Monday, March 30, 2009

Heaven's Newest Angel


















Casting the whole of your care...on Him, for he cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. I Peter 5:7

Today, I have no words. I wanted to share with you a tribute to Mary Kate in pictures from her last day at St Jude. Our prayers go out to Regina, Alyson and their family. I will be wearing PINK today and for the next few days in tribute and honor to Mary Kate. Why don't you join me?

Sweet, sweet Mary Kate, you will be missed by so many.

Dear Lord,

Give us this day to endure the sadness of our loss. Moment by moment let us be aware of Your presence. Day by day help us to remember Your understanding of loss and to consider Your great love for us.

In Christ Name, Amen

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Honoring Sully By Giving Back to St Jude



I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you. Hebrews 13:5

This is a forward from Tabitha and Jason Farrar:

As some of you may know, Sully's birthday is coming up quickly. On May 1, Sully will have been 2. We are wanting to honor his life by giving toys to St. Jude patients and their siblings. We would love to collect as many as possible, so if you are able to donate even the smallest toy we would most appreciate it! Here is a wish list of many of the children at St. Jude:

Infant:
Musical Activity Centers, Umbrella Strollers, Fisher-Price/Playskool Toys, Bouncy Seats, Portable Baby Swings, Baby Einstein Items, Car Seats.

Toddler/Preschool:
Duplo Blocks, Toy Cash Register, Play Phone, Toy Doctor Kit, Musical Instruments, See& Say, Play Dish Sets and Food, Wooden and Plastic Puzzles (only), Fisher-Price Little People, Fisher-Price/Playsckool toys, Bob the Builder, Thomas the Train, Veggie Tales, Dora the Explorer, Shaper Sorter Toys, Little Tykes Items, Interactive Books, V. Tech Toys, Leapster Items, Mr. Potato Head, Building Toys, Sesame Street Toys

School Age:
Action Figures, Spiderman, Hulk, Transformers, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magna Doodle, Lego Bionicles, Barbies, Hellos Kitty, Polly Pocket, Strawberry Shortcake, My Little Pony, Carebears (Not Stuffed), Toy Cars, Sports Balls, Snap-Tite No Glue Models (only), Arts, Crafts, Scrapbook Items, View Master, Nail Polish, Jewelry, Leapster Items, Hannah Montana Items, Remote Control Cars, Batman, Wall-E U Command Robot

Adolescent:
Glass Bead Kits, Journals, Jewelry, Nail Polish, Scrapbook Items, Cosmetic Bags, Professional Art Supplies, Purses/ WAllets, Scarves, Hats, Gift Cards (Target, Walmart, Old Navy, Blockbuster, Itunes, Gap, JcPenney, Best Buy, American Eagle, Sports Authority, Macys, Visa, Toys R Us) Pre Paid Phone Cards, Batteries, Disposable Cameras.

Board Games:
Apples To Apples, Sequence, Boggle, Oodles of Doodles, Balderdash, Guesstures, Ants in the Pants, Don't Break The Ice, Scattergories, Perfection, Connect Four, Cards, Checkers, Hungry Hungry Hippos, Lucky Ducks, Let's Go Fishing, Taboo, Pictionary, Catch Phrase, Cranium, Guess Who, Chess, Mancala, Jenga, Uno Attack, Sorry, Scene It, Bed Bugs, Trivial Pursuit, Elefun, Operation

School/ Art & Craft Supplies:
Backpacks, Play Dough, Activity Sets, Art Supplies, Coloring Books, Fuzzy Posters, Bead Kits

Electronics:
DVD Movies (PG, G, and PG13 Only), Personal MP3, CD Players, CDS, Nintendo DS & Games, Wii/Play Station 3 Games, Plug N Play Joystick Games, Portable DVD PLayers, Digital Cameras, Guitar Hero for All Systems

As you can see there is plenty to choose from. There are some rules that need to be followed. All toys need to be able to be sanitized and can not be used. Everything has to be new. No stuffed animals are allowed or toys guns. Also not allowed: food items, candy, cloth baby dolls, balloons, porcelain dolls, VHS Movies, religious items, and soap bubble mixtures. Also, handmade/fabric items should be from pet-free areas and must be sealed in a Ziploc Bag. This includes: Do-Rags/ Bandanas, quilts, tote bags, bibs/burp pads.

