Update on Ethan

Hello again,

First let me say thank you to those who have sent us an email or a phone call. I'm sorry I haven't had a chance to respond to you individually, but PLEASE KNOW that your words have touched mine and Adam's heart and have been very encouraging for us. Word has spread of our precious baby's condition and the amounts of people praying are overwhelmingly touching to us.

One of the specialists on Ethan's case came to see us about what they know so far... and unfortunately, the news wasn't good. Ethan is a very sick boy - though you can't really tell by looking at him... he still looks just as cute and adorable as ever. But, internally we have a different story. His blood and possibly his DNA is just very diseased, and the rough news is that the most common form of luekemia found in children is NOT what he has. He has something that is very rare and uncommon. They have sent his blood work to the Mayo Clinic, a speciality hospital in San Fransico, Philadelphia and Boston. They are organizing a team of experts all over the country to help properly diagnose exactly what this is. The good news is that whatever treatment is determined, can be done here in this hospital, but we still do not know what that is right now. They've told us that we probably will not know exactly what strand he has until this time next week, which means they can't do treatment until they know for sure. In the meantime, Ethan will continue to receive blood transfusions and antibiotic. They are also watching his spleen since it's so enlarged.

We are trying to remain calm and be strong, and not let our minds wander. But we know that as of right now, things do not look good (they've been very honest with us about things). But, we've not given up on our little trooper, nor have we given up on the Lord and His plan. I refuse to let go of the peaceful hope I have that Ethan is in God's hands and the Lord needs this to happen right now because of a greater good He wants to accomplish. Knowing that, is a great source of encouragement to me, because I know God wouldn't allow this if it wasn't absolutely necessary. It's still hard of course, and the tears are sometimes unable to be stopped.... but I have hope.... we have hope.

I will update as we know more.

(April 10, 2008)