Determined to Make a Difference, Part One

CHALMERS, Ind. (WLFI) - A Tri-County freshman is refusing to give up, despite the odds he's battling to keep living his life, as he's fighting for his life.

We first introduced you to Wesley Corbin back in November when the Tri-County community came together to support the teen through his battle with leukemia.

In part one of a special series, Krista Henery sits down with the Corbins and shares their story of what they call a journey through family, friends and most of all, through faith.

He seems like a typical 15-year-old boy. An avid sports fan, a cyclist and most of all, a loving son, brother and friend. 

"He's a gentleman,” Wesley’s sister, Robyn, said. “He likes to help people and he's really respectful to his peers."

"Wes is awesome,” friend Austin Schneider said. “He's really determined as a kid. He's always been determined at everything he does."

Looking at him from the outside, it's rare to catch the 6-feet-3-inches tall Tri-County freshman not wearing his contagious smile. But inside, Wesley is fighting for his life.

Six months ago, his life turned upside down and he and his family would begin a journey – a journey they never saw themselves taking.

"My legs felt hollow,” Wes said. “I felt like if I fell they would just break. It scared me. I told Mom we need to schedule a doctor's appointment or something because something just wasn't right."

His mother, Heather, immediately scheduled a doctor's appointment and just days later on Aug. 11, 2012, they'd get the news that would change their lives forever.

"Our appointment was at 8 and at 12:15 after his bone marrow biopsy she came out and she said, 'It's leukemia,'" Heather said.

"I didn't know what to expect,” Wes said. “I knew it was severe and a lot of people were dying from it but I didn't know what to expect. I knew God would get me through it sooner or later."

This would be the beginning of a new chapter in his life, written inside a hospital room – countless hours of chemotherapy and several surgeries. No school and no hanging out with friends like he used to.

Word of Wesley's diagnosis quickly spread throughout the community, and since then, the Corbin family has seen an abundance of love and support – even from those Wesley would only dream of ever hearing from.

Here are some of the messages he's received:

We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Make sure to remain positive and always do your best. Sincerely, The Indianapolis Colts.

Wes, we are praying for you, bubba. We wish you the best. Sincerely, the Duck Men of Louisiana.

"His whole life is in front of him and I would trade him in a heartbeat and he says 'No, Mom! I've got this. We need you to be mom.’ I think when I've had really hard days is when he's struggling and it's just so hard to watch your kid hurt and there's nothing I can do,” Heather said. “That's the hardest."

Wesley says while being diagnosed with leukemia may have slowed him down temporarily, he knows with the love and support from his family, friends and faith, it won't stop him permanently.

You can catch part two of the series Wednesday night on News 18 at 5 and 11.

And make sure to watch our video in which we compiled tons of bonus interviews about the Corbins’ journey.