Take Heart. Your Faith has healed you. Matthew 9:20.

November 12, 2017

Eight years ago today, my family claimed victory over Acute Myeloid Leukemia. My dad, number 7 of his siblings received a life-saving bone marrow transplant from his brother, Eugene (number 8). Just as we started to lose hope, the youngest of his brothers ended up being a match for the transplant. Although there was a long battle that continued after the transplant, I thank God every day for working this miracle in the end. He didn’t have to do it, but He did and I’m so grateful.

I see my dad and the image of a massive iceberg comes to mind. What you see above the surface is only a small piece of the story. Through his battle, the strongest man I knew became weak. Weaker than weak. In those times, we relied on the support and prayers of so many which kept us strong. I have to thank our amazing family, friends, church family, neighbors, University of Michigan Hospital, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Power of Dad and Saginaw Asphalt Co. Each of you became the massive support system beneath the surface keeping my dad and our family afloat when we needed it most.

To anyone currently in a battle with cancer, I hope this message reminds you that miracles are possible. God is working in your life right now in ways that you can’t understand. He has a plan and purpose for every pain, disappointment, and struggle. You may not have the greatest support system. You may be afraid for your own or your loved one’s life. You may be worried about mounting medical bills. Just remember that God is bigger than all of those problems. Rest assured that you are not alone in your battle. Please know that thousands of people, myself included, are praying for you and with you at all times!  Decide from the beginning that your attitude and dependence on God is your greatest strength! He’ll give you the strength to go through. Once you put it in God’s hands, you can focus on your part in the process. Place your focus on your family, your faith, and something that is often overlooked…..forgiveness. If you have unforgiveness in your heart, now is the time to address it. Not tomorrow, not one day when you feel like it, but now.  I believe this is important for anyone at any stage in life.

Lastly, trust the doctors and medical professionals. Your hospital team is now a part of the family, working with you and not against you! Always ask questions and give honest feedback. Listen to them, even invite them to pray with you once you have built a relationship. These relationships are crucial.

When death knocked at my dad’s door, it put everything into a new perspective for me. I learned about compassion, suffering, and the healing power of forgiveness. When I thought I was helping my dad stay strong and get well, he was really helping me. Through his journey, I learned how to have hope while understanding that I have zero control over what happens in this life. The thought can be overwhelming but in difficult times the only option is to hold on to hope and never let go.

My heart goes out to all those who have encountered and been affected by Leukemia. I’m praying for the day we find a cure for this disease that has touched so many. I hope that sharing these words will help someone and be the beacon of hope that inspires others to keep pushing. I pray that you continue to fight and know that no matter the situation, God can help you turn your fear into faith!

Blessings,

J.