Jason and I will be delivering the items personally on Sully's birthday, May 1. So, we are asking that any items you may be wanting to donate need to be received by April 28th. This will give us time to organize the toys to be ready to deliver. Again, we appreciate anything you may be able to donate and we know Sully would too. The children will appreciate it also and you will be putting smiles on many children's faces.

Remember, everything must be new!

Thanks alot,

Tabitha
*******************************************************
You may send your new gift to the following address, and they will be delivered to Jason and Tabitha. They need to be here time for me to deliver them to them by April 28th.

Toy's For Sully
c/o Mardecia Sutton
P. O. Box 242
Brunswick, TN 38014

I am so impressed with Jason and Tabitha for wanting to do such a sweet thing in Sully's memory to honor is birthday by giving to the children who are fighting the fight that Sully did. They never cease to amaze me with their love and generosity toward St Jude. We have a wonderful group here, and I know each of us can help them with this endeavor. There is a very wide price range, so this request should fit into everyone's budget. Let's show our love.

Believe-Prayer Works

Team Believe

Friday, March 27, 2009






Follow God's example in everything you do just as a much-loved child imitates his father. Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, for Christ's love for you was like sweet perfume to him. Ephesians 5:1-2

Yesterday seems to have been a busy day for lots of our friends we follow. I just read through updates last night and there is so much going on. I talked to LaDonna for a minute, Salena had a couple of wisdom teeth cut out, she had some pain but was doing good. She is still waiting on her transplant, everything is going good so far! We sure pray that it continues to go well for her.

I had the privilege of meeting a new friend yesterday, Trevor Vampran. I want to tell you what a wonderful young man he is. I was so very impressed with him. I have heard his name for quite awhile now, but had not ever had the opportunity to meet him. He and his mom, Pam, are very close friends to Regina, Mary Kate & Alyson so they came by for Mary Kate's send off yesterday. I must say those two, Trevor and Mary Kate, had quite a fun visit. You can tell from the pictures, these two enjoy each others company. I had a chance to talk with Trevor and he gave permission to post his link on our page. Check it out... he told me he would certainly take all the prayers anyone had to offer up for him. Very sweet young man. Now having said that, I am going to have to talk with Mallerie, Trevor was telling me that Mallerie and Morgan had ganged up on him and were not being nice to such a sweet young man.... Mallerie, we need to talk! He was telling me that they were making cupcakes for someone's birthday and they would not let him help. They did finally allow him to put some sprinkles on but then told him he didn't even do that right. Girl's... come on, when a man offers to help, you gotta take them up on it. This group of kid's seem to have formed a really special friendship. One that I am sure will last a lifetime. That is one of the most awesome things about St Jude. Families sharing the same trials, bond together and become family. It is so neat to witness these relationships. They, the relationships, were so evident yesterday as Mary Kate made her way to the ambulance (royal ride home) to leave Memphis.


Check everyone's link... leave them messages of encouragement! When you sign a comment on a guestbook or if you mail a card, I encourage you to sign "Team Believe" under your name so that folks out there can identify with us as a group. As I mentioned yesterday, I'll go into the "Team Believe" explanation more in the coming days.

I hope that each of you has a wonderful day!!! Good Deed Thought For The Day: If you can, consider going to donate blood, or register for the National Bone Marrow Registry. Also, if you know anyone expecting a baby, talk with them about donating their baby's cord blood.

Also, Tabitha and Jason want to celebrate Sully's birthday, which will be coming up, by asking for toy donations to be sent to them, and they will be donating them to the children at St Jude. NOW BEFORE YOU GET READY TO SEND ANYTHING: I'll post what Tabitha sent to me yesterday regarding guidelines specified by St Jude on this matter. I think it would be so awesome if each of us could contribute to this in honor of Sully's birthday. It is such a wonderful thing that Tabitha and Jason want to do for the kids still at St Jude. I'll post this info tomorrow.

Enjoy your day! Hug your children, regarding of what age they might be!!

Believe-Prayer Works

Team Believe

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Never Lose Faith In Prayer

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

I have been sitting here, books and bible in hand, searching for words to put on this screen. Staring at this blank screen, for almost an hour now, and still not knowing what direction to go. So please forgive me if today's post is a total mess!

