- July 3: Daisy Johnston relates the following, quoting, "My cousin, Jackie, has cancer and a massive seizure, on vent and fighting for her life (is in Indy). Please keep her in prayers--Daisy Johnston"
- July 1: Ken Stellinga has been diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer. He and his family will be meeting with on oncologist in the near future. Please keep him and his family in your prayers. Thanks.
- June 30: Justin Hinks relates the following about his son, quoting: “Wes goes in for surgery on the 11th. He is having a pectus repair. They are putting in a Rod that will lift his rib cage off his lungs and heart, the rod will stay in place until adulthood. He is expecting 1 night in the hospital, this is fairly invasive and obviously has risks. Please pray for a Gods hands to guide the surgeon and keep Wes close over the coming weeks.—Justin Hinks”
- June 27: Please keep Tim & Sandy DeLoof in your prayers. Tim has recently been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease)
- June 27: Please continue to pray for Cory Carlson-Himes' mother, Brenda. She is have some challenges at the rehab facility. Thanks
- June 25: Chris Thesenvitz relates the following, quoting: “Hello everyone! In a shakeup of things, I Chris, figured I would fire off an update of how things have been going since our last update a few weeks back. It has been busy! I will not do as good a job as Laura does but I’ll give it a go. Appreciation first off, I am beyond blessed to have Laura by my side through this crazy mess! She is truly amazing at juggling the normal, everyday chaos that every family must deal with; however, when my mess is added on top of all of the ‘normal’ stuff, I don’t know how she does it, but she does. She keeps our house going and does it with amazing grace and strength. We would be lost without her. On to the update. Three weeks ago, June 4, we had left Mayo with a plan of a continuing immunotherapy and adding a new ‘targeted treatment’ drug, Cabozantinib. We needed to wait for it to work through the insurance approval process before the specialty pharmacy could send it to me. After getting it to the ‘approved’ pharmacy, in a rare twist of insurance actually working smoothly and quite quickly, it was approved and I received the medication on June 11. On the 12th, I had my new medication education session virtually with Dr. Ho’s nurse to discuss potential side effects, and things to watch for, and I was able to start the medication on the 13th! As Laura had previously mentioned, with my rare cancer, there is not much for known paths forward in terms of effective treatment plans beyond surgical resection. With that, the hope and prayer is that this drug, combined with the Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) I am already taking, may do something to the beast I am fighting! Slow down its growth, stop its growth maybe, we will just keep praying! While all of this had been going on, I had also been fighting some ongoing pain management issues. Palliative care had increased my fentanyl patch a while back hopeful it would cut down on some abdominal and hip/pelvis pain I had been having. We are unsure if the pain is something else going on in that area, or if it is just some additional nerve pain. After a few different tests and scans to rule out anything obvious, nothing really presented itself. For now, we pray that it is just nerve pains. With the increased dose, brought a larger patch. The larger patch didn’t really want to stay stuck down unfortunately and as a result, I was not getting the medication I should have been getting and needed. The fix for this was to switch to a new oral pain medication. I began taking that about the same time I had started the cancer drug. I have now been on the new medications for almost two weeks. As for pain management, I will be asking for a bump on the amount of pain medication to see if I can get a little extra help in cutting down on some of the pains I am still fighting. As for side effects, I am not sure what to blame it on, but midafternoons have not been the best. Because of the location of the tumor in my spinal cord, my abdomen is the transition point of what I can feel and what I cannot feel. Since I cannot feel everything in my lower abdomen, it makes some things feel just, odd and different. What I feel is a bit like nausea, or maybe like I need to have a bowel movement (which I cannot sense or feel anything in that department otherwise). Whatever it is, it zaps my energy for at least an hour or two and makes me feel, well, really crappy! A quick nap has helped some, so for now, resting about that time has been the easy solution if I am able. The only real way to pinpoint the real culprit or cause of this feeling would be to cut out either the cancer drug or the new pain medication for some time and see how I feel. After discussing this with my oncology team yesterday, I am not willing to cut out either now that they are started. I just want something to begin working! Sleep has been not the greatest either, so trying to get a few more things straightened out first sounds better than taking a break from the new meds at this point. I will instead monitor the feeling and see how things progress, praying that my body will get accustomed to the changes and just feel better! Some other things of note. Laura got me out to work last week to clean out my