Cory Lane

Although the days of Cory Lane numbered far less than many are given, the impact he made in the world around him was more significant than the footrpint made by many whose journeys are measured in decades. He was passionate in everything and accompanied by the most amazing zest for life that was completely contagious to all who were within his reach. Cory inspired others not in the way he died, but in the way he lived as he was unquestionably present in every moment he was given. We will never know on this side of heaven why some are given only whispers in time, but the one thing we can be sure of is that this is not the end for our beloved Cory - it is only the beginning. Until our glorious reunion in heaven one day, we will hold him forever close to our hearts.

The 1990s were truly the electronic age. We became nearly dependent on technology that changed the way we communicated, the way we shopped, and the way we spent our days at work. It was in 1997 that Microsoft became the world’s most valuable company, but this was also the year that we mourned the loss of two women who transformed numerous lives across the globe with the deaths of both Princess Diana and Mother Teresa. This same year was filled with great joy for a young family who welcomed a delightful baby boy into their hearts and home on May 8th. Cory was born in West Palm Beach, Florida, to his parents, Doug and Carrie Lane. Although his older sister, Katrina, had her heart set on a baby sister, she did quickly decide that she could make the whole brother thing work.

It didn’t take long before Cory had his family wrapped around his sweet little finger. Cory was a chubby baby, but this turned out okay as he also became a very active toddler once he was off and running. During the summer of 1999 the Lane family moved to Indiana where they settled in Camby.

Cory was always a bustle of activity. He played soccer as a young boy, and as a middle school student he was on the swim team and also ran both track and cross country. Of course there was also biking, biking, and more biking. For many years he played soccer with the Mooreseville Optimist Soccer program, and Cory later became a certified soccer referee as well. As a student he attended Brentwood Elementary and then Plainfield Middle School. Cory was currently a sophomore at Plainfield High School. As both an athlete and a Christian, he was active with Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

All who knew Cory would agree that he packed so much living into his 16 years. With his incredible sense of humor he could always make us laugh, and one never quite knew what would come out of his mouth. Cory was adventurous, even fearless at times, as he loved things like roller coasters, mountain biking, four wheelers, and extreme motocross. He also had a keen appreciation for nature and loved being outdoors. Airplanes and boating were additional favorites, and he was a huge Indianapolis Colts fan. Cory was a goal oriented person, which was good since he wasn’t afraid to dream big dreams. In fact, he always knew he wanted to be a millionaire by the time he was 30 so that he would have unlimited means to help others. Cory was also imaginative with an artistic side.

Life became more difficult for Cory and his loved ones when he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2009. They were again given a tough pill to swallow in September of 2011 when he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer.

Even when engaged in the fight for his life, Cory never complained. As a Riley Kid who fought both Crohn’s disease and cancer, he had endless opportunities to inspire others. Cory had an unforgettable and infectious smile that could light up a room. On one such occasion Cory’s warm smile was even replicated by another child who was facing a similar battle during a trying time. Always looking to touch others, Cory made several public service announcements with former Colts coach Tony Dungy as part of the Kohl’s Cares For Kids program. He was also the Riley Coin Toss Kid on two separate occasions, the second of which included an emotional meeting with cancer survivor, Colts coach Chuck Pagano. The two shared an instant bond that was captured on the local news and later featured during Coach Pagano’s pre-Super Bowl interview on CBS with Greg Gumbel. Coach Pagano and the entire Colts organization were tireless in their compassion and support for Cory and his family.

Just this past February Cory was able to meet his idol, freestyle motocross rider, X Games champion, and NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Travis Pastrana. The priceless memories that day were made possible by the generosity of the Indiana Children’s Wish Fund.

Although these amazing experiences were unforgettable, there was nothing in Cory’s life that compared to his relationship with his Heavenly Father. He was a member of Mt. Gilead Church of Mooresville who especially enjoyed VBS, summer camps, and youth retreats. Just this past January 23rd, Cory was baptized with his parents in front of church members who were a solid support system during all of his health struggles.

Even when his health kept him from going to school, Cory was one to keep busy. He did all sorts of things like making pillows and blankets and perler bead creations to give away. It would have been so easy for Cory just to focus his attention on himself during this time - but that is simply not who he was. He was a compassionate, loving, and selfless person who was always thinking of others.

Described as sweet, sensitive, and compassionate with a good heart, Cory Lane was a true gift in the lives of those around him. He was courageous and brave with just the right amount of strong will mixed in. It has also been said that Cory was the best brother anyone could ask for, and it was easy to see that his love for his family had no equal. Through the way he lived his life he taught us that there is little value found in the things of this world, but that it is in the love we share with others that we achieve true greatness. Cory inspires us to take nothing for granted and to never give up, and it is through this spirit that remains in all who knew and loved him that his legacy will continue. He will be forever missed.

Cory Lane went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 21, 2013. Cory’s family includes his mother and father, Carrie and Doug; sister, Katrina (Royal Palm Beach, FL); grandparents, Charles and Leslie Harvey (Falls Church, VA), Carlita Harvey (Vero Beach, FL), Randal and Lana Berardi (Pekin, IL), and Julia Lane (VA); and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory and sign the guestbook.