Thank you all for your continued concern, support, and prayers for Kara. It is an extraordinary thing, what prayer can accomplish, and it provides immeasurable reassurance and comfort to Kara and her family to know so many have made the effort to include her in their thoughts and prayers.
For those of you who have been referred here by friends or family, Kara is a thirty-one year-old mother of two – Emma (three years old) and Luke (one year old). Kara is an active member of the Bellaire United Methodist Church in Bellaire, Texas, along with her husband, Matt. She is also a 6-year member of Bible Study Fellowship.
Those who know Kara love her for her kind and generous spirit. These same people have spread the word for the need of prayer to help Kara though this difficult time.
Kara has been diagnosed with a rare form of metastatic brain cancer – large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. The next eighteen weeks will be taxing as Kara will undergo radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
We will have specific prayer requests during these weeks to reflect on Kara’s most immediate needs. We will share her progress with you. So please continue to check here for updates. Also, if you will share this with others so that they may add her to their own prayer lists, we will be most grateful. We have heard about people praying for her throughout this wonderful country. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
PRAYER REQUESTS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 19, 2005:
- Pray for Kara to keep hope alive in her heart.
- Pray for her physical stamina as she undergoes treatment.
- Pray for the wisdom and skill of her health care providers.
- Pray the Lord comforts her and gives her peace.
WHERE WE ARE NOW:
- Kara has successfully undergone neurosurgery to remove the largest tumor and has regained the use of her right hand and arm.
- Next week she will undergo pinpoint radiotherapy to destroy the remaining two smaller brain tumors.
- More to follow next week.
In February 2005, Kara was diagnosed with a rare form of metastatic brain cancer – large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. She is a devoted mother of two, and a caring and generous wife, sister and daughter. This blog was started to keep family and friends informed of Kara's progress. The thoughts and prayers Kara has received through this blog have been an unending source of hope and inspiration, including many kind and encouraging comments from people she has never met. We thank you all.
30 comments:
Dear Kara and Family,
Please know we are continually lifting you to Jesus agreeing that "with His stripes you are healed." Isaiah 53:5
"I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies."
2 Samuel 22:4
"Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over her anointing her with oil in the name of the Lord.
And the Prayer of Faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise her up."
James 5:14, 15a
"Jesus said, 'If you can believe - all things are possible to you."
Mark 9:23
We Believe!
Deanna Pearson Reeve and family
Dear Kara and Family,
May God have mercy on me and let me have His wisdom of His Words. Oh Lord, let Kara's spiritual keep fighting the tumor. Be strong and positive.
Kara, I love you more than words can say. You are a tough chick. All of us from Joplin are praying for you.
Your Bestfriend,
Carrie Cox
We're thinking of Kara and will remember her in our prayers.
Hello to Cara and Matt and the Kelly family. We've never met, but my daughter, Carrie Martin, has kept me informed of your situation and my heart goes out to all of you. You're in our thoughts and prayers, and I'll pass this URL on to others.
Chris Martin
Danville Illinois
Kara, as I lift you in prayer throughout the day, the image I have is of all of our hands being laid on you and the healing power of God flowing through.
Matt, Emma, Luke, Kara's parents, other family members and those closest to Kara: we embrace you in our prayers and ask for God's comfort and strength.
We are praying for you in Austin, Texas and at the FUMC here.
I was glad to hear that the first surgery went well and Kara come home early from Methodist following it. I know she is strong and she has the love and support of family and many friends. I am hoping for much more success as treatment begins for the other tumors. I am wishing you the best and will keep you in my prayers.
Kara,
We love you and are trusting you in the Lord's hands. We are praying this verse specifically for you:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Love,
Aunt Karen and Uncle Don
Kara, Matt, Emma, and Luke,
We love you and pray earnestly for you, knowing that each of you is in the hands of God. We feel utterly powerless, but in our weakness, His strength is made perfect. We pray that He would infuse you with His love, with reminders of His refreshing presence.
Love,
Gina and Curby
Kara and Matt, may it be a source of renewed strength and comfort to know that so many are praying for healing. May the Lord surround you with his love and presence.
John and Jean, the website is inspiring and a blessing to those of us who are praying. Thank you.
Our love and continued prayers,
Mary & Rodney
The Denison Pearson's hold you and family firmly in our thoughts and prayers. May you gain strength from all- to overcome your trials.
With much devotion, Norene and Roger
I did a Google Search and found a couple churches that have Kara in their prayers:
St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Joplin, Missouri, "Prayer Concerns" on page 3 of the Feb. 10 Newsletter
http://www.saintpauls-umc.com/Newsletter/Newsletter.pdf
Hope Church, Naperville, Illinois, "Sharing Joys & Concerns", Feb 15. Happenings.
http://www.sharehope.org/happenings.htm
Kara, Matt, Emma, and Luke,
We have been praying for you here at the Roanoke Johnson house. We pray that you continue to remain strong during your treatments, and that Matt and the kids will continue to remain strong as well. We love you & have faith that God will take care of you and the rest of the family. Please let us know how else we can help.
Love,
Tommy, Carol, Kierra, Zac, & Kendall
Matt-
I am praying for Kara and also for you and the entire family. I am praying that GOD continues to give you strenghth and that you remain strong and positive. I have asked members of my church to keep you in prayer and I will pass this url on to others. May GOD keep you and yours.
Regina
Although I never met Kara, I know you Matt from BCM. You and your family will be in my prayers. May God give you what you NEED!
Kara, You have been in my prayers
since hearing of your cancer. I will continue to pray for you, and
asked many others to so.
Gayle West
Kara,
Please know that I am praying for you and your family.
Ashley Kirk
Kara.,
I pray to all the Gods, for your good health.
