a new day
Every morning Joel and I wake up with that sick feeling in our stomachs. The reality hits again and we wonder if we have the strength to face another day. It is so good to be reminded that we don't have to go through this alone. We can't. We are clinging to God and resting in the fact that he hears our prayers and is walking right beside us.
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23
So many prayers are being said. Our sweet little girl is being lifted up to the Lord by people we don't even know. Wow! I was so encouraged by this e-mail I recieved from a friend today:
"The word about your dear Cora is spreading, and so are the prayers. If news spreading were given stages, the prayers being lifted up are WELL PAST stage 4. And the joy is that the God they are praying to is powerful and loving."
Today was a good day. Cora seemed comfortable and rested a lot. We are so thankful. We needed a break from the rollercoaster of emotions we have been experiencing the past week. The swelling in Cora's face has gone down so much and we can see her sweet little eyes again. I love that! Now her mama is just waiting to see a smile again.
Cora is responding well to the chemo so far. Her blood work has been coming back normal. She has had a little trouble with nausea and throwing up, but they are able to give her medicine to help with that. Praises:
-So thankful for a "good" day
-Cora is breathing better
-Cora's stomach measured 2 cm less today
-Prayer warriors around the world praying, praying, praying
-Encouraging comments, e-mails, and visits from so many
Prayer Requests:
-Comfort for Cora as she recieves her chemo treatments
-The chemo would "blast" the cancer (as one doctor put it)
-Cora's blood work would continue to come back normal
-Joel and I would continue to rely on God's stength
posted by the mcclenahans @ 10:07 PM
120 Comments:
Dear Joel and Jess,
We are praying and crying out to God on behalf of Cora. We know that our BIG God can heal her and we firmly beleive that he will! We will pray as the Spirit leads. We have passed on her story to more Nebraska Jesus friends so that they can pray too:) Joel, the Lord has brought you to mind several times in the last week (before I knew about Cora.) Now I know why he did that and I will be more attentive to his promptings. I love you brother!
lifting you up in our prayers-
Love,
brad and shelli johnson
creighton, Ne
Many prayers for baby Cora from my family to yours. She is a beautiful child, and I can see her strong little spirit. Hang in there tiny one!
What a precious child! My thoughts & sincere prayers are with you & I will get my bible study group to pray as well. Prayer helped my son have the strength to kick heroin & I hope it helps your sweet baby as well. Just know that there are many who pray for all of you. I went through chemo with both of my in-laws, so I know how difficult it can be.
I came here from Pearls To Hide My Neck.
This is my first visit to your blog but it surerly will not be my last.
My heart goes out to Cora and your entire family.
How wonderful to have a better day! I'll continue to pray for your precious little girl. Our God does wonders!
A blog friend of mine worded it perfectly...
We are "storming the gates of heaven" with prayer!
Much love,
Heather
i willo stop every day to feel your child and you in my heart and offer you my hope and strenght.
you are amazing.
It's me again. I just remembered something. When my niece was a baby and going through chemo, she got HORRIBLE diaper rash from it. My sister found that the only thing that worked for it was mixing Ilex and Flander's Buttocks Ointment together and using it on the rash. Just thought I'd pass that along in case precious Cora has the same problem. And of course, still praying!
My prayers are with your precious baby girl, Cora and your family.
God bless,
Melissa
you are being thought of and prayed for more than you can even imagine!
from one mommy to another mommy, from one stranger to another, from one family with little ones to another.....more prayers are on their way. heard your story from another blog.....your daughter is beautiful, thank you for sharing your story with us, we are praying.
I found you through Meg's blog {Whatever} and I've added sweet Cora to my prayer list {it's actually on my blog too}. Please know that a mommy of 3 little ones is praying for you in Alabama. Your sweet Cora seems to have such a sweet spirit. I am praying for our Great Healer to heal your little angel and to sustain you all along the way.
I wandered onto your blog and read your story...please know that I'm sending up prayers for you and your beautiful daughter.
My favorite Proverb that I say over and over again is....
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
Praying right now, especially that Satan would have NO edge to stick his nose into your little girl's life and healing.
