12/29/09
Happy New Year! Since the Real Deal Heal Appeal in November, it has been a roller coaster ride for Ed and his family. Ed was released form the hospital on the same day as the benefit dinner auction, and he loved every minute of it. There were people from every facet of his life there, and each of you was a blessing to him.
He was able to stay home through Thanksgiving, which was a gift to the whole family. In early December, Ed went in to Virginia Mason for round six (of eight) chemo sessions. He came through it fine, but a few days later developed a staff infection and was hospitalized with a high fever, and severe weakness. He was pretty sick for about a week, but is back home in time for Christmas, and is doing fine now. He tires easily, but is as determined as ever to finish the healing process.
Ed’s doctor has requested that Fred Hutch take him without having the last two rounds of chemo, as his body has shown no sign of cancer in the last several tests. Chemo is a delicate balance between killing enough - but not too many cells in the body. Not enough and the cancer flourishes. Too much and the body looses all of its white blood cells and is vulnerable to any sneeze or cough nearby. With a weakened immune system, even a cold could kill you.
We are praying that Fred Hutch agrees that he has already had enough, and that he can begin the final phase – the cord blood transplant. After receiving the transplant, he will be in UW Hospital for three months while his body learns to make new healthy bone marrow on its own, and to keep him in an environment that will prevent common germs from attacking.
If Fred Hutch wants him to have the final two rounds first, the transplant will likely be in February sometime. But whenever it happens, he knows your prayers and generous donations are sustaining him.
For the many of you who pledged your financial support on a monthly, quarterly, or one time basis, thank you. Your gifts will get the family through January! Ed’s disability benefits have been approved, and he will receive about 2/3 of his pay check amount. God has been providing for all of the needs of the Jackson family thus far, and I have no doubt that He will continue to use wonderful people like all of you to help make up the difference while he fights the cancer war.
As we get to the end of 2009, please consider making another donation to the Ed Jackson Medical Fund either on line though Pay Pal at www.righteousharvest.org or to RHCF (PO Box 22424 Seattle, WA 98122). I will send out receipts for your tax deductible gifts in January.
May God richly bless you all in 2010! Barb
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
November 23, 2009
To: You Know Who You Are
From: Cora L. Jackson, Ed’s Wife
Re: Thank You
Well, it has been about a week since the kickoff - auction dinner - bone marrow - sign up event. That evening, Ed had just been released from the hospital, after having received his fifth round of chemo. He was so excited that he forgot to feel tired, queasy or weak. In fact, Ed didn’t experience any negative affect from that round of chemo until yesterday, November 22nd, eight days later!
When we walked into the fellowship area at First A.M.E., it felt like we were at an anniversary or birthday party. Everywhere we looked was in a word, beautiful; everyone we saw had wonderful smiles on their faces. Everything was perfect. And the food…! Our five year old granddaughter had seconds, as in another whole plateful. The Jeremiah and Charlotte crew were exquisite, as usual. The M. C. was great, the music was ‘slammin’ and the program flowed nicely. The evening passed so quickly for us. Before we knew it, we were back in the car thanking God for all of you.
There are some large groups of people that helped to make that event so successful – RHCF, FAME Church and Choir, JudahSong, Seattle Peace Chorus, and Be the Match. If Ed and I said “Thank You” every hour for the rest of our lives, the words could never repay you for your hard work and kindness. So we keep you in our prayers and pray that God will bless you ‘real good’.
Some of you have given your time and talent freely; you procured, tagged and catalogued auction items, garnered donations, set up and manned tables, served food, bussed tables, played music, sang in the choir, gave rides, laminated words, created programs, set up websites, encouraged volunteers, created spreadsheets, spoke words of encouragement and prayed for us. You’ve blessed us with your phone calls, cards and handwritten notes. Many of you donated auction items and there were so many of you that purchased the majority of those items offered for sale. Some of you we know personally, some of you we hadn’t met until that evening and some of you we’ve still never met. You knew that we could not repay you, but you did it anyway. We are humbled by your compassion.
Many of you signed up to be bone marrow donors. Perhaps one of you will be the match that Ed needs, or maybe someone that you don’t know and will never meet will one day have healthy bone marrow and blood because of one of you. You have offered hope, a priceless commodity in our world today.
The EJM fund raising committee has borne and continues to shoulder the burden of walking beside us as we travel this stretch of road. We don’t know the names of everyone on the committee, but to all of you and to the heads, Bob and Carmen Shupe, Judith Hightower and Barbara Lynn, we thank God that you have accepted this responsibility. You have laid down your agendas to help a friend in need. Greater love hath no man than this.
I’m still writing thank you notes – it is a blessing to write so many. But there are many that I can’t thank verbally or with pen and ink because you chose to be anonymous. To the woman I met in Safeway, the people who left cash in my purse (I keep laying it down), those who have sent cashier checks with no name or return address, those who set up the auction but weren’t present at the event and to those who have read about us through email and other computer generated “stuff” that I will never understand, who have responded with funds through Pay Pal and prayers for Ed, me and our family, THANK YOU. We cannot bless you but our Father will.
