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In August of 2011, Donnie was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome, which was later diagnosed as a rare cancer called Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML). CMML is a type of cancer that starts in blood-forming cells of the bone marrow and invades the blood. Since the diagnosis, Donnie and Amanda traveled to Cleveland Clinic every month so Donnie could take part in a clinical trial. The drug he was taking had done a great job of keeping him “healthy” and his cancer at bay. In November 2019, Donnie became ill with a very serious upper respiratory infection. This simple infection to others, sent Donnie’s body into a whirlwind. It also shifted the course of his treatment; Donnie was taken off of the clinical trial drug, and over the last several months, Donnie has started a regimen to prepare his body for a potential bone marrow transplant, which could cure him of CMML! It has been a grueling and overwhelming process for both Donnie and Amanda, but by the grace of God, not only has a match been identified, but Donnie is currently going through testing to prepare him for the transplant process. Today - June 26, 2020 - Donnie and Amanda wrapped up two intense days of appointments to do final tests and gather more information about the transplant process. It is anticipated that Donnie will be admitted to Cleveland Clinic for the transplant in the coming weeks, which is where he will say for six months or more.
This is where we are asking for your help! We believe that our Heavenly Father will provide for all of our needs (Philippians 4:19) - He promises it, and we believe He is always faithful to keep His promises (Deuteronomy 7:9-11)! During this journey, there are multiple ways that we ask that you prayerfully consider supporting and providing for Donnie and Amanda:
First is prayer - for both Donnie and Amanda, their family, and the transplant team. For Donnie, we seek prayers that his body is strong enough and ready to receive the transplant and that the result of that transplant is complete healing! And we pray for his comfort and peace through the process. For Amanda, we seek prayers for strength, energy, comfort, and abundant support from those around her. We also pray that despite COVID, God provides a way for her to be with Donnie during this process. We pray that she always receives a word of encouragement, a meal, a card, etc. just when she needs it as a tangible reminder that she is being held and provided for by her Father. For their family, we pray for comfort, peace, patience, and understanding; that this process brings them even closer as a family unit and that they operate as a strong, united front throughout this challenging journey. For the transplant team, we pray for wisdom and discernment and for steady and skilled hands. And through all of this, we pray that the name of Jesus be lifted up and glorified as our Healer - and that the hearts of those who witness this journey be drawn to Him! This is Donnie and Amanda's new mission field - and they are eager and willing to be used!
The second way we are asking you to consider supporting and providing for Donnie and Amanda is financially. In addition to all of the expenses associated with the process to date, the next several months will come with great financial cost to support housing near Cleveland Clinic (due to COVID, the normal cancer house is not open), to cover lost wages from Amanda being unable to work for at least part of the upcoming months, and to cover all other related expenses. This process will put a large financial strain on the family, and it is my prayer that we, as a community, are willing to be used by God to bridge the gap so they can focus on Donnie's healing and not worry about any financial stress.
And finally, please take the time to reach out to Donnie and Amanda to provide words of encouragement, prayer, support, etc. during this time. Let them hear your voice and your prayers. Share a verse, a song, a sermon, or whatever God lays on your heart. You can share them here or on the Facebook group where Donnie's journey updates are being posted (https://www.facebook.com/groups/182751602959237).
God is at work - His hands have been all over this journey, and we trust that He has already gone ahead of Donnie and Amanda in this process! Donnie and Amanda appreciate all of your support so much - thank you all for coming alongside of them in this journey!
"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
#ThisIsMyHallelujah
This is where we are asking for your help! We believe that our Heavenly Father will provide for all of our needs (Philippians 4:19) - He promises it, and we believe He is always faithful to keep His promises (Deuteronomy 7:9-11)! During this journey, there are multiple ways that we ask that you prayerfully consider supporting and providing for Donnie and Amanda:
First is prayer - for both Donnie and Amanda, their family, and the transplant team. For Donnie, we seek prayers that his body is strong enough and ready to receive the transplant and that the result of that transplant is complete healing! And we pray for his comfort and peace through the process. For Amanda, we seek prayers for strength, energy, comfort, and abundant support from those around her. We also pray that despite COVID, God provides a way for her to be with Donnie during this process. We pray that she always receives a word of encouragement, a meal, a card, etc. just when she needs it as a tangible reminder that she is being held and provided for by her Father. For their family, we pray for comfort, peace, patience, and understanding; that this process brings them even closer as a family unit and that they operate as a strong, united front throughout this challenging journey. For the transplant team, we pray for wisdom and discernment and for steady and skilled hands. And through all of this, we pray that the name of Jesus be lifted up and glorified as our Healer - and that the hearts of those who witness this journey be drawn to Him! This is Donnie and Amanda's new mission field - and they are eager and willing to be used!
The second way we are asking you to consider supporting and providing for Donnie and Amanda is financially. In addition to all of the expenses associated with the process to date, the next several months will come with great financial cost to support housing near Cleveland Clinic (due to COVID, the normal cancer house is not open), to cover lost wages from Amanda being unable to work for at least part of the upcoming months, and to cover all other related expenses. This process will put a large financial strain on the family, and it is my prayer that we, as a community, are willing to be used by God to bridge the gap so they can focus on Donnie's healing and not worry about any financial stress.
And finally, please take the time to reach out to Donnie and Amanda to provide words of encouragement, prayer, support, etc. during this time. Let them hear your voice and your prayers. Share a verse, a song, a sermon, or whatever God lays on your heart. You can share them here or on the Facebook group where Donnie's journey updates are being posted (https://www.facebook.com/groups/182751602959237).
God is at work - His hands have been all over this journey, and we trust that He has already gone ahead of Donnie and Amanda in this process! Donnie and Amanda appreciate all of your support so much - thank you all for coming alongside of them in this journey!
"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
#ThisIsMyHallelujah