I was sent to your blog from a friend of yours. I have two small boys and can't imagine what your are going through. She is a beautiful child with a strong will. Thoughts and prayers from our family to yours.
We know how yo-yo the days will seem on this journey. We will pray that each day the string will get shorter . . . that you won't have to go down so far, and will be quicker to get back up. We continue to pray for you as parents, for your famailies, and for precious Cora. We have an AWESOME God.
The verse in Lamentations is the same one that Lord gave us after one particularly very bad day when we were on a similar journey years ago.
Our love to you to day. Bob and julane
I learned of your trials through the blog of a friend. I sincerely pray that you will feel God's grace and mercy as you face the days ahead. There are prayers being sent up on little Cora's behalf as we speak and she and your family are on our minds, in our hearts and most of all you will remain in our prayers.
In christian love, from Arkansas
she is so beautiful. i just know that God will see you all through this terrible ordeal. I think of you and your baby often although we have not met. I wish you the very best from VA xoxo Karen
Praise God for a good day for Cora! It's SOOOO good to see those beautiful eyes again! Our God is the Great Physician. We are continuing to pray and think of you guys constantly. Love ya lots!
Still praying for sweet Cora and her family.
Kimberlie
Washington
praise god for all the many blessings. i have been consumed with poor little cora since i was here yesterday. i have been spreading the word for prayer...and there are many a prayer warrior going to the lord with requests. i was wondering if you thought it would be okay to make a button with cora's beautiful face to post on my blog for prayer..i wouldn't want to do taht if you don't want to...and it would link back to your fam blog. i know i don't know you...but we are all one big fam together!
A friend sent me your prayer request and blog. As a mother myself, I was touched beyond words. It's so reassuring to see your faith in God, which will see you through this. Don't get overwhelmed with the big picture, the long haul, just take it one day at a time. Rest assured, the prayers for Cora won't end until God has healed her little body and you are able to hold her in your arms again.
Sister in Christ from Newton
Dear Joel and Jess,
We are fervently praying for all of you and most especially for the complete healing of baby Cora. Your blog necessitates a box of Kleenex every time I look at it. The pictures are breathtaking and your journaling aids in how to best pray for you. Praise the Lord for the reduction in swelling. May God's glory and strength be magnified in and through you. We pray for you daily at church and many times more individually. We pray His peace surrounds you and comforts you as you continue on this amazing journey. Mike, Kris, Ben, Emily, Megan & Katie Reed
God bless you Jess!
I wish I could just hug each of you. I wish I could make it all go away and you could be your happy little family again.
Tears, hugs, prayers, and hope.
Your strength is amazing.
such a beautiful little face! Praying for strength for all of you today!
I went to church with you when I lived in Newton and have heard from several friends about sweet Cora. I am praying for her and you.
Lenita
all it takes is a comment from one of the readers to mckmamma, and you will have prayer warriors from ALL over praying for your sweet Cora.
i went back and read almost your entire blog, and i know you will long for the days when you could just talk about new teeth instead of trying to learn how to spell neuroblastoma. and the agony of saying stage 4.
but our God is an awesome God, and He will carry you in the days ahead. and we, your prayer warriors, will journey with you and carry your mat.
i am astounded by the people i have encountered in blog-land who have children with catostrophic diseases. not our children. not our precious innocent children.
i love Jesus and this doesn't make sense, but i know our God is sovereign and well, words fail to convey, because it just doesn't make sense.
praying for you, joel and jess. and praying for sweet cora.
may you feel His arms around you.
kimberly
I hope this song brings you some comfort. http://www.513free.com/mp3/Endure.mp3
Our God is amazing!
i came to your blog through meg. i am so sorry that you are going through this. your daughter is beautiful and looks like a little fighter to me. you are all in my prayers!!!!
Like many of the others I was sent to your blog by a friend. My heart goes out to you. I am so glad that you are a family of faith. I can't imagine going through the trials of life without a knowledge of our loving Heavenly Father.
I have learned through my own "gethsemane moments" that because of the atonement of Christ we can be healed. Not just from sin but also from the pains of life. I know that He is carrying you and will continue to carry you through this hard time.
