Corey was born on April 14, 2006, and was welcomed with love by his mom Gail, dad Jim, big brother Caden and big sister Anna.

He was a sweet and happy baby who loved to be held and rocked. When he was upset, he was instantly calmed by his daddy singing their special song: Chic-a-Maroo.

Like most boys, he loved cars—or anything with wheels—and would sit for hours and play. He also loved the park, animals, and playing outside. But he was also content to just sit on his mommy’s lap and hold his Eeyore (which he insisted on carrying everywhere and sleeping with). He was incredibly loving. It wasn’t unusual for Corey to stop whatever he was doing and come give his brother and sister a kiss for no reason at all.

His favorite foods were sausage, eggs, and cheeseburgers—he loved meat. And his family thought that was pretty funny that such a little guy ate so much meat! You would never find Corey without his shoes. Even when he was just around the house in his diaper, he’d insist that someone put his shoes on. Even if it meant throwing a little fit, he made sure that he had his favorite pair on his feet.

Just before he died, he had begun to say many new words—but the most recent ones were "Mommy," " Daddy," and "Apple." Gail’s heart melted every time he looked at her and called her "Mommy." It is one of the many special memories she treasures.

The day he died Corey played with his mommy and read books with her. It was a day that will remain in Corey’s family’s minds and heart forever—full of happiness, mischief and love.

Saying goodbye to Corey was a painful and heartbreaking experience for the entire family. As his daddy held him in the hospital and his family told him how much they loved him, Jim sang their special song one more time: Chic-a-Maroo.

Corey is loved and missed by many, many people. It is their hope that Corey’s memory will live on and that many other children’s lives will be saved because of him.