As most of you probably know from reading Mary Kate's update from late last night, she will be going home today. I am not going to comment on that much more than what her mom, Regina has told you. She explains things so much better than I ever could. I did have the wonderful opportunity to visit with them last night and will be going back down to help them get loaded up and on their way in a little bit. We had a nice visit, then Mary Kate decided around 10:00 last night she was hungry, so I made the Burger King run for her. Anything for that girl, she knows she has me wrapped around her little finger! All I can say to you today is pray for them, pray for the peace that passes all understanding. Pray for comfort. Pray for God's mercy on their family. Pray for Mary Kate's fears to be calmed. Pray for Alyson, and for her to have peace and comfort in her pain. Pray for others around them to be there for them and to have the words to help them. Pray for silence when there are no words that can seem to help. Last night I looked at Regina and told her, "I have no words, I have nothing I can say to you, except I Love You and I'm here for you." Pray for Regina. Pray for her to have strength. Pray for her to always know she is NEVER alone. Pray that she feels the times when God has picked her up and is carrying her along this path. Pray that all three of these special women feel God's love with them at all times. Just pray. Never, never, never lose faith in prayer.

This is a little prayer I ran across in my reading today, I just wanted to share it.

Dear Lord,
It seems that bad news and suffering come quickly--and leave very slowly. Patience is a fruit of Your Spirit. Please give me Your patience to endure this storm.
In Christ Name, Amen.


I am going to pretty much leave it here today. I don't want to do injustice to any of the other children today, please read their updates and keep them in your prayers to. Clay is getting ready to go inpatient on Sunday to begin process for transplant. Read his update from yesterday, they need prayers very much too at this time. Arie is a very sweet young mom, who loves that little boy and God with all her heart. She is so afraid right now, and needs encouragement. You can leave messages on their caringbridge site, but you can also use "old school" mail and send them a card. I challenge each of you to send them a card, ask your friends and your churches to send cards. Let's see if we can cover at least one of his walls in that room on transplant floor with our cards. When you go into transplant, it becomes a long road staring at the same four walls. Let's decorate them for him!! He loves cars, trucks, tractors etc. He's all boy! If you send a card, no let me back up, WHEN you send your card, just sign it and also sign Team Believe underneath your name. I'll explain that one later... just go with me on that one for now. As for the address, just send cards to St Jude Hospital, address is on his caringbridge page and just put Attn: Clay Chandler. He'll get them.

I really appreciate all of you who come to this site to check on these children. I know there are many who come that I don't have a clue who you are or where your from, or that you have even read this, but I want you to know your appreciated by so many for caring enough to stop and come here to follow these families. Thank you.

I hope and pray that each of you has a blessed day, a true gift from God and that you will take the opportunity to share your blessing with someone else in need today.

Believe-Prayer Works

Tuesday, March 24, 2009






Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins (forgives and disregards the offenses of others) I Peter 4:8>

WOW!! What an awesome night of prayer for Mary Kate and her family last night!! I really can't begin to tell you how my heart felt to have such a loving, caring group gathered to lift up one special little girl in prayer. I really believe with all my heart, I received more from last night than I would ever be able to give back. We as a nation are so fortunate to be able to gather and pray like we did. I hope that each one who participated closed their eyes last night to sleep feeling enriched and blessed by being a part of the Prayer Night for Mary Kate. Let's continue to lift her up each day as she and her family travel this journey. It's a long road, at times a very lonely road. Let's continue to pray and leave messages for Regina and the girls to let them know WE ARE STILL HERE!

I posted a few random pictures. Top picture is from our team dinner held the night before the St Jude Marathon this past December. Lisa, Marcella and Naomi along with about 50 others enjoying the time together. The marathon is held the first weekend in December each year and is one of the largest fundraisers for the hospital. We have participated in this event the past two years and plan to do so again this year. More information will be coming in the near future about this full fun blast weekend! Our team does it up in style!!! There will be a few changes this year, but we are still a team dedicated to do our part to help raise the funds needed to keep St Jude operating and researching to find the cures needed for these childhood cancers. Middle picture is a shot from one of the many events hosted by St Jude for the kids. In this photo is Avery, guest football player, Nicole, Reagan and Natalie. Natalie has been through treatment and is now cancer free and Reagan is still undergoing treatment. Reagan is back at home, and really can use our daily prayers. Our prayer for Natalie is for her to remain cancer free! Natalie is an amazing young lady. As you can see from this picture, she continues to go back to the hospital and visit with patients who are undergoing treatment. I know at times this is difficult for her, many memories that are ones you would rather forget are there. Both girls have a link in our "Friends" section. The football team from East Carolina was in Memphis to play in the Liberty Bowl and made a visit to St Jude. They passed out team goodies and signed autographs for the patients. St Jude host many events such as this throughout the year. Many celebrities and musicians make surprise appearances during the year too. This hospital does so much for these kids. Honestly, you never know what or who you will see when you walk the halls at St Jude. It is AWESOME! Bottom picture This is Jordan, his link is under the "Our Friends" section on our page. Jordan was born with ALL, came to St Jude at the ripe old age of 2 days old. Jordan will be 2 years old in July and has been cancer free for over a year now. He has been through transplant, had his one year post checkups and is doing great!! He will be back in Memphis within the next few weeks to have his port removed. This group has prayed for him since he arrived at St Jude. Believe-Prayer Works! Please continue to pray that he remains cancer free all the days of his long healthy life. If you met him today, you would never know he had ever been sick a day in his life, and he was not predicted to make it through the night the first night he was at St Jude. Miracles do happen, so keep praying for them. I know so many times we post when things are not as good as we would like for them to be and we ask for prayers to make them better. I also have to remind myself that we (I) need to make sure I always remember to pray when good things happen and God answers our prayers. Our prayers of praise are just as important.