I will pray for you, spread the word to pray for you through my blog, and will put your names on the prayer role in our Temple.
All my love and prayers,
Bobbi- from Utah
Praying yet again today. Letting everyone I know about precious Cora and asking them to pray as well. She is just so beautiful, even in her sickest days. You have wonderful strength. What a story of God's love you will be able to tell once she is healed.
Keep fighting baby Cora! We are all loving and praying for you!
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i am so sorry that your family is going through such a tough trial. cora is such a beautiful little girl, and a little fighter too! i'm keeping her and your family in my prayers. love, amie (alberta canada)
Continuing to lift you up. What a testimony of the body of Christ coming together to lift up you guys and your sweet Cora.
Woke up this morning thinking and praying for your family. May the Lord grant you peace today....
We do serve such an awesome God...and I am praying fiercely for your sweet baby girl...as well as your family. I came from Meg's site yesterday and I can't get your family out of my head. My heart goes out to you. I'm speechless really...no words can compfort I'm sure of that...so just know, I'm praying :)
I received your daughter's site in a prayer chain this morning. She is in my thought and prayers. My daughter was diagnosed with a Wilms tumor in October, 2007 and was treated at Children's Mercy here in Kansas City. Several of our friend's we met at Children's Mercy have been diagnosed with neuroblastoma and have neared there treatment or now off treatment. Please feel free to email me and I can forward their sites to you. It is comforting to have other people to talk to that have traveled in your shoes.
Staci Sharp
Here is my daughter's site
www.carepages.com/carepages/JillianSharp
We need to have someone come up with a button so we can get more people to pray for sweet Cora.
I came and visited yesterday, I read about you all from Meg D. I will continue my prayers for her.
We praise and pray along with you!! We love you and baby Cora so much! We lift you up in prayer hourly!
I have no idea how I came across you blog (probably blog hopping). I just wanted you to know you have some more prayer warriors. My family and I are committed to pray for your precious Cora. I love your family already. Our heavenly Father is so POWERFUL and hears the cry of his children. I am praying for complete healing. May the Lord give you peace that surpasses all understanding through your journey to complete healing. Love, Krista Nebrig
Fairhope, Alabama
I forgot to add my email in my last post.
rsharp3@kc.rr.com
Staci Sharp
To Cora, Joel, and Jessica -
My name is Megan Barber, and I am a good friend of Jen Christians. She called me last night on the phone and instead of catching up on our own families, she talked and talked about your little girl. She asked me to send my prayers to your family and since talking to her/reading your blog, I have been thinking of/praying for you. I linked up your blog to my family's blog, and spread the word to my friends/family to pray for your little girl. Please know that people who have never even met you have your little girl in their heart and are praying for her health.
Josh, Megan, and Keatin Barber
Ames, IA
I didn't stumble on your blog by accident...God led me here and I don't even know you, but I see we know the same risen Lord - and that is awesome. I just wanted you to know that I am constantly praying that God will continue to hold you and your little one in the palm of His Healing Hand.
L. Kristine from Chicago
Thanks Jess and Joel for continuing to keep us updated. I have enlisted everyone I know in Manhattan Beach to pray for Cora-- the Christian Club on campus and also our woodshop teacher who has a congregation of his own--plus many others. I like the idea of stage 4 prayers--worldwide and permeating the atmosphere.
I think continually of Cora's healthy and happy future. Sending our love from the west coast--
Shawn Charlie Maura Simone Lucas
I just came over by way of Meg's blog (Whatever) and wanted to say that I will be praying daily for Cora. I've read through your blog over the past half hour with tears in my eyes. Cancer has touched my life in a horrible way this year through a dear friend. I wish that experience had left me with some words of wisdom, something wise to say. But all I can tell you is that God IS still there with you. Despite all the horrible things happening to your little family, He's right there next to her bed, and He's listening to you. And even though I'm just one voice, I'll be lifting her up in prayer as often as I can think of it.
All my best,
Liz
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear, I will help you."" Isaiah 41:10,13
Praise GOD that you are seeing His work in shrinking her abdonmen. I have been praying fervently and have called on my sisters to pray as well.
