Prayer

To add or update your prayer request or to be added to our Prayer Line email distribution list please email John Thornton at prayerline@communityrc.org



  • March 11: Dree and Terry Mayer's son-in-law Tony is making some progress with his brain shunt. The hematomas are smaller. Please keep him in your prayers. 
  • March 11: Daisy Johnston was released from the ER. She probably has a concussion from her seizure. Please keep her and her family in your prayers. Thanks 
  • March 10: Daisy Johnston is going to the emergency room. Please keep her and her family in your prayers. Thanks. 
  • March 8: Fern Eeten has been admitted to the Ava Hospice House. Nick and Dawn are in Italy for the Special Olympics. Please keep the whole family in your prayers. Thanks 
  • March 8: Daisy Johnston reports that she has a bad seizure last night (huge knot on her head, bitten tongue) and some memory loss. She is considering going to the ER. She has concerns about transporting her daughter to work and school, and could use help in those areas. Please keep her and her family in your prayers. 
  • March 7: Dustin's father's surgery went well. Thank you for your prayers. Please pray for his ongoing recovery.
  • March 5: Some new prayer requests. Dustin Brouwer’s dad, Phil, will be having high-risk heart surgery on Friday. Please keep him and his wife, Bev (Dustin’s mom) who is having kidney stones during this same time in your prayers. Also, Dustin’s cousin lost her baby during delivery on Wednesday. Please keep her and her family in your prayers for this tragic loss. Thanks. 
  • March 5: Russ Hoogendoorn relates the following, quoting: “On behalf of Alex & Meghan Hoogendoorn, Teresa and I would like to announce the arrival of Everly Kathleen Hoogendoorn to our family. 7 lbs 2 oz, 19” long and lots of black hair.  Baby girl and parents are all happy and doing well. --Russ Hoogendoorn”
  • March 3: Russ Hoogendoorn relates the following, quoting: "Alex & Meghan Hoogendoorn are in their 38th week of their pregnancy. Last night Meghan noticed her blood pressure was elevated so they went to the clinic to get checked over. They determined she has preeclampsia along with the gestational diabetes they already knew about. The medical team decided to admit her until the baby is born since she is far enough along to reduce risks to baby & mama.  They have begun the slow process of introducing drugs to get the labor process started. Meghan and the baby are doing well as Alex & Meghan wait for the baby to decide it is time to make an appearance.
    Please pray for continued peace and calm as the time gets closer and health and strength for Meghan & the baby when the time comes. Submitted by anxiously waiting first time grandparents Russ & Teresa."
  • Feb 28: The testing for Jan Sturing's son, Matt, has been delayed. I will relay more when it becomes available, but it might be days or weeks. Thanks. 
  • Feb 27: The anonymous boy we were praying for who was at Behavioral Health, is now home with his family. Please pray for all the adjustments and things that go into his complete recovery. Thank you so much for your prayers.
  • Feb 26: Tracee Ellwein's father's incision burst open. He will have to have another surgery tomorrow morning. He has had multiple surgeries, and has had complications afterwards. Please keep him in prayer, along with all of his family.
  • Feb 26: Jan Sturing relates this following about her son, quoting: "Matt's checkup procedure, to test for cancer, will be Thursday, the 27th in Ames. Please pray for no evidence of cancer.--Jan Sturing" 
  • Feb 25: Could we please send out a prayer request for an anonymous little boy who has been admitted to Behavioral Health. Prayers for him to open up and prayers for his family.
  • Feb 25: Dree Mayer relates that her son-in-law Tony is still having issues with his shunt and the brain hematomas. He is back in the emergency room today. Please keep him in your prayers.
  • Feb 24: Dree Mayer is recovering from influenza. Her quarantine will be up after today if she does not get another fever. She is very tired, but the cough is better. She reports that her son-in-law, Tony, had another neurosurgeon appointment today. They will rescan his brain again in two weeks. Please keep them all in your prayers. Thanks.
