Marine's efforts honor 11-year-old cancer victim

It’s because of one young Marine, Sgt. Stephen Ferguson, founder of Team Cody, that over 5,000 care packages have been sent to men and women serving their country overseas.

Sgt. Ferguson, who currently resides on Camp Pendleton and will be deployed (again) to Iraq next month, started Team Cody in honor of 11-year-old Cody Johnson, who died from bone cancer in September 2004.

Johnson and Sgt. Ferguson attended the same church in Spring, TX, and throughout Johnson’s battle with cancer became the best of friends.

“He was really strong, and he kept his faith; he inspired me,” said Ferguson. When Johnson’s struggle with cancer ended, Ferguson started his ministry with the help of his mother, Jackie.

Ferguson has strong religious beliefs that have provided the framework for the ministry. “Marines believe ‘Never leave a Marine behind,’” Ferguson said. Team Cody believes in “Walk the walk and talk the talk” and “Love them, and show it by our actions,” says Ferguson. “Our goal is to support our Marines and Corpsman of Camp Pendleton.”

Together with volunteers, local businesses and churches, Team Cody has not only sent care packages overseas but provided refreshments for farewells, homecomings and departures, visited the wounded in the hospital and helped with special needs for Marines and their families.

On February 13, at the weekly MLS Realtors meeting in Temecula, Sgt. Stephen and Jackie Ferguson presented Realtor Jan Bates with a certificate of appreciation for her dedication and assistance to Team Cody. “Jan was instrumental in raising postage for the packages and volunteering many hours to Team Cody,” said Jackie.

Proceeds from a bike raffle and money donated by fellow Realtors has paid postage on hundreds of care packages. “I am the bridge between the Realtors and Team Cody,” said Bates. “I am truly honored to be part of Team Cody.”

When one meets Sgt. Ferguson, he seems a proud, strong, humble young man with a level of dedication and maturity above the average 25-year-old. It is clear that Team Cody and the Marine Corps are his passion and his life. And when one meets Jackie, the strong love and pride between this mother and son are apparent.

For information on how to help, contact Team Cody at [email protected] or call (949) 366-9884.