Salena is doing good and feeling good. She is in Chicago, doing some testing and taking chemo treatments while anticipating her transplant to be April 15th. She is looking forward to getting this behind her so she can come back to St Jude for follow up care. Ladonna says they miss the warmer weather in Memphis and all of the friends they made while here. Keep Salena in prayers for her to stay healthy and to get through her transplant.

I had a big treat yesterday, I got to have lunch with Mallerie and Tina! First time Mallerie has stayed awake for me lately! This is little joke between us. Usually I pop in while she is in the med room taking treatments and she usually just tries to take a little nap to pass the time, it does get pretty boring in there. So she is usually napping when I pop in, and I am not one to wake a sleeping beauty! But, she did stay awake for lunch yesterday and it was fun to get to visit. She is such a sweet girl. She is getting ready for transplant too. She can use our prayers during this time of waiting. As we all know, the waiting and wondering and fear of the unknown is the most difficult part at times. Keep her and her family in your prayers too. Check out her link.

I have added a few new links in the last couple of days. I'll try to fill you in on these kids this week. Check out their pages and please add them to your prayer list. They are all wonderful kids with wonderful families that would love to know you are here and praying for them.

I can not stress enough how much it means to the families to see your comments on their child's caringbridge pages. At times, mom's are away from dad's and siblings or vise versa, and it can be a lonely time for them. Watching their child fight a beast called cancer that no child should ever have to fight. Please let them know they ARE NOT ALONE and you have them and their child in prayer. You don't need to write an essay, just let them know you are praying for them.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week. Spring is just around the corner, maybe a good time to do some Spring cleaning and have a garage sale. Consider having one, maybe even a neighborhood sale and donate the proceeds to St Jude. Just a thought!!

Believe-Prayer Works!

Monday, March 23, 2009

A Day Of Prayer For Mary Kate


"Have faith in God." Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain. 'Go, throw yourself into the sea.' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11: 22-24

Today is the day we have set aside to call all friends, family and prayer warriors to join together with one common goal, to lift Mary Kate and her family up in prayer. I am so very excited about tonight. It is so amazing to see how many people love this little girl and want to pray for her and for her complete earthly healing. My prayer is that tonight will be uplifting to everyone and that each will grow in their own faith and prayer life by this prayer vigil. We are currently working on getting things where Regina will be able to join us tonight. St Jude has some security firewalls within the wireless internet system that it provides to the families. As always, I have a few "tricks up my sleeve", I am determined to make this happen for her. We will begin this evening at 7:00pm (Memphis time). This is the first time we have done this on this new site, so if you have any difficulties getting signed in to the chat room, please first make sure you have Java installed on your computer. It is a free installation and does not take long at all to install. Second, just keep trying. It is possible that we have such a good turn out that it might just take a little time for people to get logged in. This will begin at 7:00 and we will go as long as people want to pray, all night is fine with us! This chat/prayer room stays open 24/7, you may come and go at anytime. For those of you who join us this evening, I want to thank you in advance. Regina and family thank you.

Today our focus in on Mary Kate, but we have many others that need our prayers too, Please don't forget to check the links under "Our Friends" and see what is going on in their lives today. They need our prayers and encouragement each day too. I just want you to know, I think you are all so awesome and I appreciate the encouragement that you have given me to get this website up, going and running for the benefit of these kids.

I just want to share some verses with you to prepare us for tonight's prayer night.