One of Ed’s favorite movies is called, “It’s a wonderful life”. It’s about a man who ran into some financial trouble and starts to think it would have been better if he’d never been born. The moral of the story is “He who has friends is rich indeed”. The Edward Jackson family is “rich indeed”. Thank you and God bless you all. –Cora-
From: Cora L. Jackson, Ed’s Wife
Re: Thank You
Well, it has been about a week since the kickoff - auction dinner - bone marrow - sign up event. That evening, Ed had just been released from the hospital, after having received his fifth round of chemo. He was so excited that he forgot to feel tired, queasy or weak. In fact, Ed didn’t experience any negative affect from that round of chemo until yesterday, November 22nd, eight days later!
When we walked into the fellowship area at First A.M.E., it felt like we were at an anniversary or birthday party. Everywhere we looked was in a word, beautiful; everyone we saw had wonderful smiles on their faces. Everything was perfect. And the food…! Our five year old granddaughter had seconds, as in another whole plateful. The Jeremiah and Charlotte crew were exquisite, as usual. The M. C. was great, the music was ‘slammin’ and the program flowed nicely. The evening passed so quickly for us. Before we knew it, we were back in the car thanking God for all of you.
There are some large groups of people that helped to make that event so successful – RHCF, FAME Church and Choir, JudahSong, Seattle Peace Chorus, and Be the Match. If Ed and I said “Thank You” every hour for the rest of our lives, the words could never repay you for your hard work and kindness. So we keep you in our prayers and pray that God will bless you ‘real good’.
Some of you have given your time and talent freely; you procured, tagged and catalogued auction items, garnered donations, set up and manned tables, served food, bussed tables, played music, sang in the choir, gave rides, laminated words, created programs, set up websites, encouraged volunteers, created spreadsheets, spoke words of encouragement and prayed for us. You’ve blessed us with your phone calls, cards and handwritten notes. Many of you donated auction items and there were so many of you that purchased the majority of those items offered for sale. Some of you we know personally, some of you we hadn’t met until that evening and some of you we’ve still never met. You knew that we could not repay you, but you did it anyway. We are humbled by your compassion.
Many of you signed up to be bone marrow donors. Perhaps one of you will be the match that Ed needs, or maybe someone that you don’t know and will never meet will one day have healthy bone marrow and blood because of one of you. You have offered hope, a priceless commodity in our world today.
The EJM fund raising committee has borne and continues to shoulder the burden of walking beside us as we travel this stretch of road. We don’t know the names of everyone on the committee, but to all of you and to the heads, Bob and Carmen Shupe, Judith Hightower and Barbara Lynn, we thank God that you have accepted this responsibility. You have laid down your agendas to help a friend in need. Greater love hath no man than this.
I’m still writing thank you notes – it is a blessing to write so many. But there are many that I can’t thank verbally or with pen and ink because you chose to be anonymous. To the woman I met in Safeway, the people who left cash in my purse (I keep laying it down), those who have sent cashier checks with no name or return address, those who set up the auction but weren’t present at the event and to those who have read about us through email and other computer generated “stuff” that I will never understand, who have responded with funds through Pay Pal and prayers for Ed, me and our family, THANK YOU. We cannot bless you but our Father will.
One of Ed’s favorite movies is called, “It’s a wonderful life”. It’s about a man who ran into some financial trouble and starts to think it would have been better if he’d never been born. The moral of the story is “He who has friends is rich indeed”. The Edward Jackson family is “rich indeed”. Thank you and God bless you all. –Cora-
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
10/20/09 - from Cora
10/20/09
This is an open letter to all of Ed Jackson’s supporters.
Dear Friends:
It has taken me more than 2 ½ months to get my head wrapped around all this ‘cancer stuff’. And… to tell the truth, I don’t have much under control; in fact, all of us at the Jackson house are just ‘going with the flow’. But while we are “flowing”, Ed and I especially want all of you to know that we thank God for you, for your prayers, your words of wisdom, encouragement and comfort. These things we appreciate the most but we are also sincerely grateful for your gifts of time, talent and cash. In these things, God has not had to “work a miracle” because many of you have allowed Him to use your own resources to supply much of our need. We cannot effectively express our gratitude. We just continually thank God for you all.
Many of you have asked “How are you really?” Well, in a word, “Grateful”.
Will write more later. God’s love to you all - Cora
This is an open letter to all of Ed Jackson’s supporters.
Dear Friends:
It has taken me more than 2 ½ months to get my head wrapped around all this ‘cancer stuff’. And… to tell the truth, I don’t have much under control; in fact, all of us at the Jackson house are just ‘going with the flow’. But while we are “flowing”, Ed and I especially want all of you to know that we thank God for you, for your prayers, your words of wisdom, encouragement and comfort. These things we appreciate the most but we are also sincerely grateful for your gifts of time, talent and cash. In these things, God has not had to “work a miracle” because many of you have allowed Him to use your own resources to supply much of our need. We cannot effectively express our gratitude. We just continually thank God for you all.
