Akron coach with cancer: "I'm in His hands"

From SI..

The University of Akron school colors are, appropriately enough, Akron Gold and Akron Navy Blue. These are the hues that thread through the mostly white uniforms worn by the Zips when they play home basketball games at the James A. Rhodes Arena.
               

Wednesday night, though, when Akron faces Ball State, the place will turn purple—the color associated with pancreatic cancer, in honor of Zips director of basketball operations Dan Peters.
               

Dan Peters, right (University of Akron Photo)

Peters, 59, had surgery in December in an attempt to remove the cancerous tumor that was found on his pancreas. Doctors were unable to remove it. He told Akron Beacon Journal writer Marla Ridenour he has been given a 5 percent chance to survive.
               


“I get a little anxious because I’m not sure what’s going to happen,” Peters told Ridenour. “But the one thing I would say is whatever happens is OK. I believe God has always taken care of me. I’m in his hands. As much as I would like to live, that may not be the option. I have no regrets. I’m going to try as hard as I can to fight this. I know there have been a lot of people who have been praying and I’m very appreciative. I’m actually in a very good place, I guess.”


Peters has been with Akron since 2009, joining his good friend Keith Dambrot’s staff. He previously was on the bench as an assistant at Ohio State, Cincinnati, Akron and Western Carolina. He was head coach at Youngstown State from 1993-99, where he was named Mid-Continent (Summit League) coach of the year in 1998.


He was on conference championship staffs at each of his past three stops: Cincinnati in Conference USA, Ohio State in the Big Ten and Akron in the Mid-American Conference.


The first 3,000 fans who arrive at Akron’s game against Ball State will be issued purple T-shirts with “For Pete’s Sake” logos across the front. All who attend are encouraged to wear purple in his honor.


Coaches at several schools have pledged to wear purple “For Pete’s Sake” pins on their lapels either this weekend, which is dedicated to the Coaches vs. Cancer charity with its “Suits and Sneakers” program, or within the next week, including Arizona, Ohio State, West Virginia and other members of the Mid-American Conference.


Peters was scheduled to have his first chemotherapy treatment Wednesday.


“I said, ‘Let’s go after this thing,’” Peters said. “They’ve had tremendous advances in cancer research, except in one area. They’re using the same drugs they used 20 years ago. But they’re using them in different combinations, maybe with some new drugs. What we’ve got to hope for is the chemo and drugs can kill the tumor or shrink it.”


Peters said it has been uplifting to be contacted by so many old friends and acquaintances wishing him well in his fight.


“The only time I get really emotional is over the people,” Peters said. “It’s not that I have the cancer. I don’t want to accept that, but I have to. The people have just moved me so much.”

A Tribute To Mom

 A beautiful post from over at The Voice: a Christian cancer blog here...

Recently I was contacted by Sean, a son who watched his mom travel the cancer road and lost her earthly battle but is forever in Eternity with her Savior and Lord, Christ Jesus.  In reading his story, his mom’s cancer and her faith brought an understanding and desire for his need and relationship with Christ.

In his love for his mother and inspired by her pilgrimage, he wrote a song for her and all others who share the common bond of cancer.  Music is comforting and therapeutic, calming the unpredictable storm; the ups and downs, the unknowns and uncertainities, the victories and set backs.  I know because music was one of my anchors during my journey.

Sean sent me a link to his song, “Deliver Me”, and his authenticity and humility are felt in the words.  I asked him to share with us his mom’s journey and how she inspired him.  Please enjoy and find the peace you may be looking for in this song of comfort.

My mother Aurora was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer (glioblastoma multiforme) in the spring of 2004. She was an extremely strong and driven woman – wife and mother of two (my older sister and I), executive in the workplace, social butterfly, and active in the community. The thing that stood out to me most about her though, especially in the last two years of her life, was the amount of love and devotion she had for God.

That reliance on God carried her through the remaining 20 months of her life on earth. Suffering through 2 different major brain surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, strict dieting, and a whole slew of other treatment processes that are too numerous to count; she remained steadfast in her faith. While her body deteriorated, her relationship with God increased. Though we prayed for her miraculous healing, we knew ultimately that the decision was in God’s hands, and that His plans are greater than ours.

Read the rest of Sean's letter from The Voice: a Christian cancer blog here...