He was before all else began and it is his power that holds everything together. Colossians 1:17

Dear Lord, I cannot hold everything in my life together and keep it from spinning out of control. Your Word says that you have the power to hold all things together, so I'm putting it all in Your hands. Amen

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. Psalm 34:17

"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you" John 15:7

I hope that each of you has a wonderful and blessed day today and that you will be here to join us tonight. I know that tonight we will be praying our desires for God to heal Mary Kate, I do know with all my heart that God will hear our prayers. I also pray, God's will be done and I pray for me to accept God's will.

Believe-Prayer Works

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Trust in Him


He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust. Psalm 91:1-2

"In Him I will trust." These are words I have to remind myself of often. I pray my hearts desires, and at times I feel that my prayers are not answered the way I want them to be. When the disappointment hits me, I have to remind myself, it is God's will and not my own. "In Him I will trust." are the words that I need to keep me going and to remind myself that I must at all times turn things over to God. Trust that His way, His ultimate plan for us is what I accept and believe in. I pray for the strength to be stronger in my trust everyday.

Yesterday I got to visit with a few people at the hospital. I got to see Mary Kate and Mallerie. Both were in the med-room getting treatments. I must have been a pretty boring visitor, both slept the entire time I was there!! I got to visit with the mom's though. Mallerie is doing well, just trying to stay rested and healthy waiting for transplant. Her transplant has been pushed back a little again, it is not her, she is ready to go. There is something on the donor's part that has it pushed back. Let's just keep both Mallerie and her donor in our prayers that both will stay healthy and they will be able to get to transplant very soon. The doctors have told them this donor is a VERY good match for her. That is the news you want to hear going into this procedure. Mallerie has had some friends from home visiting with her this week on their spring break, and her brother has been able to spend some time here with them on his break too. That has been very good for her. She has meet a couple of other patients who have the same diagnosis she does, so being able to have their own little "aplastic anemia party" as they call it has been like a support group for them. Keep them all in your prayers.

Mary Kate had just finished her second dose of the higher chemo, and thank goodness was able to sleep through it very well. She did not flinch, not even when my cell phone went off just as I can in the room. Now, to give you an idea of how that went.. my phone was in my pocket. The nurse and I slid in at the same time to try to keep it quiet and only open the door once. Just as I got inside the room, my phone started ringing.... in my pocket. Mary Kate is in isolation, so I had on my gown, gloves, etc. and those silly gowns open in the back and are secured with a tie. I will leave it to your imagination as to the hustle trying to get to my phone to shut it off quickly. Let's just say I was able to provide Regina with a little comic relief for the moment. No, Mary Kate never even moved or blinked an eye! Thank goodness. Regina posted an update last night, go check it out. Leave them a message.

We are getting ready for Monday nights PRAYER NIGHT FOR MARY KATE. Prayer warriors, she needs us now more than ever, I am so encourage by those who have already committed to being here for it. We will begin at 7:00pm in the chat room located at the bottom of this page. This is a come and go prayer vigil, come join in when you can, pray with us, leave when you need to. Also, we are still filling in time slots for the 24 prayer chain for Mary Kate. For instance, I have the 7:00-7:30am slot, so as I told Regina yesterday she can know that during that time each day I will be praying a specific prayer for Mary Kate. If you have not signed up for a time slot, and would like to, you may do so by clicking on "comment" at the bottom of this post and leave a message letting us know what time slot works best for you. I told Regina about this yesterday, she had a big smile on her face! There is a link to view the calendar with the schedule, I don't have it right now, but I'll post it when I can get it. This is open to anyone who reads this and wants to be a part of it. Believe, prayer works!!! Let's be in prayer. www.localendar.com/public/BELIEVE-PrayerWorks

Reagan had her moment in the spotlight this week. http://www.wfaa.com/video/index.html?nvid=344085&shu=1 Check out this link. The local news in her hometown did a special on her. They are such a sweet family, she is a precious little girl. When they got back home this week from their visit to St Jude, the news crew came out and did the interview. They have been so blessed with their new neighbors doing some really wonderful things to help them out. I love to see people come together to help others out, even when it is people you don't even really know. I pray for the success of the big rummage sale to benefit Reagan and her family as they go through this journey with her cancer.

Trevor finished up his week here, and has gone back home. I did not get to see them before they left, so I'll have to post more when I get a chance to talk to Melinda. It was so good to see them. They are such a sweet family too, Trevor is so full of life, he is just a total joy to be around. He is all boy and never slows down. Reminds me of life at my house. I was glad that Morgan, got to be with them this time. Please keep him in your prayers that this chemo they have started him on will destroy this cancer in his brain and on his spine. Also, read his updates as Melinda describes the pain he is in and let's pray specifically for his pain to go away.