Many of you have asked “How are you really?” Well, in a word, “Grateful”.
Will write more later. God’s love to you all - Cora
Monday, October 19, 2009
10/19/2009
It has been a couple of busy weeks. Ed completed round 4 (of 8) chemo sessions, came home for two days and went back to the hospital for 11 more days fighting off another infection. He is back home now, and will have a week off from chemo to build up his strength again. He was able to preach in church on Sunday, and it was fantastic to have him there!
And in response to the growing need for support, a group has formed to do some serious fund raising and spirit lifting. Big plans are in the works!
I am posting the entire email appeal that went out to many of you. Carmen wrote it, and it updates you very well. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage, sit back, and read the following update!
God bless you all, Barb
Dear Friends of Ed and Cora Jackson,
This past summer the Jacksons received word that Ed had Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. It's a big name for a bad cancer. Because of early detection the prognosis is good but the cure is long, brutal and expensive. The usual course of treatment is aggressive chemotherapy followed by a Bone Marrow transplant. All are hopeful for Ed's health to be restored, but it is certain that medical cost and living expenses will financially devastate the household.
Countless numbers of us have been greatly blessed by Ed and Cora. Cora's music has married us, buried us and moved us through the highs and lows of our lives. Their home, their hearts have been open to us in times of great need and great celebration. Now, it is our chance to give back to them!
You can help the Jackson family in three ways:
One:
Send a direct, tax deductible contribution to
"Ed Jackson Medical Fund"
Make an online contribution at www.righteousharvest.org
Send a check made out to "Ed Jackson Medical Fund"
Send to RHCF, P.O. Box 22424, Seattle, WA 98122
Two: Attend
The Real Deal Heal Appeal!
"Walking with Ed on his Journey to Wellness"
Dinner/Auction
Saturday, November 14th at 6:00 pm
First AME Church, 1522 14th Ave, Seattle
$25 Tickets available online at www.righteousharvest.org or from a member of JudahSong or contact edjacksonhealappeal@gmail.com
This is a wonderful evening to come together to support the Jackson family!
Great Music, Mass Gospel Choir & terrific program
Great Christmas shopping at the Silent Auction
Register with the Be the Match! Bone Marrow Registry
Dinner by Jeremiah Beckwith
Interested in singing with the choir? More information at www.righteousharvest.org
Can't attend the event but want to be a part of it?
· Buy a ticket for someone else to attend.
· Donate something for the auction? There is information about this on the website. If you have something in mind to donate, contact us at edjacksonhealappeal@gmail.com and we'll arrange to pick it up.
Three:
Register with the Be the Match!Bone Marrow Registry.
Ed is adopted and needs a match for a bone marrow transplant. You can help by registering yourself and others to see if you can be a match.
You can do this at the November 14th auction or read more at www.righteousharvest.org.
Your help is greatly appreciated! Most of us are as vulnerable as the Jacksons. A similar disease in most of our families would financially devastate us. Please give generously to this family who has given so much to so many.
If you would like to give us feedback or request to be taken off this list, please go to edjacksonhealappeal@gmail.com.
Want to know more about the Jacksons? Read on!
The Facts: Ed Jackson grew up in Seattle, where he attended Nathan Hale High School. He has a degree in Economics from the UW and played trombone in the Huskie Marching Band. He also has a Masters Degree from Seattle University in Pastoral Studies. He is married to Cora Jackson; is the stepfather to Telleanna & Dee; foster father to Kiki & Kenny and adopted Dad to JonMarc. Ed works for the City of Seattle and co-pastors the Righteous Harvest Christian Fellowship with Cora.
The Man: Ed is a big man—tall, wide inviting face and broad smile. He has big ideas and lots of them. He loves big sports and big BBQ. Faith and family are big to him. Ed is big and generous. He has opened his home and his heart to five children who he did not biologically father. He is pastor and friend and the steady Eddie that listens, learns and cares. He is the quieter half of a music ministry with Cora that has planted enduring praise and worship in our hearts.
More about the disease: Ed’s cancer was discovered in late July as a mass pressing on his spine. He had been experiencing pain in his neck and had thought it to be a pinched nerve. Physical therapy and pain medication did not help and he began to lose strength in one arm. On July 29th, he was admitted to Virginia Mason and prepped for surgery.
The diagnosis was Pre B Cell ALL (Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia), a particularly aggressive and deadly cancer. The treatment is also aggressive: successive rounds of chemotherapy until the cancer is in remission, followed by a bone marrow transplant.
Ed is presently on his 4th round of chemotherapy. He has lost his hair and about 50 lbs. Besides the cancer, Ed is healthy and highly motivated. He has done well except for some recent problems with infection that have slowed the progress. Between rounds of chemo he is able to come home with daily trips to the hospital.
Ed works hard to get well and Cora works hard to take care of Ed. Cora’s full time job is taking Ed to appointments and tending to his needs in addition to her responsibilities at their church, and music jobs as she can find them.
