Cortnie Lyn Bennett

1991 - 1995
LocationUs
Age3 years
Cause of DeathCancer
Date of Birth12/08/1991
Date of Death18/03/1995
Visitors2,196 since 29/09/2007
Creator

Hi my name is Tina and I am Cortnie's mom and this is her story... My daughter Cortnie Lyn had a
urinary tract infection at the age of 2 years old and the pediatrician wanted to do a ultrasound of
Cortnie’s kidneys to see what was going on and the pediatrician came out of the room to tell us
that Cortnie was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma Stage 4 (cancer) on December 17, 1993. We were told
after her tumor removal surgery on Decemeber 21, 1993 that Cortnie was in remission. We got out of
the hospital on Christmas Eve and Cortnie bounced around like she never had surgery. 5 months after
the surgery Cortnie was showing symptoms that the cancer might be back and when we went to the
doctors in early May for testing they did tell us that her cancer has returned and it was in many
places and they gave her 35% survival. Cortnie was admitted into the hospital and was started
immediately on chemo. We were told that Cortnie would need a Bone Marrow Transplant so in September
1994 we were sent to L.A. Children’s in California to have her Bone Marrow Harvested to be
prepared for the transplant. In late November Cortnie went blind from the tumors and the doctors
thought the best thing to do for her was to continue the chemo and also to do 30 days of radiation
to her head in hoping to shrink the tumors and regain her sight. Christmas was approaching and
Cortnie was still not able to see. Christmas Eve approached and Cortnie was still blind and later
that day Santa came to visit Cortnie and while opening presents Santa brought Cortnie a Rudolph
stuffed animal that played music and his red nose glowed to the music. While playing with the
Rudolph Cortnie asked me mommy what is that light? I asked Cortnie what light she was talking about
and she said the red light. My sweet Cortnie regained her sight on Christmas Eve while my whole
family was there with Santa by her side. What a miracle it was for Cortnie to regain her sight.
Scared that Cortnie may lose her sight again at any moment my husband went home to get every present
so that Cortnie could open them Christmas Eve with the whole family instead of Christmas Day. We
were just so scared that she was going to go blind again and we wanted her to see all her Christmas
presents. In early January 1995 Cortnie had her tumor removed on a Friday and we got word on
Saturday night that Cortnie’s kidney was hit during surgery and that her fluids were leaking into
her body so she had to be rushed back into surgery to have tubes put in her side, back and a stint
in her private area to drain all the fluids out of her body that were leaking through her. During
this time they had to hold off on chemo until she healed from this surgery. In late January 1995
Cortnie was in the hospital and one morning I woke up to Cortnie not being responsive. I called for
the nurse and she came in and called a Code on Cortnie. All of Cortnie’s vitals were going down
and we were told that there was nothing more that they could do but to put her on life support. We
made the decision not to put her on life support and I just sat there rocking her and telling her
how much I loved her and that if she wanted to go to Heaven she could go and that her dad and I
would be okay. As I was rocking Cortnie and my heart breaking into a million pieces having to say
goodbye to my sweet baby Cortnie’s vitals were getting better and she came out of her horrible
state. That day we received another miracle with Cortnie coming back to us. They ran test on Cortnie
after she coded and found out that the cancer was really spreading fast and they said that she would
not make it to transplant and there was nothing at all that they could do and that she had 2 months
to live. Of course I didn’t want to believe them. How could someone tell me that I was going to
lose my sweet baby. I was in denial and I didn’t want to hear what they were telling me. We made
the decision to take Cortnie home to be with us until she went to Heaven. Cortnie wanted to see
Mickey Mouse so in February 1995 Wishes Can Happen sent Cortnie and my family to her last wish to
see Mickey Mouse at Disneyworld. We stayed at Give Kids The World Village while on our wish and what
an awesome place that is. While we were in Disney it was the last time Cortnie ever walked. Her legs
were just so weak and she couldn’t walk anymore. We had a great time with Cortnie and her sister
Chelsie pushing them in strollers and searching out characters so Cortnie could get their
autographs. There were many nights of no sleep because I was so afraid that Cortnie would pass away
without me knowing. I also slept with my hand on her stomach or her chest just to feel her heart or
feel the movement of her stomach while I tried to rest. On March 18, 1995 Cortnie was very spunky
and was talking to us and I had no idea that it would be my last day with my sweet baby. March 18,
1995 at 5:30 p.m. Cortnie age 3 ½ years old asked me to rock her and just as I sat down and started
to rock she took her last breath. I had no clue that this was going to happen. I just yelled for my
husband to get in there so he could be with her also. Before Cortnie passed away her skin was so
pale, her lips were so chapped and after Cortnie passed away her skin turned to a beautiful golden
color, her lips turned to silk and she was smiling. Right in front of my eyes my sweet baby turned
into a beautiful angel that was entering into Heaven. I know she is happy in Heaven even though down
here there is a whole in my heart. There is a piece of my puzzle forever gone. Thank you so much for
taking the time to view Cortnie’s Site and for taking the time to read my sweet Cortnie’s story.
8-12-1991 to 3-18-1995