desk and office. It was time to be cleaned up since I have not been physically at work since late January and our office moved into a new building on base. My locker will have to wait since I ended up spending more time than I thought with just my office stuff, while chatting up everyone who swung in to say hello. It is always great to see my work family; however, I regret not being able to make it around to see everyone. It is a bit surreal cleaning things out from a place that I have been part of for 21 plus years. So, what happens with work??? I started the medical board process a few months back. This is the military process of deeming me fit or unfit for continued service. As we all would have expected, I was deemed unfit. I received my discharge orders last week and will be medically retired in October. Also last week, Laura’s grandmother (Jan Mellema’s mother), Margaret passed away. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon them. May she rest in peace. Amen. For those that don’t know this, Laura is older than I am! As of last Thursday, she turned the big 40! Happy Birthday to her… Laura and I returned to Mayo yet again on Monday for treatment planned on Tuesday. I had bloodwork earlier in the day yesterday and discussed the results with Amy (Dr. Ho’s PA). With the new targeted drug onboard, I was hopeful everything would still look good so the plan to continue immunotherapy would not change. New items noted from the draws: some elevated white blood cell numbers but nothing of major concern to Amy, and therefore a green light to receive treatment! After treatment we started our trek back home. With the time of day and side effect mentioned earlier, I started feeling crappy and dozed in and out for about the first hour or so of the drive home. With Laura at the wheel, we made it home without issue of course. So, big takeaways: New targeted cancer drug is on board with continued immunotherapy. Praying that the combo will fight the beast, Check! Live life as best we can while finding the blessings in every day, Check! Thanking God always and praying for strength to trust in his plan, Check! Thank you all, for your continued prayers for me and for my family. Thank you for checking in with us when life gets so busy, that we fail to stay connected with all of you. Extra prayer requests if I may: For Laura specifically, for continued health and strength to deal with and overcome all our families chaos. For Laura’s grandmother Margaret and family, on her passing. For my sister’s mother-in-law Rose and her husband Tom. Rose uses this platform for Tom’s fight against cancer as well, and she continuously asks their followers to pray for me, thank you Rose. For all the others who fight their own beasts, cancer or otherwise! Pray that they never give up or lose faith in God’s plans and promises. --Chris Thesenvitz”
- June 25: Pete Mellema's mom, Joyce, is being transferred to Encompass Rehab. Please pray for her recovery. Thanks.
- June 24: Pete Mellema's mom, Joyce, has a broken pelvis. She is in Avera. Please pray for her for pain control and healing. Thanks
- June 24: Brenda Carlson-Himes has been moved to a rehab facility. Please continue to pray for her.
- June 18: Brenda Carlson-Himes, mother of Cory Carlson-Himes, was in the ER and had surgery yesterday. It is reported that she has a massive infection and has fallen. She is now in Avera. Please keep her in your prayers. Thanks
- June 18: Jan Mellema relates the following, quoting: “My mom, Margaret Moncur, of Miller, SD, passed away this afternoon. She was 92 but was in a lot of pain and was ready to go home to Jesus and join my dad. I was able to be there with her during her last hours. She is at peace now and pain free in the arms of Jesus. Thank you!--Jan Mellema”
- June 16: Melanie Odens relates the following, quoting: “’Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41: 10. ‘Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.’ Psalm 30:2. Amber's heart Echo was "normal." She got her report and we are so thankful for her great report. We are thrilled her "ticker" is doing well. Thank you for helping us with our dear Amber. As always, your prayers are a precious gift to our family. With Love, The Poppen Family—Melanie Odens”
- June 14: Sharen Harms relates the following, quoting: “Hello dear family, friends, colleagues, clients, and my PRAYER WARRIOR ARMY. It is with a very HUMBLE AND GRATEFUL HEART that I say THANK YOU to all of you for your words of support, encouragement, and prayers as we walked this tumor journey. This journey was one I had not planned but through it all I have witnessed the Lord’s endless love He has for all of us. He truly is the Ultimate Healer and the Great Physician. God walked with me every moment, step and need and I felt his presence in all who cared for me, those who sent messages, cards and phone calls. I could have not made it through this without my phenomenal family. Doug was truly my loving anchor and never left my side, our 3 fantastic kids, Eric, Trisha and Heidi, gave me the inspiration and determination to keep pushing through it all and our 11 precious cutie pies gave me the will and desire to get stronger and better. I was truly overwhelmed by the number of people who sent messages to Doug Harms Eric Harms, Trisha HD and Heidi Blom-- sharing heartfelt texts, emails, and prayers. The day after surgery, I was struggling with pain and our kids read to me the messages that people sent and it brought tears to my eyes-----you will never know how those messages help me get stronger and instill in me the will to stay positive and fight to get over the mountain. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me climb that mountain. I am making wonderful progress and am only dealing with some occasional headaches--- piece a cake—I can handle that. My hope is to be back to work in the next week for a couple of hours just to see how things go. FYI—I have lost all my hearing in my left ear, but I am so lucky that is all--- others who have had this surgery have not fared as well. So, my tumor is about 97% gone and when the Drs. took it out, I asked them to stitch me up with some “be feistier stitches”. So fair warning—the surgery did not make me any nicer or smarter –but I think I may be a bit feistier!!!! I know some of you were hoping the Drs would give me a lifetime prescription of “BE NICE PILLS” but I am just not ready to get that soft yet!!!! Love you and thanks for your unending prayers, encouragement, and support on this journey. 'GOD BLESS YOU ALL. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." Ephesians 3:20. “The joy of the Lord is my strength, and His joy brings healing to my body and soul.” Nehemiah 8:10—Sharen Harms”
- June 13: Brenda Carlson-Himes, mother of Cory Carlson-Himes, requests your prayers. She had an MRI last week which found damage to the small veins of her brain. More tests will be done on 6/26 to check her heart. Brenda is also having a kidney stone removed on 6/17. About 3 weeks ago she went to the ER because of a headache and vision issues which may have been a TIA or a mini stroke. She's been pretty sick most of the year. They hope to find out what is going on so she can enjoy a full life. Thank you!
- June 13: Steve Lee is now home from the hospital. Please keep praying for his recovery. Thanks.
- June 11: Daniel Burlingame will be having a number of other tests and scans to evaluate his condition and help know what treatments are needed. He made need some rides from these tests. I will post more about that as needed. Please keep him in your prayers.
- June 7. Steve Lee has been in the hospital in Minneapolis at University of Minnesota since Monday. He has a pneumonia. He will be there probably another week. Please keep him in your prayers. Thank you.
- June 6: Daniel Burlingame had the doctor's appointment and had encouraging news. He will be staying on oral antibiotics for a while more, and be reassessed in a few weeks. Thanks for your prayers.
- June 5: Melanie Odens relates the following, quoting: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41: 10. Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. Psalm 30:2. Amber got her results this afternoon and got to talk to her doctor. Her scan was clear! Praise God! Every time a scan is recommended and scheduled it is tricky...isn't it? The leading up to it... the day of...God is in the waiting. His soul-filling, invisible presence. He sits with us and calms us. One more area of prayers is Amber's heart. Due to some medication, she has had some "heart palpitations" and so her doctor ordered an EKG. She had that test and the results came early this evening that she will have a ECHO tomorrow (time TBD). Amber (and our whole family) thank you for your prayers. Amber said a few times how she knew people were praying because she could feel it. We know others are needing our prayers and we are praying for you too. We thank you for your prayers, love and support. God continues to use you in a powerful way. Prayer Requests-*Praise-good health continues *Heart tests come back unaffected *Clear scan for decades and decades. Thanks so much. All our love,--Melanie Odens”
- June 5: Melanie Odens relates the following, quoting: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41: 10. Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. Psalm 30:2 Thursday morning sweet Amber has her next scan. We are praying that her results reflect a clear scan. Please join our family in this, if you are able and think about it Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Thank you for your love and prayers. --The Poppen Family”
- June 5: Laura Thesenvitz relates the following, quoting: “This week it was time for Christopher’s follow up surveillance scans. Yesterday morning we drove out and he had his MRI in the afternoon and we passed the rest of the rainy afternoon spending some time together before finding some dinner and then checking in to our hotel and attempting to scroll through Netflix to find something to commit time to watch before calling it a night. This morning we had enough time to take in a quick breakfast at the hotel before starting the day with blood work, chest CT and then passing time until we could meet with Dr Ho for the oncology check-in. Meeting with Dr. Ho we discussed all of the tests – Blood work - was fairly normal overall. She is going to increase the thyroid meds slightly since his numbers are still trending after being on the adjusted dose for several months. Otherwise she is happy with blood work. Chest CT – there wasn’t much for concerning new growth but there are some mild signs pneumonitis beginning (lung swelling / opacity on the scans) that was also seen last year when he was first on Keytruda. MRI – No new growth within the