I am going to start posting a picture from our last St Jude Marathon weekend from time to time when I post... be watching for some good memories.

I want to encourage you to click on the links located under "Our Friends" and leave these families messages to encourage them and let them know you know about them and your praying for them. I can't tell you how much this means to them and how it lifts them to know they are not sitting in those hospital rooms alone, we are there with them in spirit and prayer.

REMINDER: PRAYER NIGHT FOR MARY KATE, MONDAY MARCH 23 BEGINNING AT 7:00PM ON THIS SITE IN OUR CHAT/PRAYER ROOM LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.

Believe-Prayer Works

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Focus On A New Day

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles: they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" Isa. 40:31

Good Morning, I was reading this morning and thinking about how special our group of prayer warriors truly are. For over two years now, people have gathered here in "cyber space" to pray for children who have touched our hearts, yet for most, have never even met these kids. To me, that is amazing and it speaks for each one of you and your hearts desires. We all have families of our own, yet each makes the time to petition God in prayer for the child of another. I know we have found ourselves at times feeling heavy and having trouble wondering if our prayers are being answered, I think that is normal at times when we allow ourselves to become weak in trusting what we know to be true. The truth is, God does hear us. I know he hears every single word that is offered up to Him. I read this scripture this morning(Isa. 40:32) and felt I wanted to share it today. Just read it again... "those who hope in the Lord WILL RENEW THEIR STRENGTH" I feel God is saying to us, "keep on, keeping on". We need to pray with new faith and trust each day that God gives us on this earth. I have this on my heart today because we have talked about Mary Kate and what is going on with her right now. We have discussed setting up a prayer vigil for her, and the ones I have heard from have expressed a desire to do so. I am thinking that we might set up an evening of prayer for her, I am looking at Monday evening, March 23rd. This will give us a little time to post and let everyone know about it so we can have as many as possible involved. I am thinking if we can get started at 7:00 and go hopefully into the night or even all night. We have done it before, we can do it again! Mary Kate's MRD went up to 75% in a very very short time, this shows how aggressive her cancer is. She has begun this higher dose of chemo, basically it's one more attempt to try to get her MRD down to 0 or at least below 1. so that she can have a chance at transplant. The family has ask for prayers and I know this group can for certain give them that. Also, in addition to our EVENING OF PRAYER FOR MARY KATE, some have ask to return to the specified prayer times like we have done in the past. I will start a list, and you can pick a time to stop and pray specifically for Mark Kate at that same time each day. Just post a comment and let me know what time slot you would like. I will go ahead and set up my time for 7:00-7:30a.m. each morning. Just leave a comment with your choice of time slot, and I'll keep a schedule. I would like to fill the day with prayers for her over the next few weeks as she is taking this higher dose of chemo and awaits for the next BMA to check her MRD. We can do this "...they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" WE CAN DO THIS. I'd love to be able to take this schedule to Regina and let her see how much love there is and how many prayers are going up for Mary Kate from this group of prayer warriors.

Let your friends and church family know about Monday night and give them our site so they can join us that night for our prayer vigil. I will let Mary Kate's family know so if any of them or their friends would like to join us, they may do so. Get word to any of our group that might now see this over the next few days and let them know.

This is a critical time for Mary Kate, but let's not forget all the others, please continue to lift them up each day for their healing also. Pray for their families to also have "hope in the Lord".

Believe-Prayer Works

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted,... to comfort all who mourn,... to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. Isaiah 61: 1-3

Hello, I don't have a lot to report today, I have been on a baseball field all day, so I have not had the opportunity to go to the hospital today. I did hear from Regina, Mary Kate's MRD preliminary report is showing her cancer up 75%. She has started the new chemo. Regina is asking for our prayers. If someone would like to help organize a night of prayer for Mary Kate, I'm in on it with you. We can use the chat like we have in the past and get a 24 hour prayer chain. They will probably be here in Memphis for 2 or 3 weeks. Mary Kate needs prayer warriors!!!

No other calls have come in today, so I am hoping that means all is stable and pretty much the same. You can check the links to see if there is something that I don't know. I have to run out the door again to work my shift at the baseball tournament that our team is hosting. Playing in one tournament with our JV team, and our Varsity team is hosting one at our school. Baseball on all sides right now.