I wrote this original Christian song in dedication to my Mom, Aurora, who passed away from cancer in 2005 and is now with the Lord. It's also dedicated to my friend Kristi, who is currently battling cancer and is fighting the good fight! Both of these women have been an inspiration to me and many others based on their steadfast faith and joy in the Lord, despite their situations. They have absolute victory in Christ, who delivers us from any temporary situation we may face here on earth, by giving us eternity with Him in exchange. Despite what challenges we may be going through, our God is greater!

The chorus of this song came to me while my Mom was in her last months, but at that time I wasn't writing music so I didn't have any urge to make an actual song out of it. I wrote it down because it became a reminder to me that we can rely on Jesus during our toughest times. The rest of the words came to me while praying for Kristi earlier this year.

Though their types of cancers and their overall journeys are very unique and different, the biggest resemblance I've been able to witness between them is their unwavering faith and trust in the Lord. It became the first full worship song I've written, and now there's no turning back!

I pray that this song will provide encouragement for any Christian brothers and sisters currently struggling through seemingly dire situations. And for those of you who don't know Jesus as Lord and Savior yet, I'm here to tell you that He offers the exact same gift to you!

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Psalm 18:2

Saint Peregrine Novena Testimonials

I wanted to share some testimonies of answered prayers from the St. Peregrine Novena for cancer patients from Pray More Novenas.

"Yesterday at the end of the novena, I heard from a friend I had been praying for. The hospital didn't need to see her for 3-4 months, as her cancer seemed to be under control. Praise God!" - Monica

"I am pleased to let you know that my sister-in-law had a successful surgery of a growth in her thyroid, and the doctors declared her clear from cancer." - Bobby

We also asked for testimonies on the Pray More Novenas Facebook page and here are a few of those:

"My mom had a wonderful prognosis after her mastectomy. No chemo!" - Rosalinda

"We received news on bone marrow for my daughter. She is clear of leukemia." - Linda

We share these answered prayers with you not only to remind you that our prayers are powerful, but to also give you hope if you haven't had your prayers answered yet or if your prayers have seemed fruitless. 

We know that not all prayers were answered with good news. Some people continue to suffer, and others have been taken to our Lord for eternal rest. God's loving and merciful will is always done.

But because of those who continue to suffer, and for those who have lost a loved one, we ask that you take a moment out of your day today and pray for them.

Let's pray for the souls of our dearly departed and for those who continue to suffer from cancer or other illnesses. 

With confidence in God's generosity and an open heart, let's continue to ask St. Peregrine to intercede for all cancer patients - past, present and future!

We're praying for you!

God is so good! The answered prayers in this email just scratch the surface!

Link to 9 Day Novena to Saint Peregrine for cancer patients

Gratitude and hope help us in hard times

By Brianna Garrison and Sarah Hines, social work counselors at Cancerwise

"In the face of demoralization, gratitude has the power to energize. In the face of brokenness, gratitude has the power to heal. In the face of despair, gratitude has the power to bring hope. In other words, gratitude can help us cope with hard times."
― Robert Emmons

Gratitude is a conscious decision that allows us to gain perspective by viewing a situation through an alternate lens. Cultivating gratitude can help those affected by cancer cope.

While it can be difficult to feel grateful during cancer treatment, gratitude makes it possible to remain realistic about the negative impacts of a cancer diagnosis and still identify potential benefits or areas of personal growth.

Cancer patients, survivors and caregivers have told us they've used gratitude to find some of
the following benefits during their cancer experience: 

• Closer relationships with family members and friends
• Reevaluation of priorities
• Taking control of a personal health situation
• Spiritual and personal growth
• Setting and achieving new goals
• Greater flexibility, patience, and resilience

How gratitude can help during cancer treatment 
Often, people assume gratitude is merely ignoring any difficulties they are facing and only focusing on the positive. But in reality, practicing gratitude gives people the ability accept whatever their current challenges are while still finding joy throughout their struggle. Research shows that there are many benefits from practicing gratitude.

Gratitude can:

• Increase our resilience in the face of stress and crisis
• Open us up to new opportunities and experiences  
• Impact our physical responses, including lowered blood pressure, increased immunity and reduced stress, which may lower our risks for health complications
• Bring an increase in healthy behaviors, such as regular exercise, preventive health care and healthy diet
• Contribute to more satisfying relationships with friends, family and our respective communities

How to cultivate gratitudeEngaging in daily activities and exercises, such as reflection and journaling, may help to cultivate a habit of gratitude Use this list to help kick-start your practice of gratitude.

