Mother Tells of Son's Inspiring Journey "Over the Rainbow Bridge"

More children die from cancer than all of the other diseases combined, but don't quote statistics to Shirley Enebrad. Her son, Cory, was diagnosed with leukemia at age 3 and died just after his ninth birthday in 1985. For her, the story of her son's life is not about him joining that dark statistic, but rather, how his life inspired others and helped him transcend the experience of his illness.

"The flip side of placing a high value on human life is the fear of dying," said Enebrad, author of Over the Rainbow Bridge from Book Publishers Network (www.overtherainbowbridge.info), which is the story of Cory's life. "My son, Cory, never looked at that side of the coin. He only saw life, and he envisioned his life as nothing more - and nothing less - than an opportunity to inspire others."

It was Cory's wish that his mother write a book after his passing to help others - patients and families - better deal with the ripple effect of cancer.

"He asked me to write this book to help teach people that death is not the end and that we should not be afraid," she said. "He loved the message in the song ‘The Rose,' especially the lyric ‘those afraid of dying cannot learn to live.' His courage was astounding. His lessons were and are still profound, but his story is not about dying. It is about living your life the best way you can, and sharing your love and courage with others."

Cory also wanted to share his ideas on living life, no matter the circumstances:

• Live like there's no tomorrow, love with all your heart and laugh until your spirit lights up!
• There is an afterlife where our soul/essence/spirit lives on.
• No matter what happens -- choose happiness.
• Helping people helps you to grow as a person.

"Cory was an ‘old soul,' who, even at his early age, knew that life for others would go on after he passed on," his mother said. "Cory's life was about teaching people how to live, to make every moment count and that life is a gift. You can't comprehend those concepts if you fear death. His assignment for me was to help others learn not to fear death so that they could live more fully."

To honor Cory's wish that his story truly help others, 30% of net proceeds from his biography will be donated to Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Western Washington (WWA) and CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation. Enebrad - who is also a certified grief counselor - is the president of Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation (WWA). The all-volunteer group provides a support system and a resource for the families and siblings who are helping with the cancer child's care.

Rachel Friedman is a Staff Writer at News & Experts.