Thursday, October 16, 2008

Fighting off the bad guys...

This is my 3-yr.-old nephew, Von "fighting the bad guy" (i.e. cousin Simeon). Normally you would see him dressed as Spiderman or Batman, but I don't think his mom packed his superhero suits for their visit to our house this past May when this picture was taken.
Yesterday we got some bad news. After several weeks of going from one doctor to another, getting questionable diagnoses, and suffering from weakness and high fever, he flew with his mother from Toluca, Mexico to a Minnesota hospital, was tested and evaluated, and finally diagnosed. The doctors say he has leukemia. "Leukemia". I have always hated that word. I hate it even more today.

My brother's family is faced with some real difficult decisions today regarding Von's treatment, their family's relocation, finances and the delicate emotional issues of 3 older sisters and many other loved ones who have many questions about what this all means. We all have a lot to learn. We are going to trust God for a full recovery for Von.

Meanwhile, please keep Von in your prayers as he does what he loves best..."fight the bad guys" (that would be the tiny little cancer cells, Von, not your sweet nurses!!). I just learned that he has pulled his IVs off twice and aimed them at the nurse, pretending to be Iron Man. :) Goofy kid. I love him so much.
We are pulling for you Von, and fighting right along with you!! You are loved......Be nice to those nurses, PLEASE.

19 comments:

Leah Spring said...

I am so sorry to hear the news about Von! Are they in Rochester? I'm about an hour from there. If they're in on of the hospitals in the cities, I'm quite close. If they need anything, or need help finding anything, have them drop me a note at deanleah at comcast dot net

Robin said...

our family is praying with yours. and crying with yours too.
much much love

Zack, Jenn and William said...

I'm a survivor of childhood cancer and know that scenario all too well. I'll definitely be praying for Von, and the whole family.

Jennifer
http://littleboydove.blogspot.com

Dalene said...

Standing with the Family in Prayer.

Susan said...

Prayers for this precious child and his family are being offered. I'll call my church shortly and have them put on the prayer list as well.

Leukemia is so much more treatable nowadays than it used to be, and of course there are wonderful medical centers which specialize in successfully treating childhood leukemia. The treatments are less exhausting for the patients now, too.

It looks as if Von is a very happy and strong-spirited little boy, and his feisty attitude will serve him well during his treatment.

Very best wishes to you and your family,
Susan in Ky

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear such news. I will lift him up and his whole family in prayer. God is greater than leukemia.

June Berger said...

So sorry to hear such gut wrenching news. I will be lifting little Von, and his family, up in prayer.

Kimberly said...

Charissa ~ I met you at church in Ava's class and we talked briefly about ORU days. I have been following your journey and this latest news is heartbreaking. I have never commented but this time feel compelled to do so [I tried to email you privately to avoid posting here]. I want to let you know there is a new all natural product that aids in degenerative diseases such as cancer. It helps protect and repair cellular dna and promotes mitochondrial biogenesis. There's so much more to say about it but I do want to respect your blog and the comments forum here. I couldn't leave your site without mentioning it...there have been great testimonies! If you and/or your family are interested in knowing more about it, I can provide you with links to more info. Just email me at twingirlsmom at hotmail dot com.

Either way, I will be praying for the little one!

~Kim [Oliver] Tomlinson

My name is Sarah said...

What a sweetheart. I will be saying a little prayer for you Von.

Anonymous said...

Such sad news....we'll be praying for little Von. Tell your relatives to look into St. Jude's Children's Hospital. They are one of the leading children cancer centers in the nation and their care is free. I know they have stipulations, but it's not based on ability to pay. All children who go to St. Jude's receive free care.
Catherine Hendrickson

Carson's Mom said...

I am so sorry about the diagnosis. My son is a patient at St. Judes in Memphis and we can't say enough nice about it there. If they are looking at that option I would be happy to answer any questions.

Kayla

Anonymous said...

oh i wish i was nearest to Toluca and be more able to help...

hugs

Mrs.Naz@BecomingMe said...

I am so sorry and will be praying. My heart aches to know that children are suffering

kirsten said...

Will be thinking and praying for sweet little Von...and strength for your brother and sister in law.

sarah said...

Prayers for Von and all of your family.

Anonymous said...

We will certainly be praying. We hurt and cry with you guys. Many blessings.

Mandy said...

Praying for both families.....I have a friend who has told me about "orbs" (those little "spots" in pictures), she says they are angels....if you look, your nephew has 2 of them - one on him and one at his side :) Praying God gives him and his family the strength they need during this time.

Jill Rude said...

My mom and I will be praying for little Von and the whole family.

WheresMyAngels said...

Oh no. I'm so sorry. What an awful thing cancer is. I'm so sick of hearing about it, this year has been the worst. I have four internet friends whose children have been dx with the big C this year (two of those friends I know in real life also).

I just want to scream, but I know that isn't going to help him. I wish I would of read this before church today so I could of gotten his name out for prayer. But I will get it down next week. My family and I will start praying right away.