Thank you guys for loving these kids and keeping them in prayer.

Believe-Prayer Works

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

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Second Update - I just got a call from LaDonna, TRANSPLANT IS DEFINITELY AT THIS POINT ON!!!!! Salena will begin preliminary prep for transplant hopefully April 1st and will get her transplant on April 15th. This is subject to change, but it's the plan as of now. They are excited, yet very nervous. Please keep them in prayer.

I also got a call from Amy, Reagan's mom, right before I talked to LaDonna. Reagan's visit went well, I think she has posted already. She is on a mission, and needs our help. There will be more on this to come. She needs us to contact some folks to try to get their attention to get some new drugs approved. She has posted some info on Reagan's site. Please check it out. Keep them in your prayers too. They are at the airport now, waiting for their flight out to go back home to Texas.

Believe - Prayer Works!
Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9

Good afternoon, I have a few things I'd like to share with you today. First of all, I want to officially announce the birth of Maxwell Nolan Farrar. Max is the son of Jason and Tabitha Farrar and the new baby brother to Hannah and Sully. We followed Sully through his journey, we have fallen in love with his family and now welcome Max into our "cyber" family. Everyone at the Farrar house is doing great. Please keep them in your prayers. As you can imagine anyone who walked the path that they have walked, finds it very difficult to not be nervous with not only a new baby, but also any other children in the family. Max has been tested for any signs of leukemia at birth, happy to report a big fat 0 nothing showed up, and her doctor has been so kind and understanding with their fears and has told them he will repeat test anytime they feel the need.

Last night I was able to visit with the Trevor. His mom, Melinda, and little sister along with grandmom are here until the 19th for follow ups and treatment. Yesterday was Morgan's 2 year old birthday. She is just the sweetest little thing. We had a small celebration with Baskin Robbins ice cream cake to honor her special day. Reagan and her mom, Amy arrived in Memphis last night for Reagan's follow up and MRI today. The plans were for them to return home tonight. I did get to see them last night, they joined us for birthday celebration. Reagan looks great, but she was tired. With the flight, it was a very long day for them. They were going to be pushed to get through all of their appointments today, so I did not see them today, but I'll get a report from them soon and I'll let you know. I am sure Amy will post soon to, check her link.

Today is a big day for Salena! She and her mom, LaDonna are meeting with the doctors at the hospital in Chicago this afternoon. I am sure by this time, they are probably through with today's meeting, but she has not called yet. I waited to post hoping to hear from them, but they might not really know anything yet. Please pray that if the doctors feel Salena can safely go to transplant that they will accept her and that it will be successful. This is so critical. To put it plain and simple, Salena has to have this transplant for a chance to beat her cancer, but with the damage to her kidneys, it is very risky. Now having said that, God is in control, and with Him, we know she can be healed with or without a transplant if it is God's will. Please keep them in your prayers. LaDonna is VERY nervous. Going home after being gone for 1 year and 3 months was very difficult for her. She says she feels like a visitor in her home. I am sure this feeling will pass very soon. If they do transplant, she will be in Chicago for awhile, and that is around 2 hours away from home. For those of you who have been following her, I want to let you know about somethings that she has not had a chance to really share on her site, this all happened so fast that she has had a head spin the past couple of weeks. St Jude has sent them to Chicago because of the risk of transplant with her kidney. The protocol at St Jude says you have to have atleast a 50% kidney function to be able to go into transplant. Salena's is less than that, so they won't do it. However, they are sending her to Chicago where there is a transplant team and they do have specialist on staff there to deal with the kidneys and heart if she needs them. I want to tell you, St Jude is paying for this, and they also made arrangements for a place for LaDonna to stay while there. St Jude hospital NEVER ceases to amaze me. If she has transplant, she will come back to do all follow up at St Jude. This was the best news LaDonna had heard in awhile. I'll share more with you on them at a later time. Pray for them!

Mary Kate has come back to St Jude today, I have not been down today, and I have not heard from them today either. I am sure they are swamped! They were going to do a BMA to get her MRD, then give her the high dose of chemo to see if it will get her MRD below 1 so she can go to transplant!!!! This was a miracle for them to just get the phone call for her to come back. I really REALLY feel we need to be in constant prayer for this high dose to work and get this cancer down and out of her! Mary Kate has the biggest desire to live that you have ever seen. I want to brag on her sister Alyson too. She has been here with MK and Regina, her life has been turned upside down too, but she is the most supportive sister, she has been a blessing and a life saver for Regina. I don't know if you all know this or not, but I'll share. Regina lost her husband and the girls lost their dad a few years back to cancer. Regina's strength is unbelievable!! Her sense of humor and outlook on life each day is something I can not even describe. Now this is a woman who could dig a hole and bury herself, but not her! She is so full of life and I have to say I am uplifted and my faith is made greater because of her. She along with all of the other mom's and dad's that I visit with and have visited with over the last few years are so strong and have such a great faith in our Lord. God is their rock and their comfort. I think we should all learn a lesson from them. Even when our lives and our days become so heavy, think about them and their journey each day, and find strength from them, in God.

