​After about 36 hours back at home, we had to return to the Emergency Room at Texas Children’s Hospital. It was so good to be home, but truthfully, EvanMarie never really felt well enough to enjoy her normal comforts or routine. As hard as it is, this turn is not unexpected. The powerful medications she’s receiving in chemotherapy are making it difficult for her to keep food and fluids down. Apparently this is not uncommon right on the heals of surgery. Our primary team is now recommending IV fluids and anti-nausea medication to help her body through these side effects. So, here we are. 

Today, we are asking for urgent prayers, that the side effects would soften, that her little body would find relief, and that she would be wrapped in comfort and peace. As always, we place our hope in the healing power of Jesus, trusting that He is near and attentive to every need.

Thank you for lifting our sweet girl up today. Your prayers mean everything to us. And say a prayer for her mama and daddy and siblings too while you are at it. This is a beautiful and horrific battle we are engaged in, one that we are fighting together. God’s grace sustains us. 

Blessed Stanley, our brother, pray for us. 
AMDG

On Wednesday we returned to the hospital for cycle five of EvanMarie’s chemotherapy, stepping once again into this familiar rhythm of trust and endurance. This round includes cisplatin, a powerful drug that asks a lot of her small body. Its nickname is splat. Any guesses why? We know from experience that the nausea builds, that the days can grow heavy, and that recovery sometimes stretches longer than we’d like. Last time, it led to weeks of sickness and a blood transfusion, reminders of just how hard this fight can be sometimes. It’s exhausting.

And yet, we come back with hope.

Even now, EvanMarie is doing well, still spunky, silly, and radiant, still reminding us that joy and laughter can live right alongside suffering. And so, we place her again into God’s care, trusting that He who has carried her this far will not let her go now.

Please continue to pray for her comfort and peace, that her body would be protected, that the nausea would be softened, and that she doesn’t get discouraged in this fight. We trust that every prayer matters, that none are wasted, and that God is very near in this place. He hears us! 

Friends, the light is still breaking in. Love is still at work. And hope has not left this room. We are grateful you are still here with us.

​To God be the Glory in all things.

​We’re home! And we are so grateful. EvanMarie continues to amaze her doctors, recovering faster than 99% of children her age who undergo this kind of surgery. When we said we weren’t surprised, our primary oncologist smiled and said, “We still are.” We have no doubt she is being carried by prayer.

That said, we are exhausted, and the road ahead is still long. We are taking this one day, sometimes one moment at a time. Please continue to pray for EvanMarie’s healing, and for strength, rest, and peace for our whole family as we keep walking forward together.

Being home earlier than expected feels like another small miracle, and we receive it with deep gratitude. Thank you for continuing to walk with us and hold us up in prayer. 

Glory to God in all things.

​We hardly have the words for today, only deep gratitude and overwhelming relief.

Early this morning, we rose before dawn for the biggest day yet in EvanMarie’s treatment: major surgery to remove her primary tumor, which had been wrapped around vital organs and arteries in her chest and abdomen. We were told to expect an all-day surgery, possibly lasting into the night, because of its size and complexity. Instead (won’t he do it?) the surgery lasted only about three hours! 

Not surprisingly, her surgeon came to us immediately and shared some incredible news: the chemotherapy had again worked far better than anticipated. The tumor had shrunk significantly, and as it was removed, he said it appeared non-viable, essentially dead. 

We are filled with awe. 

We believe in miracles. Doctors bring extraordinary skill and dedication, but God is greater still. We truly believe your prayers and fasting have reached heaven, and that the mercy of God is at work in our daughter’s healing.

In moments like this, we are learning again what it means to stay present to the present moment, not racing ahead to what comes next, but trusting that God is with us here, now. Right now, today He has met us with mercy. Right now, He has carried EvanMarie through something enormous. Right now, we give thanks.

Now we enter the recovery phase, which will be very challenging. EvanMarie won’t be able to eat or drink for a time, and the incision pain will be significant. She’ll remain on pain medication and in the hospital for the next week and no doubt be hooked up to all kinds of machines. She’ll be back on January 21st for her fifth cycle of Chemotherapy and then her care team will reassess the situation before moving into the radiation phase. Please, please continue to pray for her comfort, peace, and strength in the days ahead. These will be some of the hardest days yet.

We also want to say thank you on behalf of our entire family, especially EvanMarie’s eight siblings, who have carried this journey in their own brave and tender ways. Your prayers, messages, meals, and quiet acts of love have sustained them too. As we move into this next phase, they will continue to need your support and prayers alongside their little sister.

This evening, above all else, we praise God for His goodness and give thanks for this extraordinary gift of hope. EvanMarie has crossed another milestone on her journey to healing. 

To God be the Glory! Thank you baby Jesus!