In October of 2009, at just 14 years of age, Corbin Maldonado was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia. He battled back against cancer and after 10 months spent in and out of the hospital, he went on a maintenance program until November of last year.
On Dec. 26 he was re-diagnosed, and in May of this year he received a bone marrow transplant. Due to complications he was admitted into the intensive care unit at Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto.
On Monday morning at 11 a.m. Corbin, 18, passed away peacefully.
His parents posted on the “Team Corbin” Facebook page the words Maldonado wrote for the Turlock High School Yearbook.
“My greatest achievement has got to be conquering cancer. Although, it seems like a huge deal to most people, to me it was no different than any other obstacle I’ve overcome. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not arrogance that I’m explaining. To try to put it in words; when I was diagnosed, it was like God put his hands on my shoulder and told me everything was going to be okay…” Maldonado wrote.
Many people loved Maldonado and found his courage inspirational. Last year Maldonado graduated from Turlock High School, where he played football his junior year. On Monday an outpouring of support could be found on the Team Corbin Facebook site.
“Having Corbin as a student in 8th grade was a blessing. Such a bright young man, he challenged me to challenge him! He made me a better teacher. I will never forget that amazing smile and will always remember the energy he brought to my class. May God bring the family comfort and peace in this difficult time,” wrote Elsa Rodriguez Juarez.
Friend Dana Ferris chronicled his strength and bravery.
“Oh he was so amazing! His words have me crying. The joy of the Lord was always present in Corbin's hospital room. He was quick to make us laugh, and we called him the 'Stud' of the unit. He truly was a result of God's love and his amazing family. I am so thankful and have been abundantly blessed to have known such a wonderful young man.”
At 1 p.m. Saturday, Maldonado's Celebration of Life Service will be held, at Crossroads Church, 1360 N. Johnson Rd in Turlock. Corbin’s favorite treats will be served after his service. He loved cheesecake, rice krispie treats, cannoli and funfetti cupcakes.
In recent months Corbin’s extensive network of loved ones, family and friends set up “Team Corbin,” a social media campaign to raise awareness about Corbin’s life and to help his family with the cost of housing they incurred while in Palo Alto and for his Celebration of Life ceremony.
Team Corbin’s goal is to raise $17,000. Currently Team Corbin has raised $4,640. After expenses have been covered, the Maldonados desire to invest in others they've met who are facing illnesses with their children.
To support the family with additional expenses and pay forward to help others, write a check to Team Corbin Trust Fund at F&M Bank, 121 S. Center St, Turlock, CA 95380, or donate online at http://www.gofundme.com/455ri8
To help with the service, or make a treat, please call or text Linda Simmons-Harder at (209) 620-9272.
