Watching the movie, Breakthrough, I found myself comparing the movie to our journey with cancer. In the movie, John, a 14-year-old athlete, had fallen through the ice and presumedly drowned. While in the ER, he miraculously regained consciousness. John was then life-flighted to a nearby hospital, where a highly-acclaimed doctor was John’s only hope for recovery. His mother and father met with the doctor after he evaluated John’s condition. The doctor told his parents that there was nothing more that he could do. It was heartbreaking. And if you have been reading the blogs all along, you can remember when that similar message was delivered to us as well. The words were devastating.

The story continues with Joyce, John’s mother, looking point-blank at the doctor and being very frank with him. “They say you are the best, so I need you to go and be the best for my John,” Joyce said.

At that point in the movie, I reflected on the coincidence of the challenges we are facing. I recalled all of those who have done the best that they could for Dave. Nearly 18 months have passed, and I can still see every face of every doctor and nurse who have helped Dave arrive at this point. Some, without even knowing it, administered treatments that saved Dave and catapulted us to this next step. 

A turning point in the movie had me crying. One of John’s classmates was singing a hymn outside his hospital window. The small-town folks were all gathered around her with candles lit and joined her in song. They were lifting John up. And miraculously, again, John was saved. Clearly, the coincidence of this was uncanny. 

Even after all of this time, you are all still praying for Dave and lifting him up. The Tag Team is as strong and determined as ever. This was reaffirmed in a Facebook message that Gloria Jukuri posted. Hundreds have responded to that post. You are right there with us, and we can feel the love.

So here we are. Dave is still considered in remission, which means the cancer is not active at this point. It is an opportune time for the bone marrow transplant, in hopes of solidifying remission and possible cure. But this week is going to be a tough one. He will endure industrial strength chemo and will receive radiation. He will then receive his second bone marrow transplant August 21. The weeks following the transplant will be crucial to determine if his body accepts the marrow and works to conquer ALL. 

He will not give up, and I know you are not giving up either. Now, more than ever, we need you to continue to pray for complete healing. Ask for goodness, mercy and understanding. Pray that his doctors and nurses are the best that they can be for Dave.

I know that you have never stopped praying. I have been praying all along, too, but I plan to better my best. I hope that you join me.