It has been two weeks since I last wrote with an update. I apologize for the delay. My purse was stolen; I lost my cell phone, all of my phone numbers and addresses (please supply me with yours!) as well as ID, credit/debit/gift cards, camera, hearing aid, and day timer were taken. I really do want all of you to reply with your contact information, because I have nothing!
Ed is in the hospital receiving round # 3 of chemotherapy. These sessions last for four days. Several different kinds of chemo are delivered through a port in his chest. Between chemo sessions, he goes to the hospital every day for blood work, tests, and whatever treatment is deemed best for him on that day. During the last two weeks, he had a few extra nights in the hospital for blood transfusions and antibiotics. He is very vulnerable to infection right now, and needed a bit of a boost - physically.
Ed is now bald, has lost quite a bit of weight, and cat naps off and on throughout the day and night. He is in no pain. Spiritually and mentally, he is still in great shape. He is also beginning to win the cancer war. He had been getting twice weekly injections of chemo in his spinal column, but no cancer cells were detected in his spinal fluid at the last check up. He now goes down to weekly injections in his spine. Praise God!
Ed and Cora also visited the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (known as Fred Hutch) since I last wrote. He will need a bone marrow transplant as soon as his body is ready to receive one. We don't know when that will be. His blood needs to be cancer-free before a transplant can occur. After the bone marrow transplant, he will be at University Hospital for 3 months. He will need a sterile environment as his body learns to accept the marrow, and begins to make new marrow on its own.
At Fred Hutch, Ed & Cora were told to see if they could locate a 501(c)3 organization that would be willing to receive donations on their behalf. The estimated dollar amount needed to see them through the next 5 months for medicines, co-pays, doctor bills, house payments, food for the family, utilities, etc is $5000/month, or $25,000.
The church Ed and Cora co-pastor, Righteous Harvest Christian Fellowship (RHCF) is a 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax deductible. Because Ed's sick leave will run out in October, and we know he will need at least 3 months off work while at University Hospital, a fundraiser is being planned for Saturday, November 14th. Ed and Cora want also to have the bone marrow registry people there on November 14th, so individuals can get registered as diners right on the spot.
I am in the early stages of planning this event, and need every volunteer I can find to help. In addition to registering bone marrow diners, Cora & Ed would like a dinner concert the same evening. Jeremiah Beckwith Jr has agreed to cater the event (for those who don't know, boy can he cook!!) An idea for a silent auction came up, and if we do it, I need someone to organize it. We need large venue secured, advertising, contacts made with the bone marrow registry, people to set up and clean up, and financial donations. I have asked for some help in getting a link on RHCF's web site for donations, and will also work on getting a special bank account established soon.
I also realize that every one has a full and busy life, and that money is tight for everyone right now. If you are unable to help or to donate, no worries! Your prayers are your most valuable gift. Loosely translated, God said the prayers of the righteous accomplish much - and your prayers are working very well right now. Thank you - keep them coming! Barb
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