  • Feb 22: Dane & Becky Olsen relate the following, quoting: "We're thankful for the arrival of Jude Henry Olsen who was born on 2/19. Big brother, Barrett, is loving his little brother and already being a great helper!  Dane & Becky Olsen" 
  • Feb 21: Dree Mayer relates the following, quoting: “Tony had a CT scan this morning and just got a call from his neurosurgeon. His subdural hematomas are getting bigger. His symptoms aren’t worsening. He’ll see the surgeon on Monday to turn off his shunt. Low threshold for him to go to the ER this weekend if his symptoms worsen. After turning the shunt off we’ll have another CT scan after a few days and if the hematomas are not decreasing he may need surgery to drain the hematomas.—Dree Mayer”
  • Feb 21: Gracia Harmsen relates the following, quoting: “It's been almost a month since I last updated. In this case, no news is relatively good news! Dad had chemo on Tuesday, the 4th and Monday, the 17th this month. They always seem to be long days for everyone. Overall, he tolerates the chemo shockingly well, and the main side-effect he struggles with is severe painful cold-sensitivity, numbness, and tingling. This is apparently a very common with his chemo drug, Oxaliplatin. In the week following treatment, he is typically very tired. At this week's appointment, his NP said she's impressed with how he's reacting to the chemo. His white blood cells are actually starting to go up again (which is great), and his pain is seeming to be much more controlled. His spirits are high and we are so grateful! The plan is to do scans again in mid-April. This will tell us if things are contained, continuing to spread, etc. We've been having a lot of fun on chemo days and it seems to make the experience more positive. Spencer and I went along on the 4th, and both he and dad picked on me most of the time. They thought it was funny and there were many laughs to be had. On the 17th, I got to take my son Ezra along. It was President's Day, so there was no school. He and my dad have a really special relationship, so it was really sweet to have him along. They talked and laughed the whole time! He had lots of questions for the staff and even questioned the nurse about what drug he was giving his Papa, and was adamant he know "what it actually is going to do". He's only 5, but his curiosity is expansive! I know Spencer has been bringing his dog, Lucy, over quite a bit. She and dad have a special bond, so that's been a really big highlight for him. Dad has mentioned that he is just astounded at the way the community of Doon has come alongside him to love him in such meaningful ways. Visits, calls, food deliveries, helping hands, etc. It's all been just such a blessing to him. We are so thankful for how the community has cared for him. While he loves having visitors, we ask that if you are sick, have been sick recently, or have been around people that are sick, that you keep your distance for the time being. He is much more susceptible to catching any kind of virus, and we would like to keep him healthy at all costs.—Gracia Harmsen”
    Also, if you feel compelled to help out any needy person or family at church, please call the office for more information on how to do that for those specific individuals. Thanks!
  • Feb 19: Mike Boyenga's nephew, Luke DeJong, has been discharged from the hospital. Please pray for his complete recovery. Thanks 
  • Feb 19: Laura Thesenvitz relates the following, quoting: “Monday, February 3rd Christopher checked into Sanford for an inpatient rehab program as planned. Upon arrival he did an in-depth evaluation of his current abilities at an unassisted level with the PT team and discussed the ongoing changes and goals of the stay. Working with OT and PT goals were to prepare and learn how to transition and adapt to his mobility changes and safely navigate daily living. There was a good amount of this that I was also able to be involved with in relation to assisted transfers and what I can do to aid in care and make daily activity adaptations more seamless and safe. It may not seem like a lot, but in reality, it was an entire new universe thrown at us and then trying to figure out how to mold what we currently have to make work within that universe. Being in overall fairly physically good condition we did well and passed OT and PT goals individually and together without an issue. The only hiccup in the stay was learning / starting a bowel regimen. Leading up to the rehab stay, things had started to really slow down along the same time as his nerves and legs did so his bowels did not want to cooperate and he ended up spending an extra 5 days longer than planned to clear an impacted bowel. Wednesday, February 12th Christopher was discharged from the rehab program and came home. He came home in his wheelchair and was able to enter the house via a ramp that was built and installed while he was inpatient by the VA (hallelujah! We give praise for these blessings).  Leaving the hospital, he was able to push himself and go about 150 feet using a walker, but otherwise used his wheelchair consistently and will moving forward, especially anything outside of the house. But arriving home we quickly realized how unprepared we are for this scenario. Thinking about it, even talking through it is one thing, but coming home and physically living through the motions of trying to figure out how to make your current surroundings work and trying to come to terms with how much the tumor and cancer is actually stealing from his body’s ability to do what it is supposed to do is much more difficult.  I wouldn’t say it was an overly joyous homecoming -it was an overwhelming and emotionally exhausting entrance to reality. I think we both went to bed Wednesday night with incredibly heavy hearts and spirits. Thursday, we rallied a bit and pressed into adjustments upstairs to make things more comfortable and went to work on sourcing things that would be needed and started discussions on what may and may not work for changes that need to be made. This is still in process. Not much down time Thursday with a lot to do moving a few things around – Chris made several follow up calls on insurance related items and I was able to get in a little bit of remote catch up work. Friday, we were up early and loaded up for a round trip to Mayo for Christohpher’s follow up scans. We drove out, arrived and he had a chest CT followed by MRI. By the time the MRI was competed the afternoon snowstorm had caught up a bit making the first leg of the drive home not the most fun, but thankfully still in mostly daylight. We shared a quick Valentine’s dinner in Blue Earth at the Farmer’s Daughter and arrived home almost exactly 12 hours after we had left that morning. What a day! Saturday, I was thankful for a day off driving - we stayed plenty busy with catching up laundry and continuing to get a few things taken care of around the house. Highlight of the day was Lisa and the kids visiting for the long weekend so the kids had  lots of cousin hang out time at Grandma’s, they all came over and joined us for dinner and I even got some much needed one on one sister time later in the evening. Sunday, we