A bone marrow match is still needed for Ed. Most matches are found within the family. Since Ed is adopted, Ed must find his match from the general population. 90% of all matches are made within the patient’s ethnic group. This is why it is so crucial to ask people to register with the “Be a Match” Bone Marrow Registry.
There is good news, however. A newer type of treatment is now being used from donated blood from umbilical cords. They have located such a match for Ed. This type of transplant has only been used for the past two years so there is no data on long term success. Therefore, even though this is available, the search for a bone marrow match continues.
After the cancer is in remission from the chemotherapy, Ed will spend three months in the University of Washington hospital for the transplant in a sterile environment while his body learns to produce new blood cells.
The Financial Need: Ed’s medical insurance covers about 90% of the entire expense of his treatment, but that 10% is not in the budget. More significantly, Ed is the primary breadwinner for the family and he will be off work for many months. His sick leave ends the end of October and the family will need to pay the medical insurance premiums out of pocket. The family’s monthly budget is now approximately $5,000. Optimistically, Ed will not be able to work for the better part of a year and the medical staff report that this process often takes two years. The family risks losing their home and all their financial resources.
Fred Hutch advised that patients require a full time care giver throughout the treatment. Cora is finding that caring for Ed is a full time job, as well as parenting the two remaining children they have at home. Cora still fulfills her role as co-pastor and directs JudahSong and other musical events.
At Fred Hutch, the family was advised to set up a medical fund through a 501 (c) 3 organization. Since they co-pastor Righteous Harvest Christian Fellowship, (which is a non-profit organization), an account was set up to receive donations for the Jackson’s medical care. All donations are tax deductible. Donations can be made online at www.righteousharvest.org or send directly to RHCF, P.O. 22424, Seattle, WA 98122. Please make checks to “Ed Jackson Medical Fund”.
Friends and family have taken up the challenge of fundraising to help meet the rising costs. For as long as necessary, fund raisers will be planned. If you would like to help be a part of this effort, please write us at edjacksonhealappeal@gmail.com.
What Keeps the Jacksons Going: Faith. The Jacksons believe that God is present with them in every situation—comforting, guiding, loving and sustaining. They live lives of praise, gratitude and service. They claim many promises in the Bible—that healing is the children’s bread; that all things work together for the good for those who love the Lord; that this sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God. Ed says his job is to do what the doctors tell him to do. It is the doctor’s job to worry about the cancer. There is a peace in his hospital room that defies his current situation. Ed and Cora are providing us with a phenomenal example of how to fight an overwhelming battle with prayer and thanksgiving.
For a recent concert, Cora wrote a new song, entitled “So I’m Not Gonna Wait”. It is a statement of faith, a plan of action, a determination to win!
So I’m Not Gonna Wait
The Lord is my rock and He is my fortress
He has become my song.
The Lord is the joy and the strength of my life
Especially when things go wrong.
Trials will come, He said that they would.
The devil comes to steal and destroy
But Jesus gives me life, life abundantly.
The devil can’t take this joy,
So, I’m not gonna wait
Until the battle is over.
Cause I know I’ve got the victory.
I’m gonna shout
Shout right now!
So I’m not gonna wait
Until deliverance comes.
Cause I know my help is comin’
I’m gonna shout
Shout right now!
The race is not given to the quick or the strong.
I must endure till the end.
I’ll wait for the Lord to renew my strength.
I know I’m guaranteed to win.
The road is rough, the going is tough.
I’ve got to walk on by faith.
His word is a lamp, a lamp unto my feet
And His spirit shows me the way.
Hallelujah, glory to Jah, Hallelujah!
I’m gonna shout, shout right now!
And in response to the growing need for support, a group has formed to do some serious fund raising and spirit lifting. Big plans are in the works!
I am posting the entire email appeal that went out to many of you. Carmen wrote it, and it updates you very well. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage, sit back, and read the following update!
God bless you all, Barb
Dear Friends of Ed and Cora Jackson,
This past summer the Jacksons received word that Ed had Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. It's a big name for a bad cancer. Because of early detection the prognosis is good but the cure is long, brutal and expensive. The usual course of treatment is aggressive chemotherapy followed by a Bone Marrow transplant. All are hopeful for Ed's health to be restored, but it is certain that medical cost and living expenses will financially devastate the household.
Countless numbers of us have been greatly blessed by Ed and Cora. Cora's music has married us, buried us and moved us through the highs and lows of our lives. Their home, their hearts have been open to us in times of great need and great celebration. Now, it is our chance to give back to them!
You can help the Jackson family in three ways:
One:
Send a direct, tax deductible contribution to
"Ed Jackson Medical Fund"
Make an online contribution at www.righteousharvest.org
Send a check made out to "Ed Jackson Medical Fund"
Send to RHCF, P.O. Box 22424, Seattle, WA 98122
Two: Attend
The Real Deal Heal Appeal!