• Gratitude journal: Make a New Year's resolution to write down what you're grateful for daily or weekly.
• Four minutes of gratitude:Set a timer for four minutes and write down everything you are grateful for. Reflecting on this entry during times of distress or unhappiness can help put the brain into the mode of gratitude.
• Gratitude reminder: Pick something you see every day in your bedroom, office, classroom, hospital room, etc., that redirects you towards gratitude. Focus on this item during difficult times.
• Gratitude hot seat: Take turns during get-togethers with family and friends this month to verbalize your gratitude towards each other.
• Gratitude letters: Write a letter, send a note or mail a holiday card to someone who has had an impact on you. Use the opportunity to express your appreciation for how this person's actions have impacted you.
• Situation reframe: Identify a negative situation and try to identify any positive aspects or benefits that have resulted from it. 
• Gratitude guided imagery: Take time to yourself to reflect on the things, situations and people that have contributed positively to your life.
Benefits list: Create a list of things of things in your life that you are grateful for.  Reflect on how these are often taken for granted or how your life would be different if they were absent.

With consistent use of these exercises, you may begin to make gratitude part of your daily routine and see the positive impacts gratitude has on you and your family members. The best aspect of practicing gratitude is that you can do it anywhere, any time, and it is never too late to start. 

MLK: Faith is...

Saint Peregrine Novena For Cancer Patients - 9th Day

We made it to the last day of the novena! Thank you for joining us in praying for all cancer patients and others who suffer daily.


Today, let's pray for them once more. Let's pray that their lives -- that all of our lives -- will glorify God alone. We do not exist for any other reason. Let's pray that we all live for our true purpose: for Him.

Here are the novena prayers for today:

Day 9 - Saint Peregrine Novena

Dear holy servant of God, St. Peregrine, we pray today for healing.

Intercede for us! God healed you of cancer and others were healed by your prayers. Please pray for...

(Mention your intentions)

These intentions bring us to our knees seeking your intercession for healing.

We are humbled by our physical limitations and ailments. We are so weak and so powerless. We are completely dependent upon God. And so, we ask that you pray for us...

Pray for us, that we will not let sickness bring us to despair.
Pray for us, that we may persevere in hope.
Pray for us, that we will have the courage to offer up our
suffering in unity with the Cross.
Pray for us, that the loneliness of our suffering will be consoled.
Pray for us, that the fear of death will be replaced with the hope of everlasting life.
Pray for us, that our suffering will not rob us of joy.
Pray for us, that in our pain we will not become selfish but ever more selfless.
Pray for us, that this sickness will teach me to depend more and
more on God.
Pray for us, that our lives will glorify God alone.

We know, St. Peregrine, that you are a powerful intercessor because your life was completely given to God. We know that in as much as you pray for our healing, you are praying even more for our salvation.

A life of holiness like yours is more important than a life free of suffering and disease. Pray for our healing, but pray even more that we might come as close to Our Lord as you are.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

Saint Peregrine Novena For Cancer Patients-8th Day

With as many advances as there are in medicine and science, it's easy to look to doctors for a cure and a fix to our suffering. Its easy to depend on them.


And while doctors are important, helpful, and can provide life-saving treatments, everything is ultimately in God's hands.

So today let's pray that we all may come to depend more on God through our suffering.

Here are the novena prayers for today:

Day 8 - Saint Peregrine Novena

Dear holy servant of God, St. Peregrine, we pray today for healing.

Intercede for us! God healed you of cancer and others were healed by your prayers. Please pray for...

(Mention your intentions)

These intentions bring us to our knees seeking your intercession for healing.

We are humbled by our physical limitations and ailments. We are so weak and so powerless. We are completely dependent upon God. And so, we ask that you pray for us...

Pray for us, that we will not let sickness bring us to despair.
Pray for us, that we may persevere in hope.
Pray for us, that we will have the courage to offer up our
suffering in unity with the Cross.
Pray for us, that the loneliness of our suffering will be consoled.
Pray for us, that the fear of death will be replaced with the hope of everlasting life.
Pray for us, that our suffering will not rob us of joy.
Pray for us, that in our pain we will not become selfish but ever more selfless.
Pray for us, that this sickness will teach me to depend more and
more on God.