For the "Doctors" can do all things through Christ who gives them strenghth. Phil. 4:13
A friend led me to your blog and my heart aches for you and your baby girl. I believe in miracles and we will pray for Cora. Even though we are strangers, our love goes out to you and your family. Best wishes and God Bless. Hugs to Cora.
Sincerely,
Stacy Lord and family
Ames, IA
Praise God you are not in this alone! Praying in VA for your precious family!
You all have been on my mind non-stop since I heard about Cora. We are praying for you and appreciate all the updates. Keep looking to Him for support! Love you guys!
Amanda
My prayers are with you and your beautiful Cora! God Bless you and keep you strong. We will continue to pray for your precious baby girl.
Nagle Family
Arizona
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Hi, Cousins!
I am overwhelmed by how many people we don't know are praying for our sweet baby Cora. My best friends at school spread the word, and I am amazed at how many people I've never met before have told me they're praying for her. It doesn't stop there, kids are telling their family, friends and cousins--everyone is lifting up little Miss Cora in prayer. My teachers are heartbroken for you, and want to make sure I tell you they are all praying for you and thinking of you. I cannot believe the way God works. I am so thankful I got to spend time with you. I love you, and miss you.
en las manos del Dios,
Laura
I found your site thru a prayer request from Hope Community Church's preschool, Bullfrogs and Butterflies. I am praying for your sweet baby. Our family understands, firsthand, neuroblastoma. We will pray for healing and strength.
We are praying so hard for your family. I am so glad Cora had a restful day.
I am praying for little Cora. She is so precious. I have been through a lot in the past year and a half. My oldest son had a brain tumor in May of 2007, he is doing great(thanks be to God), and my husband and I loss our youngest son in August 2008. Through all of these trials, we know that the Lord has a perfect plan and we put our trust in His will daily. There is a verse that I wanted to share with you that I say every single day to bring comfort to my soul.
Nahum 1:7
The Lord is good. A stronghold in the day of trouble. And He knoweth them that trust in Him.
I will continue to pray for Cora and your family.Take Care.
God Bless,
Jennifer Ross
just wanted to pop in and say my baby and i were praying for your baby any you last night. he's four and just getting the hang of it, but i heard him explain to my husband all about baby cora and what we could do through prayer to help her. preschool wisdom is powerful! stranger friends all over are praying for cora and your family...God bless you!
Joel & Jess - we KNOW that sick feeling! Hope you can get outside and get some fresh air this weekend! So glad you had a good day yesterday. Hundreds are praying in KC!
Brice & Heidi
Praying for your sweet CORA. Came across your blg today. Can't imagine how scared you are. Jesus knows all, I pray you and Cora will rest safely and peacefully in HIS arms through it all.
PS-Lifting you up from Kansas!
Another Kansas mommy
I found your blog through another and haven't been able to stop thinking of your precious Cora. I will say prayers for her and your sweet family each day and pass her name along to other prayer warriors her in Missouri. Our God is able to heal your precious Cora.
Cora and your family are in my thoughts. I'm hoping for good news for all of you.
Hi, I found your blog through a friend of a friend...etc. I want you to know your family is in my prayers and I even added a link to your blog from ours so others can pray for your family.
Thoughts and prayers, Clare
I was referred here from another blogger and I want you to know, that I too have sent up many prayers on your behalf. It also puts my grumpy morning to shame.
Count me among Cora's prayer warriors.
we know you not, but we love you still. grace and peace to you in these days. This day. Prayers from Milwaukee from myself, my husband and my 3 and 5 year-olds who talk to Jesus about helping "that cute baby", as my son says.
I am so sorry for your pain, and praying for grace and peace to leaven your exhaustion and get your through yet another day. May the Lord our God reach into that belly and reduce the aliens that are bringing so much pain. May he release you from your terror. And may sweet Cora know the love she is receiving from around this great world as we band together and care for another with our hearts and our prayers...and with this love that we are privileged to know and share with another...
O God, please release them of this. Please save Cora.
Amen.
You don't know me, but I know your cousin and have heard (and now read) what your family is dealing with right now. I am the mother of 2 little girls and my heart cries out to God on your behalf. I will pray for you family and your sweet baby.