"Walking with Ed on his Journey to Wellness"
Dinner/Auction
Saturday, November 14th at 6:00 pm
First AME Church, 1522 14th Ave, Seattle
$25 Tickets available online at www.righteousharvest.org or from a member of JudahSong or contact edjacksonhealappeal@gmail.com
This is a wonderful evening to come together to support the Jackson family!
Great Music, Mass Gospel Choir & terrific program
Great Christmas shopping at the Silent Auction
Register with the Be the Match! Bone Marrow Registry
Dinner by Jeremiah Beckwith
Interested in singing with the choir? More information at www.righteousharvest.org
Can't attend the event but want to be a part of it?
· Buy a ticket for someone else to attend.
· Donate something for the auction? There is information about this on the website. If you have something in mind to donate, contact us at edjacksonhealappeal@gmail.com and we'll arrange to pick it up.
Three:
Register with the Be the Match!Bone Marrow Registry.
Ed is adopted and needs a match for a bone marrow transplant. You can help by registering yourself and others to see if you can be a match.
You can do this at the November 14th auction or read more at www.righteousharvest.org.
Your help is greatly appreciated! Most of us are as vulnerable as the Jacksons. A similar disease in most of our families would financially devastate us. Please give generously to this family who has given so much to so many.
If you would like to give us feedback or request to be taken off this list, please go to edjacksonhealappeal@gmail.com.
Want to know more about the Jacksons? Read on!
The Facts: Ed Jackson grew up in Seattle, where he attended Nathan Hale High School. He has a degree in Economics from the UW and played trombone in the Huskie Marching Band. He also has a Masters Degree from Seattle University in Pastoral Studies. He is married to Cora Jackson; is the stepfather to Telleanna & Dee; foster father to Kiki & Kenny and adopted Dad to JonMarc. Ed works for the City of Seattle and co-pastors the Righteous Harvest Christian Fellowship with Cora.
The Man: Ed is a big man—tall, wide inviting face and broad smile. He has big ideas and lots of them. He loves big sports and big BBQ. Faith and family are big to him. Ed is big and generous. He has opened his home and his heart to five children who he did not biologically father. He is pastor and friend and the steady Eddie that listens, learns and cares. He is the quieter half of a music ministry with Cora that has planted enduring praise and worship in our hearts.
More about the disease: Ed’s cancer was discovered in late July as a mass pressing on his spine. He had been experiencing pain in his neck and had thought it to be a pinched nerve. Physical therapy and pain medication did not help and he began to lose strength in one arm. On July 29th, he was admitted to Virginia Mason and prepped for surgery.
The diagnosis was Pre B Cell ALL (Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia), a particularly aggressive and deadly cancer. The treatment is also aggressive: successive rounds of chemotherapy until the cancer is in remission, followed by a bone marrow transplant.
Ed is presently on his 4th round of chemotherapy. He has lost his hair and about 50 lbs. Besides the cancer, Ed is healthy and highly motivated. He has done well except for some recent problems with infection that have slowed the progress. Between rounds of chemo he is able to come home with daily trips to the hospital.
Ed works hard to get well and Cora works hard to take care of Ed. Cora’s full time job is taking Ed to appointments and tending to his needs in addition to her responsibilities at their church, and music jobs as she can find them.
A bone marrow match is still needed for Ed. Most matches are found within the family. Since Ed is adopted, Ed must find his match from the general population. 90% of all matches are made within the patient’s ethnic group. This is why it is so crucial to ask people to register with the “Be a Match” Bone Marrow Registry.
There is good news, however. A newer type of treatment is now being used from donated blood from umbilical cords. They have located such a match for Ed. This type of transplant has only been used for the past two years so there is no data on long term success. Therefore, even though this is available, the search for a bone marrow match continues.
After the cancer is in remission from the chemotherapy, Ed will spend three months in the University of Washington hospital for the transplant in a sterile environment while his body learns to produce new blood cells.
The Financial Need: Ed’s medical insurance covers about 90% of the entire expense of his treatment, but that 10% is not in the budget. More significantly, Ed is the primary breadwinner for the family and he will be off work for many months. His sick leave ends the end of October and the family will need to pay the medical insurance premiums out of pocket. The family’s monthly budget is now approximately $5,000. Optimistically, Ed will not be able to work for the better part of a year and the medical staff report that this process often takes two years. The family risks losing their home and all their financial resources.
Fred Hutch advised that patients require a full time care giver throughout the treatment. Cora is finding that caring for Ed is a full time job, as well as parenting the two remaining children they have at home. Cora still fulfills her role as co-pastor and directs JudahSong and other musical events.
At Fred Hutch, the family was advised to set up a medical fund through a 501 (c) 3 organization. Since they co-pastor Righteous Harvest Christian Fellowship, (which is a non-profit organization), an account was set up to receive donations for the Jackson’s medical care. All donations are tax deductible. Donations can be made online at www.righteousharvest.org or send directly to RHCF, P.O. 22424, Seattle, WA 98122. Please make checks to “Ed Jackson Medical Fund”.
