Beneath the joy lies a story shaped by significant loss.In an era when therapy wasn’t readily offered—and teenage boys weren’t encouraged to talk about grief—Cory turned to music. Music became his language. His friend. His way of processing what he couldn’t say out loud. He began writing songs—about loss, confusion, beauty, and resilience. People listened. Before he finished high school, his music was already reaching others. Through music, Cory learned the power of community—how shared experiences can become chosen family.