made it to Mass and Christopher’s first official outing with his new wheels went overall smoothly. Tristan arrived home in time to join us for brunch and spend a little time together before Christopher and I loaded up again and headed back to Rochester. We went up on Sunday night as Monday morning was going to start early. The trip was much smoother this time around. Cold, but sunny and glad we made the drive in daylight. Positive side to having to stay overnight we stayed in an accessible room, so the big open bathroom was nice change up. Monday morning was an early frigid start with blood draw and then met with oncology. We met with 2 docs from oncology and reviewed Friday’s scans. Chest CT showed clear for pneumonitis or the swelling that we had seen from the immunotherapy in the spring so the decision was made to cut the steroid out completely and let the immunotherapy give a try for it’s full potential. There is some additional growth noted on a nodule and some new micro nodules but these will continue to monitor at this point and will be additional points of reference to measure for successful use of immunotherapy if they remain stable or if we continue to see progression. They went over the MRI results that were “hot off the press” – they were waiting for the results to come through before coming in to meet with us. As we had semi expected from the continued rapid onset of decreased mobility and new low back discomfort and other issues – there is continued progression and growth of the tumor in the existing T10 and T11 and also now down into T12 and L1. There are lesions present above in T8 and T9 within the surgical bed. The continued growth within and upon the spinal cord explains the increase in the symptoms he is experiencing and why they decided to stop the steroid and to give the immunotherapy a chance for full potential at slowing the tumor growth. So no more steroid, and we pray for his lungs to hold out and for the immunotherapy to show us that it can do something.  Following the morning appointments we headed back to the hotel for a couple of hours to pack up rest and let me get some work in before checking in for his immunotherapy infusion. Besides a decent wait to get called back, the infusion went smoothly and we got on the road as soon as we could to take advantage of the daylight. Timing worked out that we made it back to town in time to pick up a new dosage of his thyroid medicine before the pharmacy closed so that was a good win. Today (Tuesday) we met with his primary care physician as a follow up to discharge from his inpatient rehab stay. Christopher updated him on how things went, what he’s still working on and through with getting a bowel regimen down and how his appointments at Mayo went. Today was also the first day that I spent a few hours physically back in the office at work this afternoon. We are both blessed with flexible employers, that we have been able to continue to maintain our jobs throughout this journey and we are also SO very thankful not only for that but the incredible support we have within our work families. Those that continue to check in on us regularly and cover for what we may not be able to while we are out. THANK YOU!!  As the days go on, we are going to continue to work on adapting our home and daily routines to what will work. The 150 feet he could walk with the walker when we left the hospital has greatly decreased already to maybe 15 feet? And that varies depending on time of day… So, we continue to pray for time, and good, quality days together. I also ask for continued prayers for stamina and strength. Please pray for our kids as they watch these changes unfold and work with us to make accommodations to their established comfort normal to find our “new normal”. We also need to give a huge thank you for the continued waves of support from all directions. So many have reached out and want to help or offered help in various ways, we may not be able to accept at this time because we are not sure how to move forward, but please know how much we appreciate your kindness and generosity, and your patience with us as we are trying to navigate through and figuring out what we need and when. With all that is changing and evolving so quickly--  we will continue to just take it one thing, one day at a time. Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers for Christopher and our family along this journey. We will continue to have faith in His plan. Laura Thesenvitz”
  • Feb 18: Cheryl Weerheim’s brother’s funeral services details are as follows:  A funeral service will be held Friday, February 21, at 1:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home in Rock Valley for Eric “Rick” Bloemendaal, 55, of Rock Valley, Iowa. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Doon, Iowa. Visitation, with the family present, will be held Thursday, February 20, from 5:30-7:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home in Rock Valley. Please keep the family in your prayers. Thanks 
  • Feb 18: Dree Mayer relates that Tony was discharged from the hospital yesterday. He'll be following up with his medical team. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. Thank you.
  • Feb 17: Our condolences go out to Cheryl Weerheim and her family on the unexpected death of her brother, Rick Bloemendaal. Funeral arrangements are pending. Please keep them all in your prayers. Thanks
  • Feb 16: Dree Mayer relates the following about Tony, quoting: “He went for a CT and they are giving him some pain meds and he has gotten some nausea meds as well. Bilateral sub-dual hematomas with a shift. They are calling his neurosurgeon and he is going to be admitted.  They are going to adjust the flow rate of his shunt and then rescan ~6 hours later to see if that is the cause or if he will need more surgery. –Dree Mayer”
  • Feb 16: Dree Mayer relates the following, quoting: "Update you on Tony. Friday he was feeling so poorly they were ready to go to the ER. They called the neurosurgeons office and they told him to take his nausea medicine & Excedrin which he did on a regular schedule (he had only been taking it when he felt nauseated, nit staying ahead of it. He got to feeling better until this morning. They have friends coming to take care of the girls & will be heading to the ER. The dr had told him if it got worse to go in. He does have an appointment tomorrow afternoon to adjust the flow of the shunt. Praying it's not anything more serious. -- Dree Mayer"
  • Feb 16: Our condolences go out to Mitch Jensen and his family in the passing of his mom, Audrey Jane Jensen,90. Please keep the family in your prayers. Thanks
  • Feb 13: Mike Boyenga's nephew, Luke DeJong, had brain surgery in Sioux Falls today. Please keep him in your prayers. 
  • Feb 13: Carrie Valentine had an additional foot and ankle surgery early this morning (Thursday) and is now home recovering. This still related to the dislocation and injuries she suffered from two years ago. Verle, her husband, is still slowly recovering from his back surgery in November and their adult daughter, Lexi, is recovering from being sick. Please keep the family in your prayers. Thanks.
