On July 16, Simeon Muller was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of colon cancer called Invasive Colonic Micropapillary Adenocarcinoma. So rare there is no common treatment or general practice in dealing with it. In a literal race against time, doctors are simultaneously working on histology and putting together plans for experimental treatments.

No one saw this coming in April, when Simeon underwent a preventative colonoscopy with zero symptoms. A mass was discovered, but worries were quelled as it was quickly biopsied and declared to be benign. The small concern of precancerous cells was tempered by the decision to remove the mass surgically.

Surgery arrived at the start of July. Six hours of operating resulted in more relief - the mass was removed without complication! Within a couple of days, Simeon was back home looking forward to a recovery and return to summer.

And then, July 16. And all that has followed.

Simeon's mass was cancerous. And the cancer has spread. It's in his lymph node system. And it currently looks to have spread to his liver.

At times, the bad news seems to only be outpaced by the unknowns.

Where is the best place to pursue treatment - area hospitals or out of state? Which chemo cocktail provides the best odds? How much do you tell the kids? If it continues to spread, is a medical cure even possible?

But in the hurricane of emotions and medical appointments and back to school and life as a family of six what IS known is abundantly clear:

1. Simeon and Alli find their hope in Jesus, and invite you to do the same. Here's a snippet of Sim's Facebook post the day he was diagnosed:

"We both know that we have a big God who created everything around us and so something like this is also in His control whether it be a cured diagnosis a week from now or 10 years from now or even a finality of death, we know a peace that comforts us. I hope that in the coming months, you will be able to watch our journey and be witness to who our God is in our life. Some of you don’t believe in a God, some of you have doubts, and some of you believe more than I do. ... So please, join us in this time. Be witness to what our God can do, and how He will be working in us. There will be ups and downs for sure, but I personally look forward to seeing where this ends up and where God shows up. We have a God that we believe in and who loves us and has us exactly where we are, how we are, at this point in time, for this reason."

2. The Muller family needs our support - in prayer, friendship, and generosity. Simeon's treatment plan will need to surpass the cancer, which is wildly aggressive. While insurance will cover medical bills, we're hoping to supplement their income for one year ($50,000) so Simeon and Ali can set work down and focus on treatment and time together as a family.

Whatever you're able to give, please know it's received with immense gratitude from each and every Muller, Simeon, Alli, Jamin (14), Caleb (11), Eleanor (9) and Isaac (6).

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