We know, St. Peregrine, that you are a powerful intercessor because your life was completely given to God. We know that in as much as you pray for our healing, you are praying even more for our salvation.

A life of holiness like yours is more important than a life free of suffering and disease. Pray for our healing, but pray even more that we might come as close to Our Lord as you are.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

My Blogging History

In July 2010, I attended NDICE (National Diaconate Institute For Continuing Education) at Xavier University in Cincinnati. One of the presenters that year was Greg Kendra, a deacon for the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York. Deacon Kendra's presentation was using social media to evangelize. In his talk, Deacon Kendra talked about how the Church would miss a great number of people, especially young ones, if we didn't incorporate social media such as Facebook, Twittter, websites and blogs into our everyday ministry of evangelization. Deacon Kendra had started a blog called The Deacon's Bench. His goal was to ponder and comment on not only things happening in the the Church, but in the world all around us. He also used it to publish his homilies, and to teach why we Catholics do what we do.

I was intrigued by Deacon Kendra's talk, and the possibilities that involving social media would bring to my ministry as a deacon. I established my first blog named Deacon Gerry's Blog the day after I returned home from Cincinnati. As I perused The Deacon Bench and other blogs, I saw neat things like pictures and vidoes embedded in blog articles, and links to other websites. I wondered how all those things were done by the blogger. There was no "Blogging For Dummies" book. It took numerous hours of trial and error learning how to be a blogger. My first goal as a blogger was to disseminate information about the Church, and interesting articles that I found on the Internet similar to Deacon Kendra's.

After I was ordained in 2006, I was assigned to Saint Francis Xavier Church in Mount Washington and All Saints Church in Taylorsville. All Saints had no parish website. Saint Francis Xavier had a website, but it was not being maintained well. So, I started blogs for both parishes. The blogs gave us a way to pass along news to parishioners quickly, including parishioner's deaths, and parish events. We have even conducted a parishioner opinion poll using a gadget available for the blogs.

In October 2010, I truly found the power available in ministry through the social media. Carolyn, the daughter of our business manager at Saint Francis Xavier Helen Hagan, was involved in a serious automobile accident on October 27, 2010. Carolyn was in a coma at the University Hospital Trauma Center for three days. Through Facebook and the parish blogs, updates were provided on Carolyn's condition and prayer requests were put on the Internet. We literally had people praying for Carolyn around the world. I believe all of those prayers were instrumental in Carolyn's complete recovery.

When my wife Mary Jo's lymphoma became aggressive in October of 2012. She went through six rounds of chemo at Baptist East Hospital. Her oncologist advised us that the only hope for a prolonged period of remission was for her to have a stem cell transplant at a regional cancer center. The oncologist put us in contact with a hematologist at Vanderbilt University Cancer Center.

When we first started going to Vanderbillt. I thought that it would be a good idea to start a blog to provide information to our relatives and friends about what was going on with Mary Jo. A secondary motive was to provide information on the stem cell process to other cancer patients.

I named Mary Jo's blog On Our Vanderbilt Odyssey. As Mary Jo's caregiver, it was theraputic for me to be able to share the good, the bad, and the ugly during the entire transplant process from her successful transplant on May 6, 2013 through recovery. Again, people from all over the world were joining our family and friends in lifting up Mary Jo in prayer. I have to admit, I was not the first deacon to use blogging as a means of therapy. Our dear friend Deacon John Simmons became an avid blogger before losing his battle with cancer on March 10, 2011.

I pray that I have had some impact, or helped a few people through my blogging ministry. The viewing statistics for the blogs encourage me to continue for as long as I am able. Here are the statistics at the beginning of 2014: Deacon Gerry's established 7/22/10, 210,451 views; Saint Francis Xavier established 8/11/10, 104,071 views; All Saints established 8/14/10, 133,667 views and On Our Vanderbilt Odyssey established 3/13/13, 18,382 views.  Nearly 500,000 views from 21 countries and counting, including a couple from the Vatican.

Thanks to everyone who has read the blogs, and all who have helped me along the way. Deacon Gerry

Teen With Half A Face Stands Up To Bullies

This young lady, Sarah Atwell, was on "The Doctors" this morning with her favorite song "Don't Laugh At Me" sung by Mark Wills. Truly inspiring!!! Watch a documentary about Sarah called "The Girl With Half A Face" on January 29th at 9PM EST on TLC. Deacon Gerry

Saint Peregrine Novena For Cancer Patients-7th Day

When the saints suffered, they allowed that suffering to bring them closer to Christ on the cross. They became Christ-like, even, through each pain and affliction they suffered from. Instead of becoming selfish because of their pain and suffering, they became even more selfless.