  • Feb 13:  Dree Mayer relates the following, quoting: “Spring & Georgia are doing great. Spring got the ok tomography activity as tolerated as does Tony. Tony had a CT a week ago today (Thursday 2/6). The neurosurgeon will be seeing him on Monday 2/17). The dr suspects that fluid is draining too much too fast. It can be adjusted from some device. Tony is still having some trouble with headaches in the morning. Not much nausea not much vomiting.  Tony thought maybe he's getting too much fluid in his abdomen. From what the surgeon says it may be the cause of his n/v. Thanks to all for all the prayers. I will be going out the end of March to help when Spring goes back to work.—Dree Mayer”
  • Feb 11: 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.  Her scan was clear!  Praise God!  She celebrated at the Original Pancake House.   She loves breakfast food. We thank you for your prayers, love and support. God continues to use you in a powerful way. Many of you have reached out to Amber too and she wants to thank you for every prayer and message. Prayer Requests-*Praise-good Health continued *Clear scan for decades and decades. Thanks so much. All our love, The Poppen Family—Melanie Odens” 
  • Feb 10: Melanie Odens relates the following about her sister, Amber, 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. She is beautiful. Her eyelashes are back and fluttery, her hair is growing and somehow it has curl and wave. (She never had that before. She always said, "My hair is pin straight." and somehow I always wondered if she felt left out from her siblings who have wave and curl).  Now she has it. How does that work ? Who knows, but God is giving it to her. :) I love it. Her hair is still the same color and shade as it grows in, and she can rock the short hair that the singer "Pink" can wear. While the wounds of her body and the strength has returned for the most part, the scars that are left behind in this journey can bubble up at times. And yet God continues to uphold her with His righteous right hand. For that we are grateful. She is asking if you will pray for her to have strength tomorrow. Tomorrow, February 11, Amber has a chest, abdomen, and pelvis CT (imaging of her internal organs). Her scan will be at 9:00 a.m. Will you join us in prayer for Amber and her scan. We boldly ask God for his grace and mercy for Amber. We do love her so...her new wavy hair and giggling joyful nature. Prayer Requests-*Praise-good health *Praise-good Health continued *Clear scan for decades and decades. Thanks so much. All our love, The Poppen Family—Melanie Odens”
  • Feb 8: Jayne Knochenmus relates the following about her baby granddaughter, quoting: "MaKaylee had a followup appointment for lab draws this week and her levels are at a comfortable area.  Prayers MaKaylee can continue to produce her own cells.  Thank you for the continued prayers and love. --Jayne Knochenmus" 
  • Feb 7: Please keep Jan Sturing's son, Matt, in your prayers for his medical situation. Thanks! 
  • Feb 3: Jayne Knochenmus relates the following, quoting: "I ask for your prayers for MaKaylee Jayne Becker, infant daughter to Kim and Cole Becker.  MaKaylee is undergoing a blood transfusion this afternoon.  Please pray that this boost will assist her in learning to make her own red blood cells.  Prayers for strength and guidance for the family. Grandma Jayne Knochenmus"   
  • Feb 3: Dawn relates the following, quoting: “I am sending a prayer request for my mother, Fern Eeten and family. Fern has been winning the battle against cancer since 2021. Approximately 3 months the cancer became more aggressive; last week we learned it had metastasized to her brain and spine. Thank you for your prayers for her and my family (my dad, Art, and nephew Nick Mills, live with her).—Dawn”
  • Jan 31: Our condolences go out to Mona Schrader and her family on the death of her oldest brother, Curt, who passed away on Tuesday, January 29th, after years of battling Parkinson’s. She and some of her family will travel to Fort Smith, AK, on Thursday for his memorial service. Please keep them in your prayers. Thanks.
  • Jan 29: Angie Bonnema relates the following, quoting, "Aunt Denise just got out of a 4 hour surgery for a laminectomy. They put a rod in her upper back. She’s alert, talking, asking questions and moving all extremities. So it’s much better than we expected. She’s talking to family members, who said it is amazing compared to what she was earlier." Prayers are working! --Angie Bonnema" 
  • Jan 29: Angie Bonnema relates the following, quoting: "My aunt Denise is headed into emergency surgery on her spine. She was flown to a hospital in Grand Island on Monday because it was the best ICU that could be found with an available bed because Omaha and Lincoln were full. She was confused, losing leg movement and had terrible back pain. She was diagnosed with pneumonia, they found a suspicious spot on her spine and were worried about sepsis or meningitis. She had a biopsy done of the spot on her spine but that wasn’t going to come back until tomorrow. They had mentioned if she needed surgery she needed to be flown to Omaha or Lincoln but she seemed to be improving. Her fever had gone away as of this morning and things seemed a little better but then her legs got worse and they found more fluid putting pressure on her upper spine so there is no time to transfer her. My parents dropped everything and headed to grand island. My mom said it’s a risky surgery and I don’t know what she meant by that so prayers for my aunt, the surgeon and all who need to travel to Grand Island. I will update you when I hear more. Thank you.--Angie Bonnema" 
  • Jan 29: If you are feeling called to financially help someone in our church family, please call the office for more details on how to do that. Thanks!
