"There are lots of people who aren't hurting, but there are lots of people who are." - Isaiah
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
we're thankful for...
medical care
a well-stocked motor home to rest and eat in
the doctors were concerned that Isaiah's back pain was due to fractures in his lower spine which sometimes happen when chemotherapy begins to kill cancer cells. He was x-rayed yesterday; the results showed no problems
our church community staff who are working so hard and brought us holy communion on Sunday after church
isaiah had his best day yet yesterday (tuesday). Though it ended pretty roughly, he was able to leave his room for the first time in a week. Overall, his tests reveal that his body is responding to the chemo. Thank God.
We are praying for you lots of times every day Isaiah and know that God will be with you helping you be STRONG and COURAGEOUS. Let God be your Superman!
Your Emmaus family will be here to support you all the way! Aaron says 'hi' to his buddy, he has prayed and continues to pray for you everynight before he goes to bed.
It is good to rejoice in the Lord :o) I am praying for you all.
-Megan Webb
1 Cor 16 - ...Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name...Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles...
Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy in his dwelling place...
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Cry out, "Save us, O God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, that we may glory in your praise." Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Then all the people said "Amen" and "Praise the LORD."
Hi Isaiah, We are all praying for you. I heard you are being very strong. I know you will be better soon. I love you! You are my best friend and a great godbrother. I miss you and cannot wait until we get to see each other again. I hope you are getting good at my gameboy. Love, Jacob
I am praying for you, and all my friends and family are praying for you too! I missed seeing you on Sunday, but I know you will be back!! You are the toughest boy I know, (especially with a sword!) Remember Jesus is taking care of you. He loves you and I love you too dude!
This is Angela Kump from Arden and I just wanted to say that if you need people to donate blood for Isaiah I would volunteer to go! All I would need would be a ID number if it was with blood source.
I will be continuing to be praying for you! -Angela
Hi Isaiah and the Oates family, Just wanted to let you know that we are praying for you here in Washington State. You still have lots to accomplish and we know GOD HEALS! You will be up and running in no time. We will think of you often. Jeff, Lori, Ryan and Hayden Blake
Hey Sweet Boy, This is your godmother. I just want to tell you that I love you like crazy and am really proud of the brave boy you are. You are an amazing boy with the most beautiful heart. I am praying for you all day long.
Sopie Sopes says to tell Sayah that she loves you and you are so cute.
We're so glad that you posted this site. It's GREAT to see Isaiah's smiling face! We are all praying hourly at our house. They are very specific prayers, but the sweetest of all has been Caleb's very simple prayer that he says over and over throughout each day... "Jesus, heal Isaiah". As I was opening my bible yesterday during my morning prayer time, I came upon this verse... "But if it were I, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before Him. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." Job 5:8,9 We are so thankful that it appears that God IS working wonders in Isaiah's life each day as his body responds to the treatments. We will continue to lift you all up in prayer each day. You are all so loved!
Joshua 1:9 says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
I know you don't really know us, but we are a part of your family of God and we're praying for you too. Sometimes it's just good to know that you're surrounded by prayers, even if they come from Loma Linda, CA.
This is the Fechner family from Arden chruch. We just want you to know that we are praying for you every day. Hope you get to go hope soon. Kalie says Hi and she is praying for you. Hang in there!! God Bless you! Carl, Diane & Kalie Fechner
We are praying for all of you as is our church (First Church of God, Tulare, CA). The Lord knows the way through the wilderness - He will lead you through.
We're praying for you and your parents. Our God is BIG and He will take care of you. He knows all about your body (Psalm 139) and is watching over you. YOU ARE LOVED!
Hi Nate--Vicki again. I re-read your note and just had to share something with you. I know how nervous blood transfusions can make a person--I received them by the truckload (really!) but I came to view them in a way that really made things easier. I imagined someone getting up and ready for a busy day, then taking time to drive to a blood center somewhere, dealing with traffic, rolling up their sleeves and donating a gift that no one else can give in their place. Donating a gift that is unique, rare, and unable to be manufactured or imitated. Donating a piece of themselves so that a stranger may live another day or battle an illness like leukemia. I view blood donation in a very spiritual way--all tied up with Jesus and body and blood - and as a type of agape love. Every transfusion I received was filled with a stranger's caring and generosity and HOPE for me, for my family, for my life. Sometimes, even now,thinking of this I feel like I'm walking on air because such precious gifts sustained me through very hard times. Even with that knowledge, though, I understand your nervousness and will pray for your peace and the safety of each infusion. Isaiah is being held up in so many amazing ways and blood donors are just a piece of the tapestry of love. (Each blood donation is tested - more than a dozen tests - to make each unit as safe as possible) Our BloodSource patient of the month is a young six year old boy, named Hunter, who had ALL at 3. He is now healthy, plays hard with his big brother and is a superhero just like Isaiah. Hold fast, choose hope and we will do the same.