Gretchen and family in Colorado
Dear Joel and Jess,
Just read the latest report. I'm thanking the Lord. Her picture revealed that she is better than when I left.
Love,
Aunt Carol
Joel and Jessica,
We are praying hard and trusting our Great God to bring healing to your precious little one. I am so encouraged to be hearing about Cora from so many different sources. The word is really getting out, and the prayer warriors are lifting Cora up to the God Who Heals. Much love, Sandie and Bob
I know it is easy for me to say, sitting here, not there where you are, but God will NOT give you more than you can handle. We pray that HE will help you handle all that is being put in front of you. Cora is so sweet. Our prayers are with you.
Dear Greatly Beloved Ones~
Mark 11:21 Just as Jesus cursed the fig tree and it withered up, we curse that cancer and expect it to wither up and die.
The weapons of our warfare are mighty to the pulling down of (such) strongholds! 2 Cor10:4.
May He give you strength to do battle, as He gives you His comforting arms to fall back on.
He sent forth His Word and healed them...we are His lips now, and thousand speak His Word for Cora.
Be encouraged in His love.
I am back. Just wanted to let you know that I have posted about your sweet angel and put the "Donations For Cora" link on my sidebar. I truely believe that Heavenly Father will be flooded with prayers for your baby. The angels will be busy today!
Cora is such a precious little girl and I am just heart sick over this story. I was sent to your blog from another blog I view. God is the great healer and physician and He is more powerful than any cancer out there. Trust in Him and He will give you all the strength during these most trying times. Praise God for Cora having a good day and that the chemo is working in her body. I will be praying today and always for your precious little angel.
In Christ,
Amber
San Antonio, Texas
Praise the Lord for a good day! We'll be praying for many more of those!
To Joel & Jess,
I'm a friend of Nathan & Sharla Boccia's. I've been keeping updated on your sweet little girls progress. I've been praying everyday for God to show you that He's with you, and that he hears you. I've been praying that He embraces all of you in His overwhelming love, and that he heals little Cora. I'll continue to pray for Cora, and for God to let you all know that He is with you always.
May God bless & keep you all.
Ravan
It is such a joy to read all those Praises! And it is inspiring to see and hear how so many are coming together to lift this little girl up in prayer!!
We have been praying for ALL of you since we heard the news. I remember how hard hospitals are with little ones from when my nephew had heart transplant surgery years ago. May God show you His love and care in many, many ways, and we pray that Cora responds well and fast to the chemo. Love, Tony and Ronda Baker
Our family is definitely praying for you. May he hold you in his arms and better yet that you are able to feel it. God bless you all.
Praying in St. Augustine...
Praying in St. Augustine...
I heard about Cora through Meg Deurksen; I am a mother, too, and my heart aches for you. I am praying for you, dear mom, and for the LORD to heal Cora.
Juliann
Gurnee, IL
Praying for your precious daughter. I'm so sorry you all are going through this. She is just beautiful!
at the dinner table last night... our four year old daughter prayed for Cora!
she is on the hearts & in the prayers of SO many!
Hello there...just wanted to let you know your precious daughter has been in my heart and prayers since I found out about her a couple days ago. My four-year-old asked last night if there was anyone sick in the world he could pray for, and I told him about baby Cora. He has a cousin who is 6 months old whose name is Cora, too, so I had to spend time explaining the difference. Anyway, you have our prayers...hang in there and know that God has the plan. He will carry you through this.
God Bless!
Courtney in Indiana
praying that your day is as good if not better than yesterday. So good to hear the chemo is working this soon. I also am praying for some renewing sleep to come your way. You guys need it!!
Praying, praying, praying and spreading the word on your precious baby so many more may join us.
I am praying for your precious baby girl Cora. Hang in there!
Just wanted to let you know that there are so many people accross the world prayinf for you and Cora. God Bless.
So good to see you today. We love you and will keep praying for you all. Keep fighting, sweet Cora!
You've got MAJOR prayers coming in from the New England area...Bless your sweet Cora. Bless you and your husband. xo
You do not know us, but we LOVE you guys! Especially sweet little Cora. She is being lifted up in prayer constantly in our home.