So today let's pray that all cancer patients and others who suffer will become more selfless through their suffering, like the saints.

And while we reflect on true selflessness, let's also remember to pray for everyone else's needs and intentions during this novena.

Here are the novena prayers for today:

Day 7 - Saint Peregrine Novena

Dear holy servant of God, St. Peregrine, we pray today for healing.

Intercede for us! God healed you of cancer and others were healed by your prayers. Please pray for...

(Mention your intentions)

These intentions bring us to our knees seeking your intercession for healing.

We are humbled by our physical limitations and ailments. We are so weak and so powerless. We are completely dependent upon God. And so, we ask that you pray for us...

Pray for us, that we will not let sickness bring us to despair.
Pray for us, that we may persevere in hope.
Pray for us, that we will have the courage to offer up our
suffering in unity with the Cross.
Pray for us, that the loneliness of our suffering will be consoled.
Pray for us, that the fear of death will be replaced with the hope of everlasting life.
Pray for us, that our suffering will not rob us of joy.
Pray for us, that in our pain we will not become selfish but ever more selfless.

We know, St. Peregrine, that you are a powerful intercessor because your life was completely given to God. We know that in as much as you pray for our healing, you are praying even more for our salvation.

A life of holiness like yours is more important than a life free of suffering and disease. Pray for our healing, but pray even more that we might come as close to Our Lord as you are.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

Saint Peregrine Novena For Cancer Patients-6th Day

Through the witness of the saints, we know that suffering has meaning. Many saints accepted suffering while others even asked for more of it. They did so because they were motivated by love and by a desire to join Christ in redemptive suffering - however painful and long.


Let's pray today for all cancer patients and others who are suffering. Let's pray that their suffering will not rob them of joy.

Here are the novena prayers for today:

Day 6 - Saint Peregrine Novena

Dear holy servant of God, St. Peregrine, we pray today for healing.

Intercede for us! God healed you of cancer and others were healed by your prayers. Please pray for...

(Mention your intentions)

These intentions bring us to our knees seeking your intercession for healing.

We are humbled by our physical limitations and ailments. We are so weak and so powerless. We are completely dependent upon God. And so, we ask that you pray for us...

Pray for us, that we will not let sickness bring us to despair.
Pray for us, that we may persevere in hope.
Pray for us, that we will have the courage to offer up our
suffering in unity with the Cross.
Pray for us, that the loneliness of our suffering will be consoled.
Pray for us, that the fear of death will be replaced with the hope of everlasting life.
Pray for us, that our suffering will not rob us of joy.

We know, St. Peregrine, that you are a powerful intercessor because your life was completely given to God. We know that in as much as you pray for our healing, you are praying even more for our salvation.

A life of holiness like yours is more important than a life free of suffering and disease. Pray for our healing, but pray even more that we might come as close to Our Lord as you are.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

Saint Peregrine Novena For Cancer Patients - 5th Day

While St. Peregrine was cured Saint Peregrine Novena of his cancer miraculously, many people will not experience that same healing. But everyone does have the chance of enjoying an even greater reward: everlasting life with God.


So today let's pray for everyone suffering and nearing death. Let's pray that through their faith, they will not be afraid of death but will have hope in everlasting life with God.

Let's pray that their fear will be relieved, and that their hope will be strengthened.

Here are the novena prayers for today:

Day 5 - Saint Peregrine Novena

Dear holy servant of God, St. Peregrine, we pray today for healing.

Intercede for us! God healed you of cancer and others were healed by your prayers. Please pray for...

(Mention your intentions)

These intentions bring us to our knees seeking your intercession for healing.

We are humbled by our physical limitations and ailments. We are so weak and so powerless. We are completely dependent upon God. And so, we ask that you pray for us...

Pray for us, that we will not let sickness bring us to despair.
Pray for us, that we may persevere in hope.
Pray for us, that we will have the courage to offer up our
suffering in unity with the Cross.
Pray for us, that the loneliness of our suffering will be consoled.
Pray for us, that the fear of death will be replaced with the hope of everlasting life.