lower lumber of the spine. However there is continued growth within the thoracic, especially the T-10, T-11 and T-12. This doesn’t come as a surprise with his increase in discomfort with back and rib pain, but does still bring a level of disappointment in that the immunotherapy isn’t doing it’s job. SO…. Following discussion of what the tests look like we had a lengthy conversation on what some options are moving forward: 1. Stop treatment altogether: 2. Stop the immunotherapy (Ketruda) and start an oral chemo drug (Cabozantinib) – different from the one tried late last year: 3. Continue with the immunotherapy (Ketruda) and the other oral chemo drug (Cabozantinib) together. It was decided that he is going to continue with immunotherapy and she is putting in the order to request to add in Cabozantinib -an oral chemo drug. Basically, she is calling in one more reinforcement in hopes that combining them, they will have a synergistic effect before the Keytruda causes any further lung issues that would force the need to stop using it and giving it one more chance to be successful at slowing the growth. There is so little information on anything that has been successful in treatment against chondrosarcoma so she is using an oral chemo drug that has shown some better succuss with soft tissue sarcomas when paired with immunotherapy. Thus the synergistic effect = better/more effective together. In theory it seems simple – keep moving forward, add a new medication and pray. Three simple steps and yet my heart remains a bit heavy and anxious. So I will ask for your help and call in your reinforcement for step three. Step one was completed today by moving forward with immunotherapy treatment as planned. Next (step 2) the Cabozantinib needs to be approved by insurance or helped to be pushed through their possible compassionate access grant program on the pharmaceutical side. Adding this additional drug of course comes with possible side effects and things that will need to be monitored and may bring back that sexy white hair.. but if it will slow the progression and aggression of the beast, then it will be worth the try. Third and most important, we will continue to pray for strength and faith in His plan as we take each day as it comes. I pray that we will take advantage of the time we have and make the most of it - to find the joy, even in the small things and remember to celebrate our milestones, wins, gains and time we have together. I pray that we stay healthy and strong. I pray to keep us going in all directions and remember to ask for help and accept it graciously. I pray for continued, blessed, GOOD time together. Christopher’s immunotherapy schedule will remain on a 3 week cycle currently and we will give an update again once we know more or he is able to start the oral chemo. We are so thankful for the constant outpouring of love and support we continue to receive from so many directions! Thank you for your continued prayers and help in SO many ways! Words are not enough, but please know how much we appreciate each and every one of you. Day to day and week to week, there are so many that have been such warm and bright rays of sunshine on gloomy days or helped at the perfect time (and you didn’t even know it) – Thank you! --Laura Thesenvitz”
- June 4: Our condolences go out to Jenna Hooogendoorn and her family on the passing of her Grandma Janet. Please keep them in your prayers. Thanks.
- June 4: Daniel Burlingame reports that he had an MRI and it shows some troubling things. He will see the doctor again on Friday. Please keep him in your prayers. Thanks
- June 3: Denny Spitler has chronic foot pain. Please keep him in your prayers. Thanks.
- June 1: Larry Long has been discharged from the hospital. He will be healing up at home from his pelvis fracture. Please pray for a swift recovery. Thanks
- May 31: Larry Long fell and injured his pelvis. He has been hospitalized at Sanford. Please keep him in your prayers. Thanks
- May 31: Heidi Blom relates the following about Sharen Harms, quoting: “Mom update: We have had many requests for an update on mom. We are 3 weeks and 2 days post surgery. The first 8-10 days were the honeymoon phase. It was like she didn’t just have a 10 hour brain surgery. Then, as she weened off the steroids, she started to have a little more head pain, but nothing Tylenol couldn’t take care of. Now these last 3 days have been a different story. She is barely sleeping and is in a lot more pain, and the pain is all over not just on the back side of her head. Tylenol is no longer doing the job. She is trying to keep the house dark and quiet and likes to sleep in her recliner. She loves sitting outside watching the golfers (thank goodness that’s a quiet sport) and seeing all the different birds on their feeders. We knew this going in, the 6-9 month recovery is a rollercoaster. It’s just so hard to see her in pain and not be able to do much. The good news, her incision is healing wonderfully, she didn’t have any cerebral spinal fluid leak and her balance has been pretty darn good! Thanks for all those that continue to pray for her recovery, she soaks in the good hours and we pray through the tough ones. 1 Peter 3:12 “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayers” –Heidi Blom”
- May 31: Joe McMartin was discharged from the hospital. He is now on blood thinners. Please pray he has no side effects. Thanks.
