Two doors down from my parents lives a wonderful family of 8. They have mom and dad with 5 boys and one girl. Among these 5 boys is little Ethan. Ethan is the same age as Ethne. At 22-months old Ethan was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Ethan was given a 3 year plan for chemo to treat this aggressive cancer. Summer of 2012 Ethan's cancer went into remission. Life was good, prayers were answered, and shortly before this boy #5 was added to the family. Unfortunately the remission only lasted one year. They tried chemo for 5 months with no luck, so Ethan was given an experimental drug to help him fight. Fortunately the experimental drug worked after only 4 weeks, he was in remission again! This time around they decided to to a bone marrow transplant. Ethan's family was tested for compatibility and his younger brother was a match! After countless blood tests, cranial radiation, and more chemo Ethan received his little brother's donated bone marrow. This was in January this year. After 16 days the transplant engrafted and was considered a success, Ethan was on his way home!
Through all of this his family has seen so many miracles, blessings, and answered prayers. Ethan was granted a wish through the Make a Wish Foundation and he and his family went to Disney World, they added a healthy and happy baby to their family, VIP concert tickets to The Piano Guys were gifted to Ethan, the old swamp cooler in their home was replaced with central air, and so many other generous gifts were given. They are truly grateful for the outpouring of generosity and love they have seen throughout all of this.
Early this week Ethan went in for a routine appointment and it was discovered that he had RSV. He was admitted to the hospital for treatment. But there was something else wrong in the blood tests. The cancer is back.
When his mother shared this on Facebook my heart broke. This wonderful family has been through so much and sweet little Ethan is such a fighter.
Today I ask for prayers for Ethan and his family. Prayers that doctors will know how to help bring Ethan back into remission, prayers that Ethan will not get too sick through this new course of treatment and that he will have the strength to endure it, prayers that his family will have the strength they need to endure this again.
If you want to know more about Ethan's story you can find it here.
1 comment:
WE will pray for Ethan and his family and count our blessings.
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