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Joined: Jun 2002
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I ask for prayers for my cousin's son, Jesse, who is 5, and has had a terminal brain tumor for some time now. He recently made it to his 5th birthday, which was not expected, but his situation has become grave and he may only have weeks to live.

Please remember his mother and father (Chuck and Jen), and brother and sister (Caleb and Emma) in your prayers. Jesse is one of those children who is very dear to God - his spiritual perception of things is amazing! If God chooses to take Him, we will have a real saint on our hands.

God bless and thank you.

Gordon

Note from Jesse's Mom

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Chuck and I met with Jesse's doctors yesterday. They explained that the tumor is now growing rapidly and on this course, Jesse has only weeks. They recommended we try one of several experimental chemo treatments through ongoing clinical trials available at St. Judes Hospital in Memphis, TN. It is necessary to go this week due to the nature of Jesse's condition. These trials are designed to research the effects of chemo on children with the hopes of finding a cure one day. They offer no cure, but only the hope that the treatment we choose may be able to slow down the growth for awhile. They cannot give us any guarantees or even chances of success * most of these treatments have never been tried with children. There are a handful of trials to pick from, but we have decided to choose only from those that can be administered by his doctors here at home after the initial visit to St. Judes.

Jesse is still doing well despite the news we've received. This morning, he began to limp again, but overall, he is unchanged! He had a wonderful birthday party this weekend! It was great to celebrate together with all of our family!!

Doctors have explained to Chuck and I the details of what to expect in the course of time before us. We ask for prayer for strength, for peace, and for a greater faith in God! We know that even now, God is with us, and that He is pained by our sadness. But we also know that God has a reason for all of this * one that will bring Him glory and further His kingdom! Jesse will be healed! If it is not here on earth, how much more wonderful for him to awaken healed in our Savior's presence!

We will update again as soon as we know specifics on our trip. We thank you again for your many prayers! The cards and gifts sent to Jesse and our family by so many of you has been a blessing beyond words! Jesse has so enjoyed getting mail!! We love you all!

Jen
A follow-up note from his aunt, Terry:

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From Terry:
I spoke with Chuck and Jennifer this morning. There are 3 clinical trials that can be administered by Jesse's doctors after the initial consultation and treatment at St. Judes. They are somewhat disappointing because none are designed for Jesse's specific type of cancer. Jennifer basically told Chuck to make the decision and she'll stand by his choice. (No pressure!) Chuck has ruled out one of the trials because it's so new, there's little information except 2 pages of significant side effects! The other two trials focus on cancer characteristics that could benefit Jesse's situation and have been used more frequently, however, mostly by adults. The other unknown is if the effects will change much for children vs. adults.

The St Jude staff were contacted prior to yesterday's conference and have already reviewed Jesse's case and are recommending a specific clinical trial. Jesse's doctors concur with the St Jude choice. Chuck has some questions - partly due to the limited amount of information available - and would like to ask a few questions prior to choosing between the two. Time is of the essence because they could see Jesse's condition deteriorate daily.

As of 11am, Chuck has already contacted the St Jude coordinator and is waiting for their return call with the details of the trip. They do know that they will be staying overnight. They'll meet with the team of doctors, discuss the clinical trial and immediately start treatment. The next day, they'll fly home. Jesse's doctors will continue to adminster the meds from their office and track Jesse's labwork.

How you can pray?
- prayer for wisdom, for strength, for peace, and for a greater faith in God!
- prayer that Jesse would face as little suffering as possible in the coming weeks
- prayer for the St Judes team as they now take the lead on Jesse's treatment and his team at home as they monitor his progress
- prayer for a good trip to Memphis and back; I'm personally concerned about Jesse having problems adjusting to the changes in pressure from flying.
- prayer for general good health for Chuck, Jen, Caleb and Emma, especially over the next several weeks; stress tends to take a toll on the immune system
- prayer for continued healing for my dad (he started running a temp again yesterday). Jesse told my parents this weekend that he was glad God fixed their broken hearts so they could come to his party. :-)
Jesse\'s Caring Bridge Site [www3.caringbridge.org]

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Heartfelt prayers for all involved. May our Lord be with this family in every way during this very, very difficult time in their lives.

My heart is willing but my words are presently faltering so just be assured of my prayers to God for all.

With love in Christ,
Alice

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Prayers for Jesse and family...

james

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Kyrie eleison.

May the angels prepare his place with the Lord.

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Dear Gordo:

I join in fervent prayer for Jesse's general well-being, if not a cure, please Lord, a courageous little boy, and for his parents and the entire family for their perseverance!

And a special prayer for the success of the chosen clinical trial that at least a reprieve is on hand and a road to recovery thus begun!

May God bless you all!

Amado

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He is in my prayers!

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Prayers for Jesse, that the Lord comfort him at this time, and for the Lord's comfort to be with them at the difficult time.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+


Everyone baptized into Christ should pass progressively through all the stages of Christ's own life, for in baptism he receives the power so to progress, and through the commandments he can discover and learn how to accomplish such progression. - Saint Gregory of Sinai
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Oh dear -this sort of thing reduces me to tears everytime . Why does God give these little children such trials ? I know I should not ask such a question but I can't help it.


May the Lord keep Jesse in His care.

May the Mother of us all , Mary ever virgin , spread her Mantle of Protection over this family .

May She hold Jesse in her arms all through this latest trial.

When his work on this earth is completed ,and God chooses to bring Jesse to Himself , may the Theotokos present this little child to Her Son

In tears

Anhelyna

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Quote
Originally posted by Our Lady's slave of love:

May the Lord keep Jesse in His care.

May the Mother of us all , Mary ever virgin , spread her Mantle of Protection over this family .

May She hold Jesse in her arms all through this latest trial.

When his work on this earth is completed ,and God chooses to bring Jesse to Himself , may the Theotokos present this little child to Her Son

In tears

Anhelyna
Angela,

Thank you for the gift of your beautiful and prayerful words....

A sorrowful and heartfelt Amen to them.

Love,
Alice

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prayers for the little one. it's bad enough when an adult suffers, its indeed heartwrenching when it's a kid.
Much Love,
Jonn

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May Saint Nectarios of Pentapolis and all the Saints interceed for the well-being of little Jesse and his family.

With Love in Christ,

Manoli

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Prayers for little Jesse and family.

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Prayers offered at this most difficult time. Christ have mercy.

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St de Marley, intercede for this little one. May God grant mariculous cures and miracles as the result of this life of pain and suffering. Also, bless the wonderful parents who have gone through so much in love unfailing in the name of Jesus. amen.

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Thank you all for your wonderful prayers. I would also ask in a special way that you remember his father, my cousin, Chuck, who was admitted to the hospital today with chest pains. He is under tremendous stress, since he is still working while trying to care for his dying son, his wife and two other children. Not to mention that his father just had a heart attack and multiple by-pass surgery and his mother was put into the hospital for heart trouble as well.

Your prayers are very much appreciated.
Gordo

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