  • Jan 29: Gracia Harmsen relates the following about her dad, quoting: “Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Hello all, I wanted to firstly reach out and thank you all for reaching out to us and caring for us so well. The outpouring of love and support has been overwhelming. We're still working through message, but will get to them all eventually. Secondly, I wanted to give a real quick update on dad. Not a huge one, but a small synopsis. His first round of chemo was Last Thursday, the 23rd. This first session was over 5 hours long. Overall the process was smooth, other than the pain he's continuing to experience. The plan is to have him do chemo every 2 weeks, and then have an additional chemo pack hooked up to him for 36 hours afterwards. [We will do new scans every few months to watch for progress]. He experienced all of the typical symptoms. While he was warned about them, it still seemed to shock him a bit. The sensitivity to both cold and heat, the neuropathy, dizziness, nausea, and "chemo brain". He's felt it all, and each day is different. He's been slowly trying to find a new daily rhythm during treatment, as he feels up to it. He mentioned that people have been stopping by with food and how much of a blessing that's been for him. If that's you, thank you. The next round of chemo will be next week, on February 4th…. Sending you all of our love and hugs. Thank you for caring for our family and thank you for caring for our dad so well. We are all slowly coming to terms with this new reality, and it's so nice to know we are being covered in prayer while we continue down this road.—Gracia Harmsen”
  • Jan 29: Laura Thesenvitz relates the following, quoting: “We’ve held off on updating thinking that we would do an update with the next appointment, and then the next appointment.. and then all of a sudden here we are, 3 weeks down the road again, various appointments and lots of information thrown on top of the mountain of things to consider… bear with me as I attempt to give a simple overview update of the last few weeks. Following the 1st round of immune therapy, Dr. Ho set up a virtual consult with a neurosurgeon, Dr. Atkinson, at Mayo. We met with him, and he discussed with Christopher his rapid progression of numbness and weakness in his feet/legs and then in comparison with the most recent scans, he explained how the tumor is surrounding the spinal cord and is within the dura layer of the spinal cord, and the source of the blood supplying the tumor is directly supplied by the spinal cord. The growth of the tumor is aggressively growing with that blood supply and is causing progressive paraplegia. He offered an option of getting Christopher to be seen and operated on at Mayo if we truly felt we wanted to consider it as an option. He said that there wasn’t a way to truly remove the tumor because you couldn’t remove it entirety, and to attempt surgery would put him at serious risk for post operative wound infection and there would be a guarantee of regrowth and still loss of mobility and eventual paraplegia. Essentially, the tumor has a perfect food supply and perfect protected spot to grow so attempting to radically cut it down in size would only “kick the can down the road” and potentially hinder quality or length of time and take immunotherapy off the table as an option.  With the blunt conversation, he gave us some much needed straightforward talking points that were not easy to hear, but appreciated that we had a more clear picture of what lies ahead. Dr. Atkinson discussed things to be expecting as the mobility diminishes and progresses to paraplegia and helped set us up for questions to be asking and for services to inquire about. He provided in-depth notes and referral recommendations to pass on to providers locally and encouraged us to pursue getting ahead with what we can in regards for preparing our home and any adaptations we can get started now. It was a lot of information to take in, but it was good to have something to give us somewhat of a picture of a path forward and give some idea of what to ask in the appointments that were upcoming and to fully mentally mark that off  and understand why another surgery is not a logical option to consider. The next week Christopher met with his primary care physician to give a good update with where things are at and to start asking some of the questions we had and start the talking points Dr. Atkinson gave us. He put in a referral for urology and made notes to send forward for the next appointment with Palliative care. His primary care doc also got him the paperwork for a handicap parking permit. Palliative care appointment was up next. We met with the PA, Jane. This first time appointment was a longer meet and greet sort of appointment and all encompassing appointment that covered goals for care, pain management goals – what that looks like now and for long term with options and trending needs for the present and what she can help facilitate for needed services. She started the referral process with Physical-Medicine-Rehabilitation (PMR) for the next week based on Dr. Atkison’s suggestions and notes to talk about what can be done to prepare for and help with the process of the progressive onsetting paraplegia. Almost 2 hours in, she decided we had enough and were most likely at an information overload point and gave us some “homework” to discuss together and consider before meeting again in regards to continuing/working  the conversation on advance directive options. Again.. A lot of information. A lot of things to consider. The following week brought appointments with Urology Specialists and