Friends and family have taken up the challenge of fundraising to help meet the rising costs. For as long as necessary, fund raisers will be planned. If you would like to help be a part of this effort, please write us at edjacksonhealappeal@gmail.com.
What Keeps the Jacksons Going: Faith. The Jacksons believe that God is present with them in every situation—comforting, guiding, loving and sustaining. They live lives of praise, gratitude and service. They claim many promises in the Bible—that healing is the children’s bread; that all things work together for the good for those who love the Lord; that this sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God. Ed says his job is to do what the doctors tell him to do. It is the doctor’s job to worry about the cancer. There is a peace in his hospital room that defies his current situation. Ed and Cora are providing us with a phenomenal example of how to fight an overwhelming battle with prayer and thanksgiving.
For a recent concert, Cora wrote a new song, entitled “So I’m Not Gonna Wait”. It is a statement of faith, a plan of action, a determination to win!
So I’m Not Gonna Wait
The Lord is my rock and He is my fortress
He has become my song.
The Lord is the joy and the strength of my life
Especially when things go wrong.
Trials will come, He said that they would.
The devil comes to steal and destroy
But Jesus gives me life, life abundantly.
The devil can’t take this joy,
So, I’m not gonna wait
Until the battle is over.
Cause I know I’ve got the victory.
I’m gonna shout
Shout right now!
So I’m not gonna wait
Until deliverance comes.
Cause I know my help is comin’
I’m gonna shout
Shout right now!
The race is not given to the quick or the strong.
I must endure till the end.
I’ll wait for the Lord to renew my strength.
I know I’m guaranteed to win.
The road is rough, the going is tough.
I’ve got to walk on by faith.
His word is a lamp, a lamp unto my feet
And His spirit shows me the way.
Hallelujah, glory to Jah, Hallelujah!
I’m gonna shout, shout right now!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
9/29/09
Our God is an awesome God!
Ed has been at home for the last two weeks, and has not received any chemotherapy due to a blood infection. He has been receiving a continuous drip of antibiotics through a pump (which he wore in a fanny pack). He went to the hospital daily to have the pump refilled, and to get tests done. He was unable to take any additional chemo until the infection was over.
Ed went back into the hospital this morning to start another round of chemo. He will be an inpatient for four days, and receive several chemo drugs by IV and mouth over that time. After chemo, he can come home for almost a week (with daily visits to the hospital) then back into the hospital again for four more days of chemo. He will continue this cycle until he goes into remission. That means they can see no cancer cells in Ed's blood, bone marrow or spinal fluid.
But today, he and Cora received wonderful and miraculous news!!!
There are two types of transplants that Ed could receive. One is from the stem cells found in the blood of donated umbilical cords. The other is bone marrow harvested from the hip bone of a donor. In a letter received today, they learned, "We have identified several suitable cord blood units that are of suitable size and match for Ed. Efforts to try to identify a suitable unrelated donor are ongoing."
God is always right on time.
Please pray that Ed goes into remission quickly. As soon as that happens, he can get the transplant. He will then need to stay at UW Hospital for up to 3 months to ward off infection, rejection, etc, but should be good to go after that!
To help the Jacksons cover the costs associated with his medical care, Carmen Shupe is helping to organize some fundraisers. I have attached a letter from her asking for your email contacts and your help. Please let her know when she contacts you, if you are OK with being added to her list.
Thank you for your prayers. Please keep them coming. Thank you to all who have sent financial blessings and food to the family. Most of the time, they come exactly when needed. Please keep them coming. We are privileged to see faith in action, and the wonderful results of prayer. God bless you all, Barb
Ed has been at home for the last two weeks, and has not received any chemotherapy due to a blood infection. He has been receiving a continuous drip of antibiotics through a pump (which he wore in a fanny pack). He went to the hospital daily to have the pump refilled, and to get tests done. He was unable to take any additional chemo until the infection was over.
Ed went back into the hospital this morning to start another round of chemo. He will be an inpatient for four days, and receive several chemo drugs by IV and mouth over that time. After chemo, he can come home for almost a week (with daily visits to the hospital) then back into the hospital again for four more days of chemo. He will continue this cycle until he goes into remission. That means they can see no cancer cells in Ed's blood, bone marrow or spinal fluid.
But today, he and Cora received wonderful and miraculous news!!!
There are two types of transplants that Ed could receive. One is from the stem cells found in the blood of donated umbilical cords. The other is bone marrow harvested from the hip bone of a donor. In a letter received today, they learned, "We have identified several suitable cord blood units that are of suitable size and match for Ed. Efforts to try to identify a suitable unrelated donor are ongoing."
God is always right on time.
Please pray that Ed goes into remission quickly. As soon as that happens, he can get the transplant. He will then need to stay at UW Hospital for up to 3 months to ward off infection, rejection, etc, but should be good to go after that!
To help the Jacksons cover the costs associated with his medical care, Carmen Shupe is helping to organize some fundraisers. I have attached a letter from her asking for your email contacts and your help. Please let her know when she contacts you, if you are OK with being added to her list.