We know, St. Peregrine, that you are a powerful intercessor because your life was completely given to God. We know that in as much as you pray for our healing, you are praying even more for our salvation.

A life of holiness like yours is more important than a life free of suffering and disease. Pray for our healing, but pray even more that we might come as close to Our Lord as you are.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

Saint Peregrine Novena For Cancer Patients- 4th day

Today let's pray that all cancer patients, as well as others dealing with chronic & life-threatening diseases, will be consoled. Let's pray that they will experience the healing presence and love of our Lord whether it be through prayer or through their interactions with others, especially through their family and friends.


We also want to remember in a special way to pray for all the families and friends who know someone suffering with cancer; may God console them too.

Here are the novena prayers for today:

Day 4 - Saint Peregrine Novena

Dear holy servant of God, St. Peregrine, we pray today for healing.

Intercede for us! God healed you of cancer and others were healed by your prayers. Please pray for...

(Mention your intentions)

These intentions bring us to our knees seeking your intercession for healing.

We are humbled by our physical limitations and ailments. We are so weak and so powerless. We are completely dependent upon God. And so, we ask that you pray for us...

Pray for us, that we will not let sickness bring us to despair.
Pray for us, that we may persevere in hope.
Pray for us, that we will have the courage to offer up our suffering in unity with the Cross.
Pray for us, that the loneliness of our suffering will be consoled.

We know, St. Peregrine, that you are a powerful intercessor because your life was completely given to God. We know that in as much as you pray for our healing, you are praying even more for our salvation.

A life of holiness like yours is more important than a life free of suffering and disease. Pray for our healing, but pray even more that we might come as close to Our Lord as you are.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

Saint Peregrine Novena For Cancer Patients - 3rd Day

Today, let's pray that all cancer patients and others who suffer from debilitating diseases or illnesses will be able to offer up their suffering in union with Jesus Christ.


Pray that their suffering will bring them closer in union with Christ as He suffered when He was on this earth.

Jesus understands our human feelings and sufferings. He is capable of carrying them for us, and He wants to. So pray that those who are suffering are able to turn it all over to Jesus.

Here are the novena prayers for today:

Day 3 - Saint Peregrine Novena

Dear holy servant of God, St. Peregrine, we pray today for healing.

Intercede for us! God healed you of cancer and others were healed by your prayers. Please pray for...

(Mention your intentions)

These intentions bring us to our knees seeking your intercession for healing.

We are humbled by our physical limitations and ailments. We are so weak and so powerless. We are completely dependent upon God. And so, we ask that you pray for us...

Pray for us, that we will not let sickness bring us to despair.
Pray for us, that we may persevere in hope.
Pray for us, that we will have the courage to offer up our suffering in unity with the Cross.

We know, St. Peregrine, that you are a powerful intercessor because your life was completely given to God. We know that in as much as you pray for our healing, you are praying even more for our salvation.

A life of holiness like yours is more important than a life free of suffering and disease. Pray for our healing, but pray even more that we might come as close to Our Lord as you are.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

The Grace Of God & "The Wonderful Gift Of Leukemia"

A friend of mine named Wayne was recently diagnosed with one of the rarest forms of lymphoma/leukemia called Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm (BPDCN). Wayne will begin chemo treatments at University of Louisville Hospital on Friday. After the chemo does it's job, he will have a stem cell transplant most likely at Vanderbilt University Hospital. 

Wayne's doctor at Vanderbilt put him in contact with a BPDCN survivor who has a blog called Thrilled To Death: Paul Pavao's Leukmia Blog. This blog provides some of the best information about BPDCN that can be found on the Internet. The writer, Paul Pavao has accepted his condition, and actually turned his "gift of leukemia" into a way of giving glory to God and helping others. 

Below is short bio about Paul and an excellent article that he wrote in June, 2011 when he was first diagnosed with cancer called "Yipee! I Have Leukemia!" Please pray for Wayne as he begins his journey. Saint Peregrine, pray for him!

ABOUT PAUL PAVAO 

I'm a Christian, happily married to a lovely and godly wife, and a father of six brilliant, lively, and spiritual children. I'm a writer, an amateur church historian, and the webmaster of several web sites and blogs. 

As of 2011, I am an acute leukemia patient using the wonderful gift of leukemia to glorify the Lord, Jesus Christ who preserves me and gives me joy in every situation.