- May 29: Joe McMartin was admitted to the hospital, last night (Wednesday), with a blood clot in his left lung. Please pray for him and his medical team caring for him. Thanks.
- May 28: Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Delores Hassebroek, who passed away. Joyce Tarrell reports the following, quoting: “I am requesting prayers for our family. Our sister, Delores Hassebroek, passed away last night. She was the oldest of 11 children and had been diagnosed with dementia. We feel the Lord decided it was time to bring her home. Thank you for lifting us up with your prayers.—Joyce Tarrell”
- May 27: Jon Harmsen relates the following, quoting: “Here is a response from Gracia and another prayer request! Praise and prayer request (2.0) Praise: We are absolutely shocked and delighted to say that the spinal cord stimulator (DRG) took Gracia’s average pain down by 60% and completely changed her life over the last 96 hours. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! She hasn’t been this pain free in years. She said it was amazing to have her brain freed up from thinking about pain, to being able to function and focus on other things. Since having it removed today, her pain is back and has shown even more how significantly life improved for her with the DRG. We will be moving forward to pursue a permanent DRG. She is so excited about what the future holds and how delightfully ‘normal’ things may be. Prayer request: We hope and pray that while we wait for her permanent DRG that her pain would be held to manageable levels especially as we leave for a 12 day summer mission in San Diego with Cru. Please pray for low and manageable pain levels, that God would move in and through the staff and college students on the summer mission as we look to bring the gospel to the beaches and area college campuses, and that we might get some sweet moments as a family while we are out there as well! Thanks for the prayer and for celebrating with us!!—Jon Harmsen”
- May 27: Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Donna White, who passed away late Monday evening (May 26). She was the mother of Darcy Barrett, who is Steve Barrett wife. Steve is the son of Wilma and John Barrett, Please keep the family in your prayers. Thanks.
- May 24: Donna White, (mother of Darcy Barrett) is in Ava's Hospice house. Steve Barrett (Darcy's husband) requests prayer for Donna and the whole family). Thanks.
- May 23: Jon Harmsen relates the following, quoting: “Gracia Update: Overall, the procedure went well! It was much more complicated and complex than originally planned. What was supposed to be a 45 minute surgery, turned into a 2 hour long operation. she is super sore right now and doesn’t have a ton of range of motion. We won’t know how effective the spinal cord stimulator is until 24-36 hours, as her body gets used to it. Right now she desperately needs good rest and relief from surgical pain. Please continue to pray it’s life changing for her!—Jon Harmsen”
- May 23: Cal Klein is now home. He had the angiogram and that had good results. He will be seeing some other doctors for further assessments. Please keep him in your prayers. Thanks.
- May 23: Marcia Thornton's tendon surgery (on the back of her wrist) went well. Thanks for your prayers. She will be in a brace for about two weeks.
- May 23: Jodi Ackerman had total knee replacement on May 21. Please keep her in your prayers as she recovers. Thanks!
- May 22: Marcia Thornton is having same-day surgery on a tendon in her right wrist on Friday. Please keep her in your prayers. Thanks.
- May 22: Jon Harmsen relates the following, quoting: "Praise and prayer request: Gracia has been fighting with her insurance for half a year to get a necessary spinal cord stimulator approved in order to (Lord willing) decrease some of her debilitating pain caused by some extreme nerve damage from previous surgeries. The Lord would have it that the day after Easter, she got a call that this procedure, to our surprise, had been miraculously approved!! We were floored at God’s timing—it was an incredible reminder of the opportunity that we have of new life in the resurrection!! (In the words of Pastor Clyde, “that will preach”). Tomorrow she gets the trial, if the trial goes well, she will move on to get a permanent spinal cord stimulator 4-6 weeks from when she gets the trial removed. So in all of this, please pray for a painless, successful, straightforward, and dare I say “simple” procedure tomorrow that either dramatically lessens her pain or completely takes it away. For her pain control, there is no other option. We need a miracle either way, whether God chooses to work through this device or by his own miraculous means, our eyes are glued to Him for what might come next. Please keep her in your prayers over the next 24 or so hours—thanks everyone!-- Jon Harmsen”
- May 22: Cal Klein is in the heart hospital for possible angiogram. Please keep him in your prayers. Thanks
- May 21: Joann Bos had her carotid surgery today and reportedly it went well. She will spend at least one night in the hospital. Please pray for her recovery. Thanks!
