NORTH CAROLINA – “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow,” wrote Mary Anne Radmacher in her book, “Courage Doesn’t Always Roar.” This was also the quote printed on paper and placed next to Corbin Alfred McHenry – or Baby Corbin – at 119 days old.
Baby Corbin was born prematurely on April 4, 2013 and doctors told his parents to prepare for the worst; it had been discovered during mother Kara McHenry’s pregnancy Baby Corbin had a chromosomal condition known as Trisomy 13. Baby Corbin’s mother is a Unadilla Valley Central School alum, and her child was delivered via emergency cesarian section eight weeks prior to full gestation, given a one percent chance to be born breathing. Doctors informed Kara and Shane McHenry they would have very few moments with their baby, as his medical issues were severe.
Against all odds - Baby Corbin continues the fight each day and has surpassed 100 days on Earth.
A photo is taken of Baby Corbin daily and placed next to him, as is an inspirational quote or short poem that is colorful and decorated. His journeys thus far have been documented by his family members and people across the globe have taken notice of Baby Corbin and his struggles and successes.
On July 28, Baby Corbin weighed in at eight pounds, one ounce and took his first bath in a bathtub - something his mother said he loved every second of. This was also the day Baby Corbin was able to go outside for the first time in his life - at 115 days old.
His mother wrote about the experience, “You slept through most of it but for the few periods you were I saw a selfless boy, appreciating the world as he knows it and everything beautiful in that world. You know no hate, no negativity, nothing cruel and now you feel no pain. You only know love, kindness, warmth, and now the feeling of the sun and breeze hitting your face. The only feelings a child should ever know.”
As of right now, Baby Corbin will be on a trach and a vent, according to his mother. A child’s throat does not stop maturing until two years, therefore re-evaluation will be done at that juncture for possible surgeries.
Baby Corbin and his parents are currently getting his medical treatment in North Carolina, after transferring from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The family relocated to NC after Baby Corbin’s condition allowed the transfer and because his father, Shane, is there for military placement. The state of North Carolina requires a child to weigh 11 pounds before being discharged on a ventilator, but once he reaches that weight and his parents have the proper training to care for him at home, Baby Corbin will finally go home.
Baby Corbin even has a bucket list; a list of things his parents hope he can accomplish during his time here. Some of the items on the list include: Go to the zoo, be in the media/on TV, fly on a plane (done), go to the beach, travel to another state (done), eat by mouth, say a word, meet someone famous, go to Disney World, go to school for a day, have something named after you - i.e. a street sign, and discover your life’s purpose.