"YIPEE! I HAVE LEUKEMIA!

As I write this on June 25, I only have a preliminary diagnosis from my family doctor of Leukemia. It’s Saturday, and I have an appointment with the cancer center in Corinth, MS on Monday to confirm the diagnosis and find out more.

I’m scheduling this post for June 28 so that my appointment would be passed and I’d know I really have Leukemia (June 27 note: I do). If they say I don’t, then I won’t let this run, and I have to admit, I’ll be really disappointed.

Here’s why.

Keep in mind in what follows that my family has much more to lose than I do. It’s easy for me to have a positive outlook. I am only in danger of a bit of suffering and possibly dying. My family’s in danger of losing a husband and father, and there’s really nothing to compare to that kind of sorrow except losing a child. They’re handling it as well as me, which is very impressive.

First, when you’re a Christian and the purpose of your body is to glorify God, then there is really no difference between a clean bill of health and a diagnosis of leukemia. God is simply giving you the tools you need to do what you’re supposed to do with your body.

How could having leukemia be a good tool? In a myriad of ways.

The Pros and Cons of Contracting Leukemia as a Christian

I was weighing the pros and cons of having leukemia, and there some pretty significant pros:

• The Scriptures say that Wisdom is the principle thing. Therefore, it says that "in all your getting, get understanding" (Prov. 4:7). Along those lines, the Psalmist prays, "Teach us to number our days, so that we may obtain a heart of wisdom" (Ps. 90:12). Leukemia is a quick way to number my days!
• There’s people to see and talk to that I would never be able to talk to otherwise.
• It should be easier to display faith in Christ to these people because they’re going to be expecting me to think something bad is happening to me.
• In general, any statements that I make that God can be trusted in every situation will carry more authority than they would if everything was going well for me.
• Living and dying are in the hands of our Father in heaven. Saints don’t die because they have leukemia. Saints die because it’s the will of God for them (Is. 57:1-2; Ps. 116:15).
• I have a friend with cancer, and now I get to go through this with her … consoling others with the consolation I’ve received and all that.

The cons?

• Distress on my family
• I can barely exercise at all (I think God told me he didn’t like my obsession with exercise anyway)
• There’s a real danger of focus on self: self-pity, loving the attention, or taking over conversations by bringing up leukemia

As you can see, the pros outweigh the cons by a lot except perhaps the distress on my family. But they’re trusting God really well, which is awesome.

So I’m excited to enter this new phase in my life.

Divine Healing

I believe in divine healing. I’ve seen it happen.

Unless God really speaks to you that I’m wrong, please don’t pray for me to be healed and possibly ruin this new ministry God has called me to.

You can pray for me to be healed in his time. I don’t think I’m supposed to die.

What God’s Been Saying to Me

If you’ve been reading my blog, then you know that I don’t write that God told me this or God told me that. I’ve heard God speak clearly in terms I felt comfortable repeating to others, but not often.

Except this week. From the day last week when I finally became convinced that there’s something badly wrong with my health and yesterday when the doctor told me a stress test was unnecessary because he could see the enlarged, abnormal lymphocytes in my blood smear (along with anemia and low platelets)—between then and now, I believe God has spoken several things to me pretty clearly:

• I’m not going to die (real soon, anyway)
• This is supposed to be happening to me
• My attitude toward exercise has always been too positive
• I’m supposed to eat healthy and heartily because my nutrition is more important than weight loss. (This was obviously correct now that I know the problem’s leukemia, but the direction from God came before I knew.)
• If I want to lose weight, I’m allowed to exercise better self-control in the evening, but otherwise no dieting for weight loss.

I guess I’ve put myself and my Christianity on the spot here, huh? If I’m dead in a few months, whether from leukemia or from a car wreck, I’ll just be one more false prophet. I didn’t know what else to do but be honest and let you judge the success I’m experiencing following Christ.

By the way, I gave my brothers and sisters in the church an opportunity to tell me they didn’t bear witness to the things I think I heard from God. If they told me they disagreed, I wouldn’t have posted this.

So I guess it’s we and our Christianity that are on the spot.

The Grace of God and His Gifts

My family’s doing really well with all this. My attitude’s not just good, I’m thrilled! That’s purely the grace of God, and I want to give thanks.