- May 15: Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Alida VerBurg on her passing. The life celebration service will be on Monday at Community Reformed Church with visitation from 1 pm to 2:30 pm, and the funeral at 3 pm. Please keep them in your prayers. Thanks
- May 14: New prayer request. Grace Collins relates the following, quoting: “Update: back to the hospital this morning. had an X-Lap (exploratory laparoscopy). They figured out I had a bowel obstruction but weren’t sure the cause until they got in. They found an intestinal hernia. They pulled out the strangulated intestine and patched the hernia hole. Recovery is going well.—Grace Collins”
- May 14: Our belayed condolences go out to the family and friends of Richard "Rick" Norris, who passed away on April 28. His life celebration service was out of town on May 2. Please keep his loved ones in your prayers. Thanks
- May 13 Bill Klein is now home from the hospital. Please keep praying for his full recovery. Thanks.
- May 13: Joann Bos is scheduled for carotid artery (neck) surgery next week on Wednesday (May 21). Please keep her in your prayers. Thanks
- May 13: Laura Thesenvitz relates the following, quoting: “We’ve let the time slip again but we haven’t felt the need to give frequent updates in that things have started to settled in and have “normalized” to a certain extent and we are taking care to enjoy all the good days we can as we encounter them. And of course, life is the usual chaotic mess with 2 kids in school and activities.. ha! Immunotherapy continues to go smoothly and as planned every 3 weeks. The plan is to stay the course for the time being and the next surveillance scans are currently scheduled for the day before the infusion scheduled the first week of June. Those will give us a little better picture of what/if the infusions are doing what they should be and if there is anything else to be discussed at that time. Huge blessing and highlight of the last couple of months was a “simple benefit” Christopher’s co-workers wanted to put on for us that simply turned into a major EVENT! SO MANY people came out and it was an overwhelming outpouring of support shown by everyone that helped put it on, those that came out to the benefit and those that supported us by sending donations and even complete strangers that have never met us, but saw Christopher’s story and felt compelled to share their love and generosity with us… we were/ still are at a loss to properly thank everyone for coming out and being a part of that night, so if you helped put it on, came out to support, bid on an auction item, sent in a donation, said a prayer over us from afar – THANK YOU! Thank you, from our entire family, you provided for us in ways that we will not be able to explain or repay. Someday we hope to be able to pay it forward. Because of the benefit, one of the most important things we were able to do was get the bathroom renovation going in the house – like all home remodel projects, it is taking a little longer than expected to be all the way finished, but the most important pieces are competed and in usable condition. Christopher is now able to access the bathroom and use the toilet and shower – (all independently!) none of which were doable without my assistance prior, due to extremely limited accessibility (gotta love a mid 1980s home). We’ve also added a stair lift to the basement and thanks to “Handy Grandpa Pete” we also have an additional platform and ramp at the bottom of the stairs for Christopher to now access the basement again! For the first time in 12-13 weeks, we were able to share a bedroom – HUGE win! Amazing what that can do for your emotional support. This week Christopher also received his new custom wheelchair! BIG improvement from the first basic model his been wheeling around in and he’s been working on getting used to his new “hot rod” the last few days. It’ll take some getting used to with it being a solid frame chair and little different size and wheel depth and such, but all good in the overall! Looking forward to the new possibilities and praying it brings more comfort in the days for him. Though the days still have ups and downs and there are still hard days and routines aren’t quite figured out or smooth and simple, we are so incredibly thankful for the blessings and the good days. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to each and every one of you that continue to bless us with your generosity and most importantly, your love and constant prayers!! –Laura Thesenvitz”
- May 10: Bill Klein is in the hospital with a possible UTI and low Sodium. Please keep him in your prayers. Thanks
- May 9: Heidi Blom relates the following about her mom, Sharen Harms, quoting: “Discharge day!!! Hard to fathom but it’s true! Mom had a pretty good night, she slept good until about 2:30 then woke up with pretty significant head pain and also some stomach pain. It is so hard for her to get comfortable in these hospital beds. As they wean her off the steroids, we are told to expect some facial swelling, but we also know every person is different, so we take it hour to hour. We let mom decide if she wants to sleep, sit up in a chair or go for a walk. She got out side today and while she was resting on a bench they met Eleanor who is finishing 10 months of treatment for muscle cancer. Dad knelt down and prayed for her. She’s finishing 2nd grade, so if you all could also say a healing prayer for her, that would be great as well. Eating hard food and chewing it is a no go for mom, the noise in her head is too much for her, so fruit smoothies some baked sweet potatoes and fish is what we will be consuming for the time being. Mom will have a tendency to “steer left” when she walks bc that’s the side that the tumor was on and her balance is affected.. so dad said “well, when you got on a walk you will eventually get back to where your started if you keep turning left.” Not that she will be walking alone anytime soon, but nice to have a little humor at the end of this week. I will update how these next 3-4 days go at home next week. Thanks for the continued prayers. “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.” Psalm9:1-2—Heidi Blom”
- May 9: Judy Van Meeteren's knee replacement went well. She will be in overnight. Please keep her recovery in your prayers.