We are praying for strength for you and Joel, too.
Again, we LOVE you all!
The Norton family
Marietta, Oklahoma
Dear Jess and Joel,
Oh, so many prayers are going up for your family at any given moment. I work in the nursery at the Church of the Resurrection. Emily Busenitz shared your story and prayer requests with all of the nursery staff. In addition to us, there are approximately 15,000 members at COR. I posted your blog on my facebook page, and it just occurred to me; Adam Hamilton, the Head Pastor at COR is on my facebook friend list. I'll request his prayers and ask him to post your blog or just prayer requests on his page and also ask him to ask as many of the 15,000 members of COR as he can contact to pray for CORA. There are prayer teams, small groups, the congregation, the numerous pastors of other congregations Adam has regular contact with....we'll get more people praying for your precious baby girl that you can even imagine!
I just wanted you to know that Cora and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers virtually every moment since I read your blog for the first time last evening. I have two little boys and from one mommy to another: I won't stop praying and recruiting others to pray until Cora is well again. I know that God is a God of intense compassion, and I truly expect nothing short of a miracle. Keep your faith and just love your baby, and put the rest in His hands.
With millions of prayers on the way,
Love, Tracy Roman (Kansas City)
Hey Jess! I know it's been over 2 years since we've chatted, but I got wind of little Cora's troubles, which really does go to show how the network of prayer is being relied on. I pray that God is weaving a rich rich tapestry through this for you - and will continue to stand as a prayer warrior with you and your families. I enjoyed catching up on your lives through your blog.
love,
Erin Hutton
Prayers for your family from California. Your story is so unimaginable but your strength and faith are inspiring. Bless you.
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all I can say is that I have just prayed for Cora and her parents, I will continue to pray for her health and strength through this all. With love from California,
Candice
I know you don't know me, but I had to tell you that you are now in my thoughts and prayers. I came to your site by way of Ginger Atkins F.B. I know your hearts are in agony for you little girl. I have recently had a taste of that myself with my little boy who is 15 months. I know your heart just yearns for your little girl to be happy and healthy again. I am praying for you and am encouraged by you seeking God for your strength daily. May He give you a glimpse of the bigger picture and encourage your hearts by using you to encourage someone else to seek Him today.
I found your blog via a link from Meg's blog. It saddens my heart so much to know that a beautiful, precious baby has cancer. My prayers will be with Cora for her healing, and for you, the parents, to feel God's love and comfort as you go through this very trying time.
~Melanie from IL
I just found your blog through a blog and I live in Wichita and would be more than happy to provide any kind of support that I can. Please feel to email me at danea4ksu@yahoo.com if I can bring anything to you. I have a little girl and my heart breaks for you. She is my world, so I can't imagine how you must be feeling. Please know that I PRAY so hard that your baby girl will be just fine. And I pray that you both have strength during this journey.
I don't know you guys. You know how it works, one blog led me to another blog that led me to you! I've been blogging for about two years now and I have seen God use this human thing we call blogging to do some pretty supernatural things. Scripture is clear that when two or more gather in HIS name HE is there in the midst of them. Well, what happens when hundred if not thousands of people start crying out Cora's name to our Heavenly Father who delights in her? I can't wait to see! I know that this is the darkest hour you have ever lived but may the prayers of God's people sustain you! I'm praying for all three of you and expecting God to do great things for Cora! Keep the updates coming! I'm falling in love with that sweet girl of yours! What a precious gift from God and so much like my little McKenna.
We are praying for precious Cora!
An online friend posted a link here from www.christianmomsforum.com
In Him,
Shanna
What a roller coaster journey you're on... Please email me - I would like to do something for Cora.
Best wishes to you all.
jjj889 AT gmail.com
so glad today was a good day! Continuing to pray! God, please heal little Cora and bless and protect her parents and all who love her! I also praise God that you know Him in this hard time! Kelly
I can't even begin to tell you how your sweet Cora has touched my heart. I have a daughter around her age and can't imagine having to go through this. I haven't stopped thinking about you and praying for God's strength, peace and HEALING since I read your story. Cora is a precious gift from God and I KNOW He will do almighty things through her life. SHE WILL BE HEALED!!!
