Photo By Lance Cpl. Jerrick J. Griffin | A banner honoring Cpl. Cory P. Belken, a wrecker operator with Combat Logistics...... read more read more
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A Marine who had a childhood dream of becoming a wrecker operator in the Marine Corps received a diagnosis that changed his life forever. Marines, Sailors, their families and his parents all gathered in one place to support him.
The 101 Days of Summer Safety and Health Fair and Blood drive was held at the 11 Area parade field, June 3, in honor of Cpl. Cory P. Belken.
The fair was held to find a possible bone marrow match for Belken, who has leukemia. The only possible cure for Belken is a bone marrow transplant.
"Every little bit helps," said Belken, 20, Frederickstown, Mo. "Most people think that it doesn't, but it does. There could possibly be a close match here and we don't have to find a match that's halfway across the country," said Belkena wrecker operator, Combat Logistics Battalion 7, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group.
Belken trained to deploy with CLB-7, but was diagnosed with leukemia two weeks before his scheduled deployment. Since then, he has had both of his feet amputated because of the overproduction of white blood cells in his bone marrow.
"I wish I could've deployed so I could be there with the Marines I know," said Belken. "I still keep in touch with them. I get cards and emails and talk to them when I get a chance."
Belken also added that it's hard not seeing the Marines he started out with.
"The way Corporal Belken is handling this situation is showing how a Marine is supposed to be," said Lance Cpl. Edward Nolasco, a vehicle mechanic with Motor Transport Platoon, CLB-1, CLR-1, 1st MLG. "Even though he was diagnosed with leukemia, he still holds his head up high. To me that's a true warrior," said Nolasco, 21, from 21, Dunbar, W.Va.
Many Marines and Sailors came out to support Belken during the event by giving blood and screening for a bone marrow match. The Naval Medical Center San Diego's blood mobile and bone marrow program attended the fair, along with many other programs. There was free food, a disc jockey, sports activities, prizes and giveaways.
"This is a great event," said Pfc. Tommie L. Harris, a vehicle mechanic with Motor Transport Platoon, CLB-1. "I came out to show my support to Corporal Belken and hope he recovers soon," said Harris, 19, from Hampton, Va.
Hundreds of Marines, Sailors and family members participated in the event. Their presence was greatly appreciated.
"I would like to thank everyone for the support," said Belken. "It's nice to see that so many people came together for this event. I'm meeting people I don't even know or ever seen before."
| Date Taken: | 06.03.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 06.08.2009 12:38 |
| Story ID: | 34720 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 147 |
| Downloads: | 102 |
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