Shana Hay went home yesterday. Please pray for her recovery from the cervical neck surgery. Thanks - May 8: Sharen Harm's family relates the following, quoting: "Update: Well, I think this is where we see Gods goodness and mom’s strength shine. We are in awe of how alert she is and she just keeps plugging along. Goal for today is to shower and wash hair, do a few more walks and take her on a wheelchair ride outside for some fresh air. She just ate some breakfast which is a huge win! Doctors just did rounds and said we could go home tomorrow!! They know how uncomfortable these bed are.. lol. So that’s our goal. Prayers for her pain today to stay on the lower side, and the drive home to not be super noisy or bumpy. Thanks again for all the support, it brings mom to tears to know how many people care and love her. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7-Doug, Eric, Trisha and Heidi" - May 7: Judy Van Meeteren will be having knee surgery on Friday, May 9. She will probably spend one night in the hospital. Please keep her in your prayers. Thanks!
- May 7: Mike reports that Shanda Hay's neck/spine surgery went well. Shanda is in recovery. Please continue to pray for her recovery. Thanks
- May 7: Heidi Blom relates the following about her mom, Sharen Harms, quoting: “Well, she made it through a 9+ hour surgery. We got to see her about 8:30 last night and now the next hurdle. Pain and keeping anything down. So much pain in her right hip from laying on it for 9 hours, neck pain and of course, horrible head pain. She cannot keep anything down, nothing. So that is our next prayer request, that her pain could subside.. even a little and she could get some rest. Thanks for all the incredibly kind messages, we have read every single one of them. We know mom has an army behind her and Heavenly Father who is walking right along side her and a husband of 50 years that won’t leave her side.—Heidi Blom”
- May 6: Doug Harms reports the following, quoting: " Sharen is out of surgery. We spoke with the surgeons and they said things went very well. They were able to take 98% of the tumor and no apparent nerve damage. We won’t be able to actually see her for a couple hours. Thank the Lord and thanks for all your prayers! --Doug Harms
- May 6: Doug Harms relates this about Sharen, quoting, "Mayo Clinic: In progress, going well. ENT operating under the scope at this time. Patient is still doing great."
- May 6: Sharen Harms is having brain surgery right now. 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday. It will last for several more hours. Please keep her in your prayers. Thank you.
- May 5: Shanda Hay will be having spinal surgery (in her neck area) on Wednesday. She is scheduled to be in the hospital overnight. She will then have a prolonged recovery. Please pray for a successful surgery and an easy recovery. Thanks
- May 5: Doug Harms relates the following, quoting: “We recently noticed that Sharen was suffering from a significant hearing loss in her left ear, as well as some balance issues. An MRI was ordered and it was discovered that she has a benign tumor slightly behind her left ear called an acoustic neuroma. The tumor is pressing on her auditory canal and her brain stem causing symptoms of hearing loss, balance issues and facial numbness. Because of its size, the only option is surgery, which is scheduled at Mayo Tuesday, May 6. It’s an extensive and delicate surgery that will take most of the day. Please pray for Sharen’s physical, mental and spiritual strength and that God‘s hand would be on the entire surgical team.—Doug Harms”
- May 2: Doug DeWit is doing better and his pacemaker is working well. He will be transferring to Encompass Rehab where he will get treatment for a while longer. He probably will be getting a heart valve procedure in about a month. Please continue to keep him in your payers. Thanks.
