Update on Joseph's condition

Well, everyone is shocked, and I keep saying it’s all the prayers that are being said on Joseph’s behalf by people all over the world (and of every religious persuasion, I think). On Sunday, when he was put on a ventilator, it seemed there was no hope and people were making their goodbyes. Tonight, there is hope.

It’s a long story and I don’t have permission to go into details, but the crux is that Joseph’s last radiation treatment seems to have gone terribly wrong, although in ways that are net yet fully realized. The fear was that his brain stem had been “scorched” and that there could be no recovery. Last night, however, he responded to pain, and today he even managed to respond to a verbal command — they asked him if he was in pain and he (eyes still closed) was able to point to his head.

This is TREMENDOUS. From being certain he could not last, the doctors are now cautiously optimistic – although he is still in very critical condition, still on a respirator. More will be learned in the days to follow.

Thank you for your prayers, and please keep remembering Joseph in your daily orisons. He has a long road back, but I truly believe that it is the mercy of God and the power of prayer that has lead us to the path, at all. His family is incredibly humbled and moved to know you are all out there!