Physical-Medicine-Rehabilitation. Urology was to review bladder activity and function and current capabilities and learning on what to expect with paraplegia and teaching how to handle these scenarios and what to watch for and such. Physical-Medicine-Rehabilitation (PMR) was with Dr. Madson. This was another longer all encompassing get to know Christoher and us appointment and his current strengths, abilities and trending progressive deficits. She went over how she recommended course of next steps of action and that she felt she agreed with Dr. Atkinson in that it was important to work on trying to be proactive in any way possible rather than waiting to be in the position of forced need to proceed. She wants to have Christopher inpatient for a rehab program to be able to do a daily 3-4 hour PT /OT work on things like transfers – to from bed, bathroom, car, bed training movement, what/how to manipulate muscles to maintain and ease muscle tone and help with the spasticity or the spasms in his muscles, work on onboarding and finding a balance of medications for the spasms, bowel/bladder management, all the things that are needing some help to even out and adapted to new normal. Doing this in an inpatient setting will get someone into our home to help us evaluate what is the best option to make the needed changes. (Spoiler: Wheelchairs don’t exactly mesh well with our 1985 home.) We are working currently on getting a ramp installation lined up. There are lots of things / changes that need to be considered and done, we just need the help to know what is the right next best step, so having someone able to come into our home and help this process along will be really important for that. Inpatient  will get him fitted and into his own wheelchair as well. Currently all of the equipment that he is using is borrowed, (which is so appreciated!) but it will be good to have him into something that will be his for long term for adaptation. Working on this now, can hopefully help him capitalize on the bit of strength he still has to learn and build that new muscle movement, so as he may lose more mobility he will have already learned and hopefully keep independence – just adapted to a new normal. Thankfully, this week Monday brought us back to Mayo for round 2 of immunotherapy and I am happy to say it was a boring, smooth trip for once. We made the drive up Sunday night. Up Monday morning for blood work. Biggest difference this go, was that he let me push him in one of Mayo’s fancy wheelchairs instead of making the long trek around the big buildings on his own. I definitely have some room for improvement in my wheelchair pushing/navigating skills, but thankfully, Christohper was very patient with me!  We met with Dr. Ho to review and give updates on the appointments we’ve had in the interim and she was on board with what is in progress at home. She was happy to see that his blood work is all trending normal and said that if things continue to stay normal and lungs look good on scans next month, she may consider stepping down or taking him off the steroid to help the immunotherapy more effective. We’ll just wait and see… For now, we’re glad that he was clear to keep going as planned for round 2. He got his infusion, and we booked it to the truck to get on the road. We made it just in time for the start of Henry’s basketball game Monday night! So, as you can tell the last few weeks have been … a lot. A lot of information. A lot of continued progressed changes for Christopher. A lot of continued uncertainty and questions that get answered mostly with more questions. It’s been exhausting. For each of us in different ways. What is next? Well, if insurance cooperates, Christopher will be doing the inpatient rehab option next week at Sanford. We are hopeful that he maintains strength to make it as a voluntary option until then. We ask for continued prayers for strength and smooth processes and clear paths forward. We are so thankful for the love and support we are showered with and the family and friends we are surrounded by! We will continue to keep faith in what His plan is and be thankful for each other and the time we have. I’ll give an update next week once he is through the rehab inpatient program.-- Laura Thesenvitz”
  • Jan 27: Ryan Van Ruler relates the following, quoting: "It’s been about 12 days since my surgery and I’m finally starting to feel human again. Haven’t been able to sleep much since surgery which really slowed down the progress. Just want to thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers sent on my behalf. It was definitely felt and appreciated very much. God is good!--Ryan Van Ruler"
  • Jan 26: Tracee Ellwein's dad is in physical rehab now, after his orthopedic surgery. However, he is also suffering from some illness (congested and feverish). Please continue to pray for his full recovery. Thanks! 
  • Jan 24: Daisy Johnston is quite ill at home. Please keep her in your prayers
  • Jan 22: Denny and Sue Brunsting's daughter-in-law, is now home and recovering nicely from her open heart surgery to remove a growth in her heart.  Denny and Sue thank you all for answered prayers for a successful surgery and rapid recovery. 
  • Jan 21: Sara Van Ruler reports, quoting: "Ryan is doing well. He has most definitely turned the corner for sure.   They are talking about maybe discharging him tomorrow.--Sara Van Ruler" Please continue to pray for his full recovery. Thanks 
  • Jan 21: Tracee Ellwein reports that her dad's surgery went well, Please keep praying for him to have a full recovery without any infections, complications, or other bad things happening. Thanks! 