I'll let you know as I know on test results from all of the kiddo's today.

Please, get on your knees and pray for these kids when you go to bed tonight. Hug your babies and be thankful for them and their health. I am!!

Believe - Prayer Works

Monday, March 16, 2009

WELCOME! Finally, it's somewhat up and running. I admit, I am dumb as dirt when it comes to computer tech stuff, so I ask you to please be patient with me, and I will probably need some expert advise along the way with this. For instance, this picture of our team from this past St Jude Marathon is so micro tiny, but I don't have a clue yet how to make it bigger. So if any of you have an answer for that, please feel free to share it with me.

The goal here is for us who have been together for a couple of years now, to be able to continue to be a "family" and follow the different children going through childhood diseases that no child should ever have to endure. Over the is past couple of years this group has been amazing. For anyone new who wants to join us and our efforts, we welcome you and thank you for joining us. I want to share just a few of the things this group has accomplished.

1. This group has participated in the St Jude Marathon for the past two years in Memphis. I don't have an exact total, but we have raised over $32,000.00 (yes, that is what I said) for St Jude Hospital. We have done this by participating as St Jude Heroes and raising money by doing so. For anyone of you who have not had an opportunity to do this, I can not begin to tell you what an awesome experience it is.
We plan to be a part of it again this year in December.

2. This group has been so wonderful to offer prayers and encouragement to families in so many different ways. We post links to websites of children all over the states, and follow them, leaving messages of encouragement on their guest books and by praying for them not only together in our "chat" room, but also on our own.

3. This group has sent money and gift cards to families in need of financial help while undergoing treatment with their child. We have sent gifts and put together gift baskets to take to families at St Jude to lift them up.

These are just a few things that have made such a difference, there are way to many "behind the scenes" things that go on as well. This group, made up of people from all over the WORLD, have become ONE FAMILY! I love you all, and I know we all are one team.

Now, that I have given a little back track background... I hope with this new site to be able to continue what we have been doing and now add new families who need us. I will try to update on things I know are going on around St Jude and please feel free to share others at other Childrens Hospitals who need us too.

I don't have alot of time right now, but I want to quickly mention a few things going on this week that need our urgent prayers. First, I want to say, that I have the families that I mention here today, I have spoken with them and have their permission to share with you the things going on. I will be happy to add any links to other sites, as long as I have written permission from the family.

This week, needing our attention: Mary Kate had a wonderful trip to Disney, and today she is heading back to St Jude for a high dose of the new chemo in an attempt to knock down her MRD enough to get her to transplant. Regina explains it much better than I on her site. The link is located under "Our Friends".

Trevor is in Memphis, he has started taking chemo as his tumors had intensified. He also has a link, and Melinda has left detailed info there.

Reagan, is on her way back to Memphis today, she will have scans and appt. tomorrow. Please check her link.

Salena, has made it home to IL. They will go to Chicago tomorrow to meet with the transplant team there. LaDonna does not have internet service at home, and has no idea what to expect in Chicago so I will try my best to keep you all updated on her as LaDonna will call me on a regular basis. I have alot of awesome things to share with you regarding her, but I will do that later.

Mallerie is doing well, she is just trying to rest and stay healthy to get ready for her transplant at the end of this month. Keep her and her donor in prayer. Check out her link.

Clay, is also trying to get to transplant, Arie has done a great job of keeping up to date on his site also. Check it out.

There is alot more, but Garrett has a baseball game in a bit so I need to get going. I was just so excited to get this up and the new chat/prayer room up and I had to stop and try to get something out before I run out the door. I am not proofing, to big of a hurry, so please forgive any typo's. More later......

Please keep all of these in your prayers!!

Believe- Prayer Works!!!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

This site is under construction at this time. Hopefully it will be up and running VERY soon. Be looking for new info on the children we have been following and our new Chat Room. Thank you for your patience and be watching.