Prayer Request

A reader writes:

I wish that I were writing a happy update on my grandson, Sam, who is 12 and was diagnosed with leukemia on July 5th.  Everything seemed to be going well, and he’d even gone back to school.  Yesterday one of his blood tests came back with an irregularity, and we got the bad news today.  Here is what my daughter posted:

“The leukemia has returned. Sam will have a spinal tap tomorrow to see if it’s spread to his spine (which is unlikely). He’ll start induction (30 days of intense chemo) again probably the day after. The best case scenario is that he is in the hospital for the first week of induction and can come home afterward. Hopefully induction will put him into remission and then he’ll get a bone marrow transplant.  The transplant/care afterward will take 3+ months of inpatient treatment. If all goes well, he won’t need chemo after the transplant.  Sam’s doctor said that Sam seemed the least likely patient for a relapse. We are just so shocked that this is happening. Please keep us all in your prayers.”

Such a tough road ahead for the family.  Sam has an identical twin, Joe, and a sister, Claire, age 14.  Abbey is the sole support of the family, as she is a self-employed baker.  I know that she is looking to God for guidance.

You have been so generous in posting our prayer requests, and we’ve been deeply appreciative.  I hope people spread the word.  Sam has a Caring Bridge website: http://www.caringbridge.org/visitsamwhetzel.

Father, hear our prayer for remission, for a bone marrow transplant, for complete healing, and for financial provision for all these things.  Grant grace, wisdom, knowledge, compassion and skill to his caregiver’s and grace, peace, strength, and faith to all who love him.  Mother Mary, St. Luke, and St. Peregrine, pray for them.  We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.