Author: bryan@bmeyers.net (Page 69 of 101)

Friends of Haiti,

A brief  update on Terry: All the tests the first week in December on her heart, lungs and kidneys were normal, so by the time you get this or read it online, the process will have started. The goal is to harvest 9 million cells; it takes 3 million to transplant back, but they’ll harvest that many in the event this is needed again. Once that is complete, she begins the chemo to destroy her bone marrow; and then approximately 8 days later they transplant healthy cells back to rebuild the marrow. Without a doubt, Christmas will be spent in or very near the hospital, so as a family we aren’t planning one until she is finished and healthy enough to enjoy it.

Christmas 20 years ago, Steve made the first trip to Haiti. Of course, we had no idea or plans, but we are so thankful God has given us the work for Him there. And we are very thankful for all of you whom we have met over the past two decades — most before the earthquake, some during or right after it, and quite a few of you still later. But what really matters is that, no matter how long we have known each other, we have partnered together and made lives different for hundreds, if not thousands, since Christmas 1994.

We have no idea what the next 20 years hold for us, but we are as excited about entering the 21st year as we were the very first. We pray that you have been blessed by your giving and your help during 2014, and as you and your family reflect back on the year these blessings will be your Christmas present from those you helped in Haiti.

Thank you for your cards and things you have sent for Terry. Thank you for helping throughout the year. You have been a blessing to so many, including us.

Merry Christmas.

Serving HIM together,

Steve and Terry

Friends of Haiti,

A Terry update: Her last “regular” chemo was on the 23rd of the month and she has a little break in treatments until the 10th of November. On the 10th they will do tests on her major organs to see if everything about those are good; if they are, a port will be put in her chest to harvest needed stem cells. Once that is done they will give her two massive doses of chemo to kill her bone marrow, and at a later date put the stem cells back in. It is during the time of the harvest and transplanting them back that she will be in the most danger. We will have to stay within 30 minutes of the hospital in the event she gets sick or starts running a fever — anything could be fatal. We have been told the majority under going this end up in the hospital for about a month, so please keep this in your prayers.

We have included a picture of Beaubrun’s new school building, with him standing in front of it. If you look closely it has 6 different rooms; although not much more than a pole barn with sides, it represents a big step for him, the school and the children who attend there. As you can see, there is a source of water right in front of it. We are buying a portable water purifier to use so the kids will have plenty of good water to drink, and those living around it can use it for their needs as well. For those who support his school and have given specifically for him, this is where and what it has been used for. He and the kids who this will benefit are all thankful for your help.

Terry and I are thankful for so many things this Thanksgiving: your help in Haiti, but also for the cards for her and your prayers for her health. We have never faced anything quite like this and opening a card saying someone is praying for you, or having someone tell you that, really does make you feel better about how things will turn out. We are thankful the first part of this is over and know the next two to three months are going to be rough, so we value your prayers more than ever.

Thank you for all you do, for us and for our friends in Haiti.

Serving HIM together,

Steve and Terry