Pradeep
Hi Kara, I have been praying for you since I learned of your cancer just yesterday. Ditto what Carrie Cox said, word is spreading fast around Joplin and you and your family are being lifted up to God. What a precious, beautiful family you have. I was thrilled to learn you are a long time member of BSF, as am I. I will be praying constantly for your strength, peace and complete healing.
In Christ, Holly (Campbell) Wampler
Kara and family we are praying for all of you and hold you in our hearts have passed your websites to friends and churches all things are possible through Christ hold to his word. Love Larry and Donna Maples
"God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.....
The Lord Almighty is with you; the God of Jacob is your fortress....
Be still, and know that He is God!" Psalms 46:1-3,7,10
Kara, I will be praying for you daily. Our God is great and mighty and able to do all things.
May He hold you close, heal your body, and fill you with peace and assurance.
Your mother was in my BSF group 15 years ago. I am still in the BSF class in Joplin. I am thrilled that God has had you in class for six years strengthening and preparing you for this trial.
Remember all you know about Him.
In Christ, Linda Campbell
(Holly Wampler's mother)
Dear Kara & Family,
You are in our prayers everyday. May God give you the strength and guidance you need.
Love,
Lanette & Jacob Johnson
God carried us safely home to Topeka, just as he will carry you on your journey of treatments starting tomorrow. We will be praying for you all day, and we will be praying for your folks and Aunt Lois to have endurance to keep Luke and Emma entertained. Don't worry, God is in charge.
All our love, mom and dad Herynk
Kara & Matt:
Our church families and friends are praying for you all. May God give you peace and strength as you face this week. All our love to you all.
Skip, Janice & family
Hi Kara--
You are in my prayers. I know what you are going through. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October and have since completed chemotherapy and am in the midst of radiation. I found Lance Armstrong's book and Joel Olsteen's book to be very inspirational. Prayers got me this far and keep me going. My favorite sayings are things that are impossible with man are possible with God. And with God on your side who can defeat you. Stay strong and stay peaceful. ClaIre Coale (teddybears)
i HAVE NEVER MET YOU NOR YOUR FAMILY, BUT MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS GO OUT TO YOU ALL. I KNOW WHAT YOUR FAMILY MUST BE GOING THROUGH MY DAD IS GOING TO HAVE SURGERY MARCH 7,2005 TO TRY AND GET RID OF HIS PROSTATE CANCER. I WILL PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TO GET THROUGH THIS. KNOW GOD IS ALWAYS WITH YOU MIND, BODY AND SOUL
Dear Kara and family,
Though we don't know each other, I've just learned of your diagnosis and as a 13 year survivor of breast cancer, I want to offer you hope and encouragement as you face the months ahead. I believe with all my heart that through love, medicine and miracles, all things are possible.
I was diagnosed when I was 33 and my children were 10 months, 5 years, and 8 years old. I underwent 3 rounds of pre-op chemotherapy, a modified radical masectomy (with 18 of 28 lymph nodes removed being positive for cancer), 5 weeks of radiation therapy and 9 more rounds of post-op chemo, so I fully understand the challenges you are facing. One of the students I worked with at the time gave me a book by Dr. Bernie Siegel called "Love, Medicine & Miracles". It helped me and my family so much to read inspiring stories of cancer survivors; I encourage you to get a copy or send me your address and I'll mail you a copy of the book. The primary premise is that faith, love, and support from family and friends, combined with the miracles of modern day medicine can work together to accomplish what none of those things can do alone. One of the positive things that came from surviving cancer is a new outlook on life and counting my blessings daily. Something that I try to live by is not to focus on what might happen next week or next year, but to live today and every day as though it might be my last. I'm a firm believer that God hears all the prayers on our behalf so keep your faith, count your blessings, and live everyday to the fullest.
Also, don't be afraid to let others help you during this time. So many people don't know how to respond or how to help someone who has recently been diagnosed with cancer and to those people, I say, "Treat me just like you did before. I am the same person; I just have a disease and I will live with it and face it with courage and dignity." Let people know where you need help the most; if it's preparing an evening meal for your family, or taking the kids out for an afternoon so you can rest, see a movie or whatever you find relaxing. I don't want to take up all the space, but if you'd like to talk to me personally or have questions about chemo or radiation, feel free to email me or give me a call at 713-646-1825 (work)or 281-345-1470 (home). You can get through this; be strong and lean on God, family and friends for support.
You may also want to contact CanCare, a Christian based support group for cancer survivors, made up of other cancer survivors. CanCare matches trained volunteers to recently diagnosed patients or to those who have finished treatment and need support. Their phone number is 713-461-0028.
I wish you a speedy and full recovery and will keep you and your family in my daily prayers.
Here's a prayer that I keep on my desk. May it bring you comfort.
For Another Day
Thank you, dear God, for another day, the chance to live in a decent way, To feel again the joy of living and happiness that comes from giving. Thank You for friends who can understand and the peace that flows from Your loving hand. Help me to wake to the morning sun with the prayer, "Today Thy will be done." For with Your help I will find the way, Thank you again, dear God for another day.
May God bless you and your family,
Wanda Morrow
I am praying for you and your family.
Kara, Matt, Emma, and Luke,
I just found out about your diagnosis from the Bellaire Young Mothers listserve. What a shock. Chris, Mary, and I were just thinking of you and how we haven't seen your family at the park yet this spring. I'm glad to know you are surrounded by family and friends, and getting all the best medical care and support. I've never been a religious person, but I will pray for you daily. I look forward to seeing you at the park or at Trolley Tunes later this summer, and getting our girls together to play again soon. Fondly, Chris, Meg, and Mary Ferris
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