Thank you for your prayers. Please keep them coming. Thank you to all who have sent financial blessings and food to the family. Most of the time, they come exactly when needed. Please keep them coming. We are privileged to see faith in action, and the wonderful results of prayer. God bless you all, Barb
9/14/09
Cora asked me to let everyone know that Ed is back at Virginia Mason Hospital in Room 1566. He went in today with a fever, so will need to wait until his body is ready for round 4 of chemo. He will likely be in at least until Friday of this week. Drop by and say hello if you get a chance! Thank you for your prayers and the many ways you have been of support to Ed, Cora and the family. Barb
9/7/09
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
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
8/24/09
Ed came home from the hospital on Saturday, having completed his second round of chemo. He is not experiencing any pain. His attitude remains very positive. Ed is not worrying about the cancer. He says that is the job of his doctors. He says his job is to do what the doctors tell him to do! He believes he will be healed. We are standing in agreement with him and with Cora.
Ed is starting to loose his hair, but other than being pretty tired, is not experiencing too many negative effects from the chemo. This week, Ed will visit Fred Hutch to be prepped for a bone marrow transplant, to be scheduled some time in the future.
Ed was able to preach on Sunday at RHCF, the church he co-pastors with Cora :-)
Prayer requests: Finances continue to be a need, as medications and treatments are expensive.
A donor match for bone marrow, Ed was adopted, so no relatives are available.
Doctors, nurses and staff at Virginia Mason & Fred Hutch
The entire Jackson family
Please feel free to spread this email to all who might be interested in getting an update. And if you would prefer not to get these any more, please email me and I will take you off the distribution list.
Thank you for continuing to keep the entire Jackson family in your prayers,
Barb
Ed is starting to loose his hair, but other than being pretty tired, is not experiencing too many negative effects from the chemo. This week, Ed will visit Fred Hutch to be prepped for a bone marrow transplant, to be scheduled some time in the future.
Ed was able to preach on Sunday at RHCF, the church he co-pastors with Cora :-)
Prayer requests: Finances continue to be a need, as medications and treatments are expensive.
A donor match for bone marrow, Ed was adopted, so no relatives are available.
Doctors, nurses and staff at Virginia Mason & Fred Hutch
The entire Jackson family
Please feel free to spread this email to all who might be interested in getting an update. And if you would prefer not to get these any more, please email me and I will take you off the distribution list.
Thank you for continuing to keep the entire Jackson family in your prayers,
Barb
8/12/09
This will be the last update for a week, as I am going to Hawaii with my 83 year old mother today :-)
Ed will check into the hospital for another 4 day round of chemo, probably today. His spirits are still good. He has lost 35 pounds, and has experienced some side effects from the chemo, but his appetite is good.
He will be visiting Fred Hutch next week. The doctors are preparing for a bone marrow transplant within the next 6 months. If you haven't registered as a donor, and were thinking you should, now would be a good time to do so. Ed was adopted as an infant, so blood relatives as potential donors are not available at this time. If a transplant is need, he will be matched to someone in the donor pool.
Thank you for all who have blessed the family with financial gifts. It makes a difference. Cancer is not for wimps, and it is not cheap.
Please feel free to spread this email to all who might be interested in getting an update. And if you would prefer not to get these any more, please email me and I will take you off the distribution list.
Thank you for continuing to keep the entire Jackson family in your prayers,
Barb
Ed will check into the hospital for another 4 day round of chemo, probably today. His spirits are still good. He has lost 35 pounds, and has experienced some side effects from the chemo, but his appetite is good.
He will be visiting Fred Hutch next week. The doctors are preparing for a bone marrow transplant within the next 6 months. If you haven't registered as a donor, and were thinking you should, now would be a good time to do so. Ed was adopted as an infant, so blood relatives as potential donors are not available at this time. If a transplant is need, he will be matched to someone in the donor pool.
Thank you for all who have blessed the family with financial gifts. It makes a difference. Cancer is not for wimps, and it is not cheap.
Please feel free to spread this email to all who might be interested in getting an update. And if you would prefer not to get these any more, please email me and I will take you off the distribution list.
Thank you for continuing to keep the entire Jackson family in your prayers,
Barb
8/4/09
Miracles are happening :-) !
When I had chemo 14 years ago, I went to the hospital every 3 weeks for 2 - 3 hours of chemotherapy. I came home nauseated and very sick for much of the time in between each chemo infusion.
Ed has now finished his 3rd day of continuous chemo infusions; after today, the first course of treatment is done. He is not sick! No nausea, no pain, no nothing! He's just the same Ed as always. In fact, if he continues to do well, he won't need to stay in the hospital for an entire month. He can come home tomorrow!
Ed will still need to go back into the hospital for daily blood draws and short chemo treatments every day for the next week. Then he'll be admitted to the hospital again for another 4 days of continuous treatments. This in and out pattern will continue for the next 6 months or so, until the battle with cancer is won.