Shannon
Ft. Worth, TX
Still praying and thinking of your family several times a day!
seeing such a young baby with this disease is hartbreaking.I have lungcancer myself but seeing this makes me feel sooooo sad.Hope your god can do something for you,i wish for a miracle for you all
Prayers coming from Michigan and beyond. I posted on my Facebook page and that will get prayers going out exponentially. I am praying for her comfort as well as yours.
DEAR JOEL AND JESS,
MAY I SHARE JUST A BRIEF PART OF A LONG STORY OF A HORRENDOUS ROLLER COASTER RIDE THAT WAS NEVER-ENDING FOR 4 YEARS. ON MARCH 30, 1986 OUR DAUGHTER WAS DIAGNOSED WITH RHABDOMYOSARCOMA..SHE HAD A FOOTBALL SIZE TUMOR GROWING FROM THE MAJOR ARTERY SUPPLING BLOOD TO HER LOWER RIGHT LEG...it was inoperable'they just sewed her back up...THEY GAVE US TWO MONTHS FOR HER TO LIVE...THEY BEGAN CHEMOTHERAPY AFTER SURGERY FOR A PORT-A-CATH...SHE WAS AT DEATH's DOOR SO MANY TIMES I DEMANDED IT LEAVE IN THE NAME OF JESUS. SHE WAS 1O1/2 WHEN SHE WAS DIAGNOSED AND A YEAR LATER SHE WEIGHED 48 POUNDS. CHEMOTHERAPY CONTINUED AND SHE GOT WORSE...OVER 125 HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS IN ONE YEAR...AND 3 SURGERIES. THERE WAS RADIATION...SHE GOT WORSE....FINALLY ONE DAY AT HER VERY WORSE I WENT TO THE CEMETARY...I WALKED AROUND AND I HEARD ALITTLE WIND CHIME AND IT WAS THE GRAVE OF A LITTLE BOY WHO HAD DIED...I SET DOWN THERE AT HIS GRAVE AND I SCREAMED AND I CRIED AND I BEGGED AND I PLEADED AND CRIED AND I WONDERED IF THIS LITTLE BOY'S MOTHER HAD MADE A VISIT TO A GRAVE SIDE LIKE I HAD....I FINALLY FELt A DARK CLOUD LIFT...I WENT BACK TO THE NINTH FLOOR OF ST. FRANCAIS HOSPITAL IN TULSA, OKLAHOMA AND MY DAUGHTER STILL LAYED THERE LIFELESS...NOTHING HAD CHANGED...I HEARD A PECKING AND I WAS LOOKING AROUND AND THERE AT THE WINDOW BANGING WAS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HUMMINGBIRD I HAVE EVER SEEN...THERE WERE NO FLOWERS ON THE WINDOW SEAL...NOTHING TO ATTRACT IT...I BELIEVE IT WAS AN ANGEL BECAUSE 15 MINUTES LATER A FRIEND BROUGHT ME A MAGNET THAT..(TEARS...TEARS) HAD THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HUMMINGBIRD THAT HAD THE SCRIPTURE JEREMIAH 29:11...FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU...PLEASE READ THE REST OF THAT POWERFUL SCRIPTURE OVER YOUR DAUGHTER...POST THAT SCRIPTURE OVER HER PRECIOUS BED....
AMY BATTLED FOR 4 YEARS BUT SHE GOT BETTER AND BETTER AFTER THAT DAY....SHE IS NOW 32 YEARS OLD...ON JUNE 10, 2008 SHE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH SQUAMOUS CELL CANCER AND GIVEN LESS THAN 2 MONTHS TO LIVE...ONE WEEK AFTER SHE WAS DIAGNOSED THE LORD GAVE ME THE SCRIPTURE...."I WILL GIVE YOU BACK YOUR HEALTH AND HEAL THY WOUNDS," SAITH THE LORD....JEREMIAH 30:17
DECEMBER 10TH SHE FINISHED HER LAST CHEMO AND RADIATION...NO CANCER BUT THEY ARE CHECKING HER MONTHLY....MY URL IS http://debbie-jeremiah3017.blogspot.com
i cried...iyelled...i confessed...i whispered...i wrote jeremiah 30:17 on everything.