  • Jan 21: Joe McMartin has been discharged from the hospital. Please pray for his full recovery. Thanks
  • Jan 21:  Gracia Harmsen relates the following about her father, quoting: “Jan 21, 2025. Well, here we are again. Just short of 3 years after losing our mom, Spencer and I (Gracia) sit here creating a new CaringBridge site. This time, for our dad, Kon. Today we got the call that we had begun to prepare ourselves for, but frankly, were hoping wouldn't come. Our dad has stage 4 esophageal cancer. A little background on how we wound up here: In late October/early November, dad began having pretty severe pain in his chest and mid-diaphragm area. We wondered if it was a heart thing, maybe bad acid reflux, or a hiatal hernia. All were possibilities. Either way, we urged him to be seen soon. He began seeing a new primary doctor and she decided to pull out all the stops. She wanted a comprehensive baseline on him and began running a full body work up. Praise God for her. After running a CT scan (assuming she would see something different entirely, she instead saw a large mass in his esophagus. On December 23, dad had the scope that confirmed the mass was an esophageal tumor. A few days after Christmas, we learned that pathology confirmed it to be adenocarcinoma. We then began the big rush of appointments and diagnostic testing to figure out what the next plan of action would be. January 9 we met dad's oncologist and his NP: Dr. Solomon and Liz. Bless them, they're just lovely. Truly. The 3 of us (dad, Spencer, and myself) were there for what felt like 10 full hours. It was actually only 3-4. There was such a massive load of information and possible outcomes and variables depending on more testing. We learned that esophageal cancer isn't the greatest cancer to have. It's kind of right behind pancreatic. We learned that staging this cancer is a bit of a tricky thing to do. We knew the cancer was for sure stage 3. There were about 4-5 things that needed to be done to rule out it being stage 4. [stage 3: considered "treatable", treat to cure, chemo>massive surgery>chemo. stage 4: considered "incurable", treat to comfort, chemo only.] We've sat in what feels like purgatory for the last month waiting... knowing that the staging was somewhere between 3 & 4. Somewhere between curable and not curable. Lol, quite the range, huh? Today we got our answer and it wasn't what we were hoping for. The large tumor in his esophagus is full of cancer, and it has begun to spread. Lymph nodes and some spots on his liver. There is possibly more that we can't see on scans yet. With all that being said...what's next? Firstly, we start chemo this week (Thursday, January 23). Everything from here on out depends on how he reacts to this chemo. Secondly, we begin to process the road ahead of us. This whole thing has been such a shock to our system and a lot to come to terms with. Thirdly, we cherish each moment. We are aware that the diagnosis is obviously terminal. We don't know what kind of timeline we have, but we know it's not huge by any means. It's a hard pill to swallow, knowing our time together will seemingly be cut short. Our time together has become even more precious. Some answers to a few frequently asked questions: What's the prognosis / how long? We'll know more after he starts chemo. However, I want to be very transparent about this. At best, 1-2 years. At worst, months. How is he handling it? About as good as he could be, I suppose. Shocked, but accepting it and moving forward. He doesn't want this, nobody does. But I've begun to watch my dad come to terms with the fragility of his humanity and the reality of his mortality with utmost grace (and a little humor, of course). How is he feeling? He's physically in a decent amount of pain. Food is often difficult. Sleeping has not been coming easily. He even is getting chilly at times!! (if you know him at all, you know that this is UNHEARD of. The man is always sweating lol.) What can we do to help? Another fantastic question. I know there have been some selfless people at CFE offering to donate PTO to him. What a blessing. Cancer isn't cheap, but bills still need to be paid. We are thankful for his coworkers at the Elevator. There have also been some offering to help clean his house a bit. Another huge blessing. If you have an idea on how to bless him, feel free to reach out to me or Spencer; we'll get something figured out. How can we pray? Pray for peace that passes all understanding. For minimal pain and energy to enjoy what he loves (fishing and grandpa stuff lol). For radical acceptance as we try our best to move forward. For our hearts as we prepare to walk our dad to his Eternal Home. In closing... God isn't scared of our feelings, even the hard ones. He isn't surprised by our questions; our doubt doesn't scare Him away. He knows this isn't what we would have chosen. He hears our pleading prayers when we can't find the right words to pray, when we can't make sense of it all. He isn't far away, He is so very near. We trust Him to take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it for good. He is a good God.. whether we see a miracle on this side of Heaven or not. Those are the promises we're carrying into this journey with us. We don't understand, and that's okay. It doesn't makes sense, and that's okay. This doesn't feel fair, and that's okay. We know that God is good, even if it doesn't feel like it. He has carried us this far, and He will carry us moving forward. And for that, we are thankful.—Gracia Harmsen”
  • Jan 20: Mike and Madonna Graanstra are proud to welcome their grandson to the family. Congratulations to Courtney and Connor Auch on the birth of their son, Rowan Gene born on January 16. He weighed 9 lbs 3 oz and was 20 3/4 inches long. They went home today and are doing well.
  • Jan 20: Sara Van Ruler relates the following, quoting: “Things are looking up for Ryan today! He should be moved out of ICU at some point, and his pain is much more manageable. He is also finally able to get some much needed rest. Thank you all so much for your prayers the last several days. It means the world to us. –Sara Van Ruler”
  • Jan 20: Tracee Ellwein's dad's surgery has been delayed. Tomorrow (Tuesday) he will have his orthopedic surgery to repair his hip and leg. Please pray that this goes very well with no complications or negative outcomes. Thanks. 
  • Jan 19: Our condolences go out to Junelle Wesselink and her family. Her youngest cousin's husband, Neal, passed away. Please pray for them. Thank you
  • Jan 18:  Darla Anderson relates the following, quoting: "Prayer request UPDATE. My Dad (Joe McMartin) will be discharged from Rehab on Monday. He will be able to go back home.  He is still struggling with some memory issues. We are not sure if this is from the concussion.  Please pray for his brain healing as well as the rest of his body. Thank you for your prayers. --Darla Anderson" 
  • Jan 18: Tracee Ellwein reports that her dad's hip surgery will be postponed until Monday, as the fracture is very serious. He has had numerous surgeries before, and the surgeon will be looking at how best to do the repair in light of previous surgeries and already existing hardware in his body. Please pray for her dad, and for the entire medical team to know the best way to proceed. Thanks.
  • Jan 18: Sara Van Ruler relates the following, quoting: "Ryan is still in ICU.  He is having a hard time with a cough and getting the pain under control.  We were hoping to have been moved to a regular room by now.   Please pray he can get some rest.  He has been awake since 10:00 on Thursday.  It’s been extremely long days for him. --Sara Van Ruler" 
  • Jan 17: Tracee Elwein's father has a fractured hip. He is scheduled for surgery in the morning. Please pray that this goes without complications. He has had numerous orthopedic surgeries over many years, with complications at times. Prayers for him, his family, and all the medical staff and medicines. Thanks!
