“Coming to TWC-WLA made me feel human again” 

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Diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, 38 year-old Corey and his wife, Sharon, found themselves in unfamiliar territory.  Having relocated from Oklahoma to study at USC a few years prior, they were without family, friends or a support system here in Southern California.  A musician and composer, Corey worked from home and felt isolated and alone.  Little did he know that not only would he find an outlet for his fears and concerns, he would develop a ‘family’ at The Wellness Community-West Los Angeles.

Corey’s oncologist mentioned TWC-WLA at his second medical appointment; and while Corey researched the benefits of attending support groups on health outcomes, he delayed attending.  Sharon recalls both the enthusiasm and trepidation Corey felt about coming to TWC-WLA.  While he often spoke of it during the early stage of diagnosis and development of a treatment plan, something was holding him back.  “Call it fear, being scared, or not wanting to take the risk,” Sharon says.  But eventually she coaxed Corey to look beyond his hesitation and attend a group.  And are they glad he did!

Corey has been attending Michael’s Wednesday group for almost two years.  That’s where he feels that he is not alone.  In Corey’s words: “I can unload my emotional baggage.  It was like lifting the weight of the world off my shoulders”.  While Corey has lost many friends, he has gained a family and is forever grateful for the help and support he has received from the TWC-WLA community. 

In addition to his weekly group sessions, Corey and Sharon have attended meditation classes and educational workshops offered at TWC-WLA, especially those focusing on nutrition. 

Now healthy and in remission, Corey is able to focus his energy on his craft – music.  A versatile composer whose work to date spans animation to the thriller/horror genre, he has composed music for over 25 projects in three years.