- May 1: Here are the funeral details for JoAnn Hanssen. A memorial service will be at the Miller Funeral Home Southside (7400 S Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57108) on Tuesday May 6, 2025, with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. and the funeral will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Hills of Rest. Thanks
- April 30: Our condolences and prayers go out to Chuck Hanssen and his family on the passing of his wife, JoAnn. Funeral details are pending. Please keep them all in your prayers.
- April 28: Doug DeWit had the pacemaker procedure and is now resting. Please keep him and his family in your prayers. Thanks
- April 28: Please pray for Doug DeWit. He is scheduled to have a pacemaker replacement type of surgery today. Thank you
- April 27: Here are the funeral details for Kevin Stulkin, Lori Blom’s father. Visitation on Thursday May 1 from 5-7 PM. Funeral on Friday May 2 at 10 am at George Boom Funeral Home.
- April 27: Gary Van Den Hoek continues to have good progress with his ear with the cochlear implant and is having some hearing. The doctors will continue to make adjustments. Please for for this good news to continue. Thanks
- April 27: Daniel Burlingame has been discharged to home. He will be getting IV antibiotics at home for some time, but he is glad to be back with his wife and baby. Please pray for a complete healing and for restoration of his body. Thanks.
- April 26: Our condolences go out to Lori Blom and her family on the passing of her father, Kevin Stulken. Please keep the family in your prayers.
- April 26: Lori Blom's father, Kevin Stulken, has been admitted to the Dougherty Hospice House. Please keep him and his family in your prayers. Thanks.
- April 26: Doug DeWit is in ICU at Sanford due to some heart episodes and seizures. Please keep him in your prayers. Thanks
- April 25: Jenna Hooogendoorn relates the following, quoting: “My Grandma Janet (the one who fell recently) needs prayers big time. Over Easter weekend we noticed that she was severely jaundice and we quickly got her in to the doctors for testing. She had started a new medication which we thought caused it. Through many tests the doctors have now referred her to oncology. All we know is she has a tumor on her pancreas and a spot on her liver. The doctor that read her CT scan said she has a lot going on in there. She is 88 years old and trying to transition to Bethany Meadows. We need prayers that they get her moved soon so she can get the care she needs and takes some responsibility off my grandfather since his health isn’t great. I am so blessed to have so many grandparents alive still. –Jenna Hooogendoorn”
- April 24: Lori Blom's father, Kevin Stulken, who has cancer, has been admitted to inpatient oncology with heart failure. They are assessing treatment options and whatnot. Please keep him, his wife, and the family in your prayers. Thanks
- April 22: Please pray for Daniel Burlingame as he is having increased swelling and more pain in his arm, again. He is at Encompass, but they are talking about having to move him back to the hospital. Thank you.
- April 21: Ellen Garner reports that everything went well with her procedure today. She is home, sore, and resting. Please pray for her to fully recover quickly. Thanks
- April 20: Our sympathies to Dawn Beiswanger and her family on the passing of her father, Marion Van Der Plaats. Please keep them in your prayers.
- April 20: Daniel Burlingame is being transferred today, Sunday, to Encompass for rehab. Please continue to keep him and his family in your prayers. Thanks
- April 18: Our condolences go out to Roger and Cleone Leistra and their family in the passing of their daughter Andrea. Please keep them in your prayers. Thanks
- April 18: Ellen Garner will be having surgery on Monday, April 21 in Sioux Falls. This is to treat her Subglottic Stenosis (an airway disease) by widening the airway. Please pray for the preparations, the procedure, all of the doctors, and the recovery. Thank you!
- April 17: Dree and Terry Mayer's son-in-law Tony is doing well with his brain shunt. Things are looking much better, so that is a praise item. Thank you, Lord.
- April 17: Susan Bierwagen relates the following, quoting: "Marlene Weires is back home tonight. They diagnosed her with severe vertigo, which caused the fall. She is severely bruised, but, Thank The Lord, no head injury or broken bones. Tests for stroke and heart attack were all negative. Thank you for praying!--Susan Bierwagen"
- April 17: Marlene Weires, Susan Bierwagen's sister, has been taken to Sanford by ambulance after a fall this morning. We appreciate your prayers.
- April 16: Cheryl reports that Ron Hup's knee replacement surgery went well Please pray for his continued recovery and rehab.
- April 16: Vicki Traub reports that Gary is having some hearing in his ear with the cochlear implant. Please for for this good news to continue. Thanks
