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Forget Me Not: Seeing Corky Covertson thrive

Noelle Leavitt Riley
Corky Covertson helped distribute Broncos magnets Tuesday at City Market. She's thriving after a tough battle with breast cancer.
Noelle Leavitt Riley

Last Valentine’s Day, I wrote a story about Ed and Corky Coverston’s love and how it’s guided them through a number of difficult hurdles — especially cancer.

Corky was fighting breast cancer — the second type of cancer that has attacked her body — and she lost all of her hair due to chemotherapy. To show his love and support for his wife, Ed shaved his head.

I’m friends with Corky on Facebook and have followed the ups and downs cancer has thrown at her this past year. She’ll often post about how she just doesn’t have the strength to leave her home from time to time.



Facebook updates highlighted long trips to Grand Junction for cancer treatments, long days of pain and thanks given to all her friends who continuously pray for her health.

I saw Corky for the first time in a long time Tuesday at City Market where she was passing out Broncos magnets for the community. Her smile extended ear-to-ear, her hair had grown back and was nicely styled and her attitude was not that of someone who just went through a tempestuous battle with cancer, but instead of someone who was grateful to be alive, thriving and interacting with her fellow Craigites.



My heart was filled with joy to see her doing so well. I gave her not one, but two hugs, and she pointed to her chest. She said, “I don’t need anything, I like being flat-chested. T-shirts fit me better now.”

She showed off her Broncos shirt, and beamed with pride.

I’ll tell you that if I had been through the rough patches that she’s experienced, I would hope I could be as cheerful.

What a fabulous thing to celebrate — being alive, well and active in our community.

I also see Corky’s posts and pictures of her working out at the Senior Social Center. The woman has not given up on life or her health. We could all use a little bit of her spirit.

Therefore, I dedicate this week’s column to you, Corky, who has taught me to smile despite hardships, keep going even if its painful and never, never give up hope.

Noelle Leavitt Riley and her husband, Shawn Riley, run the Forget Me Not organization, where they take donated flowers to the elderly, letting them know they’re not forgotten by society. Reach her at 970-875-1790 or Noelle Leavitt Riley and her husband, Shawn Riley, run the Forget Me Not organization, where they take donated flowers to the elderly, letting them know they’re not forgotten by society. Reach her at 970-875-1790 or nriley@CraigDailyPress.com. Follow her on Twitter @noelleleavitt.Noelle Leavitt Riley and her husband, Shawn Riley, run the Forget Me Not organization, where they take donated flowers to the elderly, letting them know they’re not forgotten by society. Reach her at 970-875-1790 or nriley@CraigDailyPress.com. Follow her on Twitter @noelleleavitt.


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