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Cory's Story-- Bring Cory Home

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Our friend Cory was a Freshman in college, while also working at a local gym. He was very passionate about health and fitness and had recently become a certified personal trainer with dreams of eventually owning his own fitness facility. In high school Cory was the life of the Party, always cracking jokes. Cory had an infectious personality and could make anyone laugh. He also was a member of the high school baseball team and loved LSU sports. Cory was loved by many and even his friends saw how proud his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lentini, were of the young man Cory had grown into.

On November 7, 2009 Cory’s life changed drastically, as it did for ALL of those who love him. He was a passenger in a horrific car accident where the car lost control, hit a culvert, and then slid across the ditch slamming into a tree. Cory’s side of the car was so disfigured by the impact that even police didn't think anyone in the passenger seat would survive. He was immediately taken to the hospital and underwent several successful surgeries for multiple internal injuries including broken ribs, collapsed lungs, lacerated liver, pelvic injuries, and a broken jaw. But the life altering effects from the stroke and traumatic brain injury still remain today.

After months of rehabilitation at a nationally recognized neuroscience center, Touro Hospital in New Orleans, LA, Cory’s condition improved. Although Cory is not in a coma, he no longer has the ability to communicate or respond verbally. We have learned some facial expressions for when things are uncomfortable or he is emotional, but we have not heard him speak since 2009. Unfortunately he can no longer eat by mouth, but only eat and drink through a feeding tube.

This family has been on a very long and difficult journey. Over 7-years have passed, and although Cory has healed internally, the healing process of the brain injury remains slow. Both of his parents, brother and other family member’s lives have been consumed by work and taking care of Cory. Though they have been physically drained, their spirits, prayers and dedication to Cory have never faded.

Cory’s friends have created this fund in order to raise enough money for two important reasons:

The family is researching the possibility for Cory to undergo some special therapy treatments, which will be extremely costly. If he is a cadidate for these, they will have a 2 hour commute from Zachary to New Orleans, LA every day for at least two months, possibly more. Along with the experimental treatments, Cory’s family is looking to build an addition on to their home that will accommodate all of Cory’s needs.  Due to Cory currently residing in a skilled care nursing facility, his family would like to bring him back to the comfort of his own home. If enough money is raised, each person that donates will be personally responsible for reuniting a son and brother with his family. Please find it in your heart to donate whatever you can.

Sincerely, Camryn Phillips and Maggie Joyner

Note from the Family: On Nov. 7, 2009, our lives changed forever. We received that dreaded parent’s nightmare-phone call. Our son had been in a terrible car accident and things sounded very bad. We didn’t know if our son would be alive when we got to the hospital. We are grateful for every small improvement Cory makes; and everyday- we are very thankful that he is still here with us. We long to hear our son’s voice again, The pain and heartache is difficult to explain. We remember so well his outgoing, crazy, fun personality. Cory loved life, his friends, and had a very special closeness with his brother, Gabe. He’s been making us laugh since he was a little boy and his friends can tell you how silly he was. We BELIEVE that GOD is going to bring our boy back to us, no matter how long that takes. God performs miracles and we are waiting on ours. MOST IMPORTANTLY, we ask if you will PLEASE PRAY as we continue on our “Journey with Cory.” We are so grateful for the ones who are making this happen for us, and we are so BLESSED and thankful to have you in our lives! Love, Mrs. Debbie and Mr. Gary.
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Donations 

  • Alvin McLeod
    • $2,000
    • 5 yrs
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Organizer

Maggie Joyner
Organizer
Zachary, LA

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