Dear Nathan and Carmen: How thankful we are that Isaiah has you as his dear Parents, along with his wonderful extended family, and family friends both near and far. Count us among that group whose hearts and prayers are with you at each and every hour. Trusting Him, Mark & Joy Ballew
THANK YOU FOR SHARING IN ISAIAH'S END-OF-CHEMO PARTY!
SUNDAY
08.08.10
To celebrate life and the end of this 38-month journey, and to express our gratitude to all of you who have prayed, supported, and cheered us on, we're throwing a really big party!
Thanks for supporting Isaiah through his third baseball season! The Bandits finished 16-1. Isaiah collected 45 hits and batted .849!
Go Bandits!
update on isaiah's progress
We're received quite a few questions recently about Isaiah's treatment. Here's a quick update:
Is he in remission?
Yes. He's officially been in remission since the 17th day after diagnosis, early June 2007.
Is he still on chemo?
Yes.
Mercaptopurin (chemo) daily, orally, with a 3 hour fast.
Methotrexate (chemo) weekly, orally.
Bactrim (antibiotic) daily, orally.
Dexamethasone (steroid) every 8 weeks, orally.
Vincristine (chemo) every 2 weeks, intraveinously.
Methotrexate (chemo) every 12 weeks, in the spinal fluid with a "spinal tap".
Currently he is at the clinic at Sutter Memorial every two weeks for a blood check, etc.
When's he done with treatment?
The protocol for boys with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia is 36 months beginning after the initial 60 day treatment. We anticipate he'll be done with chemo at the end of July 2010.
year 3 bands
Please join us in praying for pure blood and strong bones in this, Isaiah's final year of scheduled treatment. Contact us for a new white "life is a battle" STRONG AND COURAGEOUS prayer band.
There are more pictures of Matthias and reflections on his birth at nathanoates.com
beautiful mommy
summer vacation 2009
We just returned from a beautiful 3 weeks in the midwest!
fondu
messy = fun
self portrait
Merry Christmas Friends!
Thank you to all of you who have sent us pictures and updates! It's great to see your faces once again. We've not been able to put something together this year (yet!), so here's a quick update for those who visit us here:
Carmen: doing a great job teaching our kids at home this year, running, hiked Half Dome, lovingly and consistently caring for all of us (and lots of others).
Sienna: super-creative and always nurturing, loves studying at home, played soccer, raised chickens and looking forward to horse-riding lessons in '09. See pictures of her 8th birthday here.
Isaiah: 08 highlights include playing t-ball, learning to swim, riding his bike, a trip to Disneyland, trip to Alabama, and lots of playing.
Nathan: ran a 25K trail run at Stinson Beach, loved our family vacation in San Diego, and is so grateful for our staff, church community, and the ongoing adventure of leading/serving Emmaus. Nate blogs very infrequently here; you can access his pod/vodcasts here.
13 years!
stinson beach
batman and his magic fairy
pirates and mermaids
master and apprentice
(but which is the master and which is the apprentice?) Isaiah and Lyle duel in Birmingham
Thanks to all of you who are fasted with us on 8/14!
to emily n., steve, angela, kait, jacob h., scotty, donna, nathan, carmen, pat, rick, kizer family, angie, marisol, henrietta, erica - isaiah says, "thank you, may the force be with you."
big thanks to Tom, Rina, and all who cheered for Isaiah this season!
March 3, 2008: In the men's room at Topelo's Coffee House:
Isaiah: Your life is your life. What happens happens.
Dad: So what do you do?
Isaiah: Let it happen. Then you move on.
Dad: You move on?
Isaiah: You move on with your life.
garage band
buddies
life is good with my big sister
thanks Lincoln HS students!
Students from Mrs. Nelson's and Mrs Pierce's classes recently raised money for Isaiah. Here he is receiving the generous gift from our friend, Mrs. Nelson
Forever Be Strong
Our church community's first worship album releases Easter Sunday. It includes a song written for Isaiah called "Forever Be Strong." You can download it here.
Isaiah's t-ball games begin March 20th
2008!
There are many ways you can continue to pray for Isaiah. He has some exciting goals ahead in 2008! Here is the list:
1)Get Strong! He does physical therapy at home 3-5 times per week and at the office 2 times per month. 2)Play Ball! He is working hard to get ready for T-Ball season. Pray he will play and that his compression fractures will heal. 3)Learn at Home! He is working on Kindergarten school work at home. Many factors make school work a challenge. Pray for a healthy brain and