On the night of December 16, Joe experienced severe scapular (shoulder blade) pain and Joe and Grace were concerned that it could be cardiac related due to his history. He was evaluated at the Bryn Mawr ED where an EKG was done and was normal. Bloodwork that was done revealed a very elevated White Blood Cell count which at first was thought to be a laboratory error. Further testing would indicate that it was not a lab error. Instead, it would be the start of a long road ahead for Joe, Grace, and the Hyun family. Joe was admitted to Bryn Mawr Hospital as more and more tests were done with concern for possible lymphoma or leukemia. He was transferred to the Hospital of the Univ of Pennsylvania (HUP) on December 18. A bone marrow biopsy was done, confirming the suspicion of leukemia. Joe was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) with Philadelphia Chromosome. 

By the grace of God, Joe's body responded well to the medications they administered to lower his white blood cell count and after a lengthy stay, was able to go home on January 2nd! After a short and very sweet time at home with his family and friends, Joe was readmitted to HUP on January 12th to start his first round of chemotherapy. Joe's prognosis will depend on how his body responds to the multiple rounds of chemotherapy and ultimately will need a bone marrow transplant in the future. It will be a long journey for Joe, Grace, Joy, Chloe, and Christian physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially. Joe and Grace are ready to fight this battle and we are hoping that we can help relieve some of their financial burden as the medical bills will be significant for all of the hospital stays, multiple procedures, and medications that Joe will require. 

Joe has touched the lives of so many as he loves and gives selflessly to others in his family, his church, his work place, and his community. We ask for your continued prayers for Joe and his family. Joe and Grace would be the first to say that they covet your prayers more than anything else. If you feel moved to give financially to help support the Hyun family, that would be much appreciated. They will be so thankful for your generosity and any amount will be a huge help. Please let us help Joe and his family so they can focus on Joe's healing. Thank you!

Joe has started a blog in order to keep everyone updated as to how he is doing and where he is in his treatment. It will allow us to walk along side him and his family on a regular basis. Here is the link to his blog:

https://joehyunblogger.blogspot.com