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Daddy, please don't look so sad,
Mama please don't cry~
"Cause I am in the arms of Jesus
and He sings me lullabies."
Please, try not to question God,
Don't think he is unkind
Don't think He sent me to you,
and then He changed his mind.
You see, I am a special child,
and I'm needed up above
I'm the special gift you gave Him,
the product of your love.
I'll always be there with you
and watch the sky at night,
Find the brightest star that's gleaming,
That's my halo's brilliant light.
You'll see me in the morning frost,
that mists your window pane.
That's me in the summer showers,
I'll be dancing in the rain.
When you feel a little breeze,
from a gentle wind that blows
That's me, I'll be there,
planting a kiss on your nose.
When you see a child playing,
and your heart feels a little tug,
That's me, I'll be there,
giving your heart a hug.
So Daddy, please don't look so sad,
Mama don't you cry.
I'm in the arms of Jesus
and He sings me lullabies.
SLEEP TIGHT LITTLE ANGEL
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Irene March 28, 2009

I just wantd to write and tell you how moved i am by your little Angel. I sat here in tears reading your tribute. What a brave girl Cortnie was. I am sure nothing will erase the pain you must feel loosing a child,And childhood Cancer is just so cruel and pointless. God bless little Angel your in no pain now.
Sweet Dreams xxxxxxxxxxxx

Abby Booth March 18, 2009

i'm so sorry for the loss of your beautiful princess, she is now a beautiful angel. i hope she has found my god daughter in Heaven's playground xxxxx

"I'll lend you for a little time
A child of Mine," He said,
"For you to love the while she lives,
And mourn for when she's dead.
It may be six or seven years
Or twenty-two or three,
But will you, till I call her back,
Take care of her for Me?
She'll bring her charms to gladden you,
And should her stay be brief,
You'll have her lovely memories
As solace for your grief."

"I cannot promise she will stay,
Since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught down there
I want this child to learn.
I've looked this wide world over,
In my search for teachers true.
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes,
I have selected you.
Now will you give her all your love,
Not think the labor vain,
Nor hate Me when I come to call
And take her back again?"

I fancied that I heard them say,
"Dear Lord, Thy will be done,
For all the joy Thy child shall bring,
The risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter her with tenderness,
We'll love her while we may,
And for the happiness we've known,
Forever grateful stay.
But should the angels call for her,
Much sooner than we planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
And try to understand."

Sarah North November 17, 2008

Such a beautiful little girl, I am so very sorry for your loss...My 3 year old little boy Steven died in January from Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, so I know all too well the heartache of having to watch your precious little one having to fight this cruel nasty disease, only to loose the battle...They were both much too young to be taken from us in this way, but I am sure they will have met up and are having lots of fun together, with no more pain & suffering, looking down on all of us...2 very special little people who are now 2 very special little angels...Sweet Dreams Cortnie...Lots of Love, Hugs & Kisses to you and your wonderful family...You are all in my thoughts & Heart always...Jane...x♥x

Jane Steven Moore Mummy (Mummy of a Neuroblastoma Angel) March 27, 2008

just to say..........

you are in my prayers n thoughts stay strong xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sweet Angel Baby Girl

My Granma recently passed of Cancer and I hope and pray to God one day they find a cure so no one else will loose someone they love to the ugly disease called cancer...
Sleep tight sweet one
God Bless your Mommy and Daddy and siblings

Suzy (Passer By) November 22, 2007

In Memory Of Those Who Have Died Of Cancer

Rest in peace, you are now an angel in heaven free out of pain. Please visit the site i created in memory of all those who have died of cancer, as i know it needs awareness. You can leave a photo of your loved one who has past away from cancer, or light a candle in memory of them. You can also come together with other people and discuss with others who feel your pain.
To find the site, just type in 'In Memory' in the search box and it is the first site that comes up - titled 'In Memory Of Those Who Have Died Of Cancer' Thank you. x

Friends And Family (Friend) October 20, 2007

Only a heartbeat away

What a beautiful wee angel This tribute is lovely, she sounded like a little miracle and so very special and brave xxxxxxxxxxx

Linda October 14, 2007

your baby girl was one in a million she was so brave, she suffered so much and we never get to no why these things happen on earth and we get left feeling empty and angry, but live for ur memories also knowing that were she is now she is restored to full health and beauty.she gets to be with the angels and spend time with jesus, i no u wud rather have her here with u but her pain is over now god bless u xx

Sharon Mackenzie October 3, 2007
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From Jane