  • Jan 17: The imaging went well for Tony and he has been discharged from the hospital. Please pray that this new shunt works well for many years. Thanks! 
  • Jan 17: Tracee Ellwein’s father fell at home and is injured. He cannot walk or get to the car, so they are calling an ambulance to take him in. He is in a lot of pain and I know he is scared about possibly having another surgery. Please keep him and the family in your prayers. Thanks
  • Jan 16: Dree and Terry Mayer’s son-in-law, Tony, had the surgery today, but with a three-hour-late start. Please keep praying for his recovery. Here is a report from the family, quoting: “They just finished up surgery. Ended up putting all new tubing and valve in. Once they placed the tubing-there was good flow of cerebral spinal fluid (which there wasn't from his old tubing). The general surgeon was able to place his shunt tubing and remove the old tubing. He is going to recovery now. Will do imaging tomorrow to confirm placement of his shunt. And hopeful for discharge tomorrow.”
  • Jan 16: Ryan Van Ruker remains in ICU, and thankfully was able to get off the ventilator today. Please continue to pray for him for better pain control and continued healing. Also keep Sara, his wife, in your prayers. Thanks 
  • Jan 16: Barb Klein is sick with flu and pneumonia. Please keep her in your prayers. Thanks
  • Jan 15: Sara Van Ruler reports that Ryan had the long open-heart surgery and  transported to ICU. Please keep him in your prayers. Thanks
  • Jan 15: Cleone Leistra has pneumonia.  She has been hospitalized since Monday. Please keep her in your prayers. They request no visitors. Thanks
  • Jan 15: Terry and Dree Mayer's son-in-law Tony is having the neurological surgery tomorrow (Wednesday Jan 16). Please keep him in your prayers. Thanks 
  • Jan 15: Darla Anderson relates the following, quoting: "My Dad, Joe McMartin, fell at home last Wednesday. We believe he passed out. He has a cut by his left eye, left hand has a spiral break in his left pinky, and ribs that hurt like crazy. Thankfully, the ribs are not cracked or broken. Pray for dad's body to heal from his fall. He is having some trouble with his blood pressure between sitting and standing right now. Pray that the doctors can figure this out and get him the help he needs. He is in great spirits and wants to get up "and get going." Dad will be 90 in March.  He has some PT Rehab that he needs to be completed before he can go home. We thank God as things could have been much worse.  Pray for my Mom, Sally, as she navigates at home during this time.  Thank you for your prayers, Darla Anderson"
  • Jan 12: Dennis and Sue Brunsting relate the following about their daughter-in-law, quoting: "Amy was released from the heart hospital today and is home.  Nic and Amy are thankful for prayers of healing and strength for the recovery road ahead. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.--Dennis and Sue Brunsting"
  • Jan 12: Please keep Ryan Van Ruler, and his wife Sara, in your prayers. They will be leaving Monday afternoon for Minneapolis.  Ryan has some pre-op appointments Tuesday morning, and heart surgery is scheduled for Wednesday morning at 5:30. Thanks. 
  • Jan 10: Terry and Dree Mayer's son-in-law Tony (husband if Spring, who had the baby last month) relates the following, quoting: "For those following along with my medical concerns, you may want an update on what's been going on with my neurological headaches. While they've improved slightly, they remain persistent, and Excedrin has been my go-to relief. After meeting with a neurosurgeon in December, we decided surgery would be the best step to address the issue, which may stem from hydrocephalus or Chiari II malformation-both linked to Spina Bifida, which I was born with. I've had a VP shunt since birth, with multiple revisions over the years. My most your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this challenge-especially with Spring recovering from childbirth, my recovery ahead, and caring for both Georgia and Hartley. For those nearby, if you'd like to help, here's a link to our meal train. Support with meals or spending time with Hartley would mean so much! Thank you all, and Happy Friday. --Tony"
  • Jan 9: Jon Harmsen relates the following, quoting: “Gracia’s dad, Konrad Post, found today that his diagnosis is between stage 3 and stage 4 esophageal cancer. We will know officially which one in the following weeks. If stage 3, it may still be treatable with chemo and surgery. If stage 4, it will not be treatable. We are a little stunned but not entirely surprised. Please pray that a miracle happens in the final diagnostics and that it is only stage 3. If God wills it, we would love a few more years with our dad, a few more years with the kids’ Papa Kon.—Jon Harmsen”
  • Jan 8: Dawn and Duane Beiswanger request prayers for Dawn’s friend Julie who has lung cancer and is getting treatments, and for Duane’s nephew, Derick, who has a brain tumor. Please keep them in your prayers. Thanks
  • Jan 7: Denny and Sue Brunsting relate the following, quoting: "Amy's surgery went as planned and there were no complications.  Amy is in recovery now and should be awake around 4:00.  Doctor said the growth was the size of an apricot. Praise God for skilled surgeons and praying for a speedy recovery. --Denny and Sue Brunsting"
  •