If you're lucky enough to know Marion "Jamie" Cornwell, you probably realize that the jockey is someone who's never shied away from a challenge and possesses the spirit and determination of a fighter. The Aiken-born Cornwell is now facing the biggest challenge of his life.

In April, Cornwell, 33, was living out his dream as a member of the competitive Maryland jockey colony, when he began experiencing a number of physical problems."I started cramping up in my stomach and back," said Cornwell, in a phone interview  "I had real bad fatigue, and I couldn't keep anything down. My roommate told me I looked real bad, and she said I should go to the hospital."

Cornwell, whose nickname is "The Stickman," underwent a battery of tests, and a biopsy was performed on the Bowman resident. After a CAT scan, it was revealed that Cornwell, who lost his mother to pancreatic cancer when he was 19, had a malignant tumor on his pancreas. 

This battle is not the first that Cornwell has had to fight. The jockey, who was born with free-floating thumbs, had to have surgery, and through exercising and lifting weights built up the strength in his hands.

"After the surgery, I learned to use my hand. I have a good, solid grip in my left hand," said Cornwell. "I built my strength by squeezing a ball, playing basketball and playing baseball."

It was when he was 19 years old that Cornwell made the decision to follow his dream and started on the road to being a jockey. He talked to Franklin (Goree) Smith at the Elloree Training Center about the possibility of working at the facility.

"I was working and had been going to college," said Cornwell. "He told me that everyone's not cut out for it, but he'd give me a shot. I was still working another job, but I was mucking stalls, raking shedrows and bringing out horses. I was at the training center for about three or four years on and off working. I always worked hard. Goree Smith is a hard worker. You couldn't ask for a better boss. I enjoyed my time there."

The jockey rode his first race in 2004, and lifetime from 259 mounts, he has 12 wins, placed second 18 times, and finished third 11 times. He won his first race on Oct. 31, 2007, while in the irons on Banana Pancakes at Laurel Park. Cornwell exercised horses for Hamilton Smith at Colonial Downs, and it was through Smith and Jimmy Baker that Cornwell met Steve Casey, who gave Cornwell his first mount.

"Steve Casey used to stick me on certain horses to get experience, so I wouldn't have any pressure," said Cornwell. "I learned a lot from Eddie Gaudet and quite a few people in Maryland. I was able to learn how to handle the stress and the pressure. My first winner was on Halloween, and I broke from the 13 hole."

While he is battling the cancer Cornwell came home to Bowman and is living with Ellen and Robert Easterlin in Bowman. He grew up with their son. They were months apart, and inseparable. He never lost sight of his goals or gave up. A benefit was held in late May in Maryland, arranged by Christy Wilson, the daughter of retired jockey Rick Wilson, to help Cornwell with his medical expenses.

"They're like a second mom and dad (The Easterlins)," said Cornwell. "I love them, and I don't know what I'd do without them. I really appreciate what Christy did for me. She's amazing. She's the best, God bless her. Always fight for your goals, believe in yourself and work hard. Reach for your goals, and don't let anybody stand in your way."