By the way, don’t be jealous that it’s not you who gets to have leukemia and the ministry that goes with it. We each have our own gift, and yours matters as much as mine. I’m just expressing my zeal and gratefulness for the gift God has given me.

And perhaps correcting the mistaken impression that it’s not a gift.

By the way, I found out a friend of mine has a blog, and the first post I saw from him—just tonight!—is a writing by someone else who found their cancer to be a gift and a calling.

Saint Peregrine Novena for Cancer Patients! - 2nd Day

As we pray on this second day of the Saint Peregrine Novena, please pray with us for all who suffer from cancer and chronic diseases alike.


Saint Peregrine suffered with cancer on his foot and he was told it needed to be amputated. So St. Peregrine turned to the cross and prayed. He did not allow his illness to bring him to despair, but rather it brought him closer to the cross, even through his suffering.

Let's pray that they will persevere in hope especially when they are feeling weak and weary.

Pray with us that they will look to the cross, stay strong in their faith, and ever hopeful in God's will.

Here are the novena prayers for today:

Day 2 - Saint Peregrine Novena

Dear holy servant of God, St. Peregrine, we pray today for healing.

Intercede for us! God healed you of cancer and others were healed by your prayers. Please pray for...

(Mention your intentions)

These intentions bring us to our knees seeking your intercession for healing.

We are humbled by our physical limitations and ailments. We are so weak and so powerless. We are completely dependent upon God. And so, we ask that you pray for us...

Pray for us, that we will not let sickness bring us to despair.
Pray for us, that we may persevere in hope.

We know, St. Peregrine, that you are a powerful intercessor because your life was completely given to God. We know that in as much as you pray for our healing, you are praying even more for our salvation.

A life of holiness like yours is more important than a life free of suffering and disease. Pray for our healing, but pray even more that we might come as close to Our Lord as you are.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be.

Amen

Saint Peregrine Novena for Cancer Patients!-1st Day

Today is the first day of the Saint Peregrine Novena for Cancer Patients!



Saint Peregrine suffered with cancer on his foot and he was told it needed to be amputated. So St. Peregrine turned to the cross and prayed. He did not allow his illness to bring him to despair, but rather it brought him closer to the cross, even through his suffering.

So today, let's pray for all cancer patients -- that their illness will not bring them to despair.

Okay, let's get to praying!

Here are the novena prayers for today:

Day 1 - Saint Peregrine Novena Prayers

Dear holy servant of God, St. Peregrine, we pray today for healing.

Intercede for us! God healed you of cancer and others were healed by your prayers. Please pray for...

(Mention your intentions)

These intentions bring us to our knees seeking your intercession for healing.

We are humbled by our physical limitations and ailments. We are so weak and so powerless. We are completely dependent upon God. And so, we ask that you pray for us...

Pray for us, that we will not let sickness bring us to despair.

We know, St. Peregrine, that you are a powerful intercessor because your life was completely given to God. We know that in as much as you pray for our healing, you are praying even more for our salvation.

A life of holiness like yours is more important than a life free of suffering and disease. Pray for our healing, but pray even more that we might come as close to Our Lord as you are.

All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be.

Amen

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Prayers requested: Obituary for Linda Olrich

Obituary for my wife, Mary Jo's, sister-in-law and mom of Billy, her nephew with lymphoma, whom we have been praying for. We pray for Linda's eternal rest and joy in the fullness of the Kingdom, and peace and comfort for her family and friends. Deacon Gerry



Linda Lee Olrich, 76, wife of the late William Anthony Olrich, died Wed. January 1, 2014 at the Hospice Care Center and was born March 25, 1937 in Louisville, KY.

She was a homemaker and loving wife and mother. Survivors include six children, William “Bill” Olrich, Jr., Louisville, KY, Nancy Olrich, Lexington, KY, Jennifer (David) Jackson, Nicholasville, KY, Laura Olrich, Lexington, KY, Joseph (Kim) Olrich, Nicholasville, KY, and Amy (Martin) Bowling, Lexington, KY; eight grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held 1 pm Mon. at St. Luke Catholic Church, 304 South Main St., Nicholasville, KY by Rev. William C. Bush. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 pm Sun. at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, Harrodsburg Rd.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice of the Bluegrass, 2312 Alexandria Dr., Lexington, KY 40504 or the Lexington Humane Society, 1600 Old Frankfort Pike, Lexington, KY.



The beautiful sunset on the evening Linda passed.