I don't know what God's plans are but He came to give us LIFE and LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY...
don't ever give up...when amy was little and the dr. said she wouldn't live two months...i got in his face and said YOU DON"T HAVE THE FINAL SAY SO...GOD DOES!!!!!
you are in my daily prayers...i have such a deep burden to love and hug you both...i have been there even though i could never know how you feel...no one does...the heart aches and grieves in such different ways...BUT GOD'S WORD IS POWERFUL AND HE STILL IS A GOD OF MIRACLES.
love
debbie
Jess and Joel,
Your strength in what I read daily is amazing. We're praying for you and so are many, many others. People in Arkansas that you don't even know are praying for little Cora as well. We think about you everyday. Your faith is encouraging- He hears our prayers and will answer them.
love,
Jody and Chad Childs
Jess and Joel -
We pray for you and your family. I told everyone that works at Schowalter Villa to pray. I shared your blog page and many continue to life you up in prayer. You (Jess) have been such an important part of Brian's life and we are so grateful for you. God is continually giving you strength. I have seen the power of prayer in action at Schowalter and with those prayer warriors lifting you and your family up, it definitely doesn't hurt. You are all on our mind daily and mom sends her love to you.
Love to you all
Mike, Amy, Brian, & Anthony Wedel
Newton, KS.
We are praying for you every day. I have been following your blog through a friend of mine. I have fallen in love with little Cora she is soooo precious. Please know that GOD is with you every moment of every day. We are praying for a miracle to be preformed.
In Christ,
Chris and Mandi Ridenour
Your sweet, precious daughter is in my thoughts and prayers daily.
Macalla Yi
Seattle, WA
SIL told me about your daughter. our prayers are with you and your little cora.
jessica and family
Spanish Fork, UT
There are so many things I should be doing right now,but NOTHING seems more important than praying for your duaghter. Your daughter's beautiful face has been in my mind all day. Your story has touched me in ways I do not have words for. But most of all, it's your family's faith in God that brings me to my knees in prayer. I don't even know what emotions I would have, BUT JESS and JOEL, You are role models to Christians all over the world. You are still praising God. You guys are amazing and Cora is so blessed to have YOU two as parents. I am a prayer warrior and will be until the miracle you pray for happens. God bless you and your precious child. I am spreading the word like wildfire about this child of God. Made so wonderfully and fearfully. Keep fighting little Cora and be brave.
Update soon.....we are praying feverishly!!!
Praying in Columbia, Missouri...
So glad you all had a better day. Every time I think of Cora (which is many times a day) I lift her and you all up in prayer. It is so cool to look thru these comments and see the number of people from coast to coast, many you don't even know that are praying! We have a big God. We love you guys,
Kathy, Gary, Caleb & KaLisa Veer
My first visit as well. Know prayers are being lifted up to our Father for your BEAUTIFUL girl. Love,
The Mockabees
Morgan Hill, CA
Dear Joel, and Jess
We have been following your blogs for several months now and we have fallen in LOVE with your little Cora. She has become our little "webb" angel. We checked your site every day for a picture of her. When we found out about her cancer our hearts cried out in pain!! I have sent your prayer requests to everyone I know. Cora is even being prayed for in Taiwan.Our GOD is an AWESOME GOD, HE REIGNS... and He HEALS!!!!!!!!!!! Friends and former neighbors to your Chambers family. Mike, Marilyn and Aleigha Holz P.S. I've never become so attached to someone I don't even know. Cora, I really want to meet you someday. FIGHT HARD!!!!!!!!
I pray many times a day for sweet Cora and for you as parents and for the doctors - hope you are able to see Cora's smile soon. We have passed your prayer requests on to many faithful prayer warriors.
Heather (Contrera) Womack
Andover, KS
Dear Joel, Jess & Cora:
Cora is a beautiful little girl with such a sweet spirit. We are praying for her and you/your family during this tough time for peace, health and strength.
Much Love,
An Unknown friend in Park City, UT.
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