of the Classes was once again held at South Central Junior/Senior School, with each grade competing to raise the most donations for Corey. Hinkle said the school also accepted monetary donations, along with items such as baby formula, diapers and clothing.
“They took me out of diapers multiple times,” Corey said. “We competed in class to see who could bring the most baby formula and baby clothes.We received a lot of new baby clothes.It was amazing…As I was a former student, we still take care of our own clothes. I'm here.''
According to a Facebook post from South Central Junior/Senior School, the community raised more than $5,000 for Cory and her family, along with supplies such as diapers, clothing, wipes and formula.
During her time at South Central, Hinkle said the generosity was surprising, but not surprising, just the nature of the community.
“I've seen it many times,” Hinkle said. “Our secretaries here, Luann and Susan, have lived here all their lives. How many times a year do they say, 'That's what we do, that's what this community does?' I don’t know if you’ve heard of it, it’s great just to be a part of it.”
As for Cory, the community has donated time and resources to support her, whether it's providing supplies, donating to her cause, or taking the time to send her letters and cards. He said he would like to thank the members of
“I love living in Elizabeth even more than I used to,” Corey said. “When something happens, we come together as a community. We always do…I'm proud to be from here and I'm proud to be from here. ”
