Cancer can't stop family's love of football

SMITHVILLE, Mo. - As the quarterback, punter and kicker for the Smithville Warriors, Cory Marmet's love of football is obvious.

"I just love competing against other people and the fans, community and the team. The brotherhood is the best part of it," said Cory, a senior.

Friday night, in his final home game of the regular season, it is about more than the score. It's the Pink Ribbon Game, raising awareness for breast cancer and money to fight the disease.

Cory's mother, Barb Marmet, has been battling breast cancer for seven years.

"It was devastating, but we've bonded together as a family and we're making the best of the situation," Cory said.

Barb has never missed one of Cory's games. She's been sitting in the same seat for nine years, ever since her oldest son played for Smithville. Even when she's sick, Barb is always in the bleachers.

"I just see the joy in his face and we would not miss it for anything in the world," Barb said.

Though Cory's high school football career is winding down, the Marmets are planning on more memories. Barb's cancer has spread to her ribs and is terminal. But for her, that's not a death sentence.

"I try to keep everything as positive as I can and I believe that I'm going to get through this and I think with God's help and my family and my community and my friends, I will," Barb said.

"She believes it whole-heartedly and so do we," Cory said.

Cory hopes to play football in college next fall and the family believes Barb will see him on the field again.