I believe that because Ed and Cora have chosen to focus on the promises God makes to His children (and the Bible is full of them - that healing is the children's bread - that He shall supply all their needs according to His riches in glory - that by His stripes Ed was healed - that when the enemy came to eat of Ed's flesh, he stumbled and fell - that Jesus says, "Fear not!") Ed is winning this fight.
There is a peace in his hospital room that can only be explained by God. Ed is determined that no matter what report the doctors have, he will believe the report of the Lord, and claims the healing as his. I am learning a lot just watching Ed and Cora go through this battle.
Please continue to keep the entire Jackson family in your prayers,
Barb
When I had chemo 14 years ago, I went to the hospital every 3 weeks for 2 - 3 hours of chemotherapy. I came home nauseated and very sick for much of the time in between each chemo infusion.
Ed has now finished his 3rd day of continuous chemo infusions; after today, the first course of treatment is done. He is not sick! No nausea, no pain, no nothing! He's just the same Ed as always. In fact, if he continues to do well, he won't need to stay in the hospital for an entire month. He can come home tomorrow!
Ed will still need to go back into the hospital for daily blood draws and short chemo treatments every day for the next week. Then he'll be admitted to the hospital again for another 4 days of continuous treatments. This in and out pattern will continue for the next 6 months or so, until the battle with cancer is won.
I believe that because Ed and Cora have chosen to focus on the promises God makes to His children (and the Bible is full of them - that healing is the children's bread - that He shall supply all their needs according to His riches in glory - that by His stripes Ed was healed - that when the enemy came to eat of Ed's flesh, he stumbled and fell - that Jesus says, "Fear not!") Ed is winning this fight.
There is a peace in his hospital room that can only be explained by God. Ed is determined that no matter what report the doctors have, he will believe the report of the Lord, and claims the healing as his. I am learning a lot just watching Ed and Cora go through this battle.
Please continue to keep the entire Jackson family in your prayers,
Barb
7/31/09
Thank you for your continuing prayers for Ed. The Bible says that the prayers of the righteous avail much, and this is certainly true.
Yesterday, Ed was diagnosed with Pre B Cell ALL Lymphoma/Leukemia. This form of cancer is a very curable if caught early, but is also very aggressive. He will be in the hospital about a month undergoing chemotherapy. The doctors' plan is to put this into remission, and this is Ed's plan as well.
Ed and Cora are both fine, claiming John 11:4 "When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
If you would like to visit or write to Ed, he is at Virginia Mason Hospital (1100 - 9th Ave Seattle 98101) in room 1758. He will be moving to the 15th floor (cancer ward) as soon as a bed opens up. His cell phone is working (206-779-0292) and his laptop is at his side (email: month012@msn.com).
Please feel free to spread the word, and thank you for you continual prayers. I will send more information as his healing progresses.
Barb
Yesterday, Ed was diagnosed with Pre B Cell ALL Lymphoma/Leukemia. This form of cancer is a very curable if caught early, but is also very aggressive. He will be in the hospital about a month undergoing chemotherapy. The doctors' plan is to put this into remission, and this is Ed's plan as well.
Ed and Cora are both fine, claiming John 11:4 "When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
If you would like to visit or write to Ed, he is at Virginia Mason Hospital (1100 - 9th Ave Seattle 98101) in room 1758. He will be moving to the 15th floor (cancer ward) as soon as a bed opens up. His cell phone is working (206-779-0292) and his laptop is at his side (email: month012@msn.com).
Please feel free to spread the word, and thank you for you continual prayers. I will send more information as his healing progresses.
Barb
7/29/09
Cora has asked me to get a prayer chain started this morning. For the past month or so, her husband Ed has been experiencing pain from what was thought to be a pinched nerve in his neck. However, physical therapy was not working, and the pain medication, though increasing, was doing little to ease the pain. He lost some strength in one arm, and the other sweated profusely. Last night he was admitted to Virginia Mason Hospital (1100 - 9th Ave Seattle 98101) for additional tests. He is in room 1758.
This morning we know there is a mass pressing on his spine in the middle of his back. Today will be a rest day, and surgery is expected soon to determine if the mass is cancerous or benign, and what to do to remove it.
We also know that God is the ultimate healer, and that all things work together for the good for those who love the Lord. We know that where two or three are gathered together in Jesus' name, He is in the midst. We know that God changes things, and that it is His desire to heal. We ask that you pray in agreement with these things, and I will keep you posted when there is new information to report.
Please feel free to spread the word, and many thanks for your prayers,
Barb
This morning we know there is a mass pressing on his spine in the middle of his back. Today will be a rest day, and surgery is expected soon to determine if the mass is cancerous or benign, and what to do to remove it.
We also know that God is the ultimate healer, and that all things work together for the good for those who love the Lord. We know that where two or three are gathered together in Jesus' name, He is in the midst. We know that God changes things, and that it is His desire to heal. We ask that you pray in agreement with these things, and I will keep you posted when there is new information to report.
Please feel free to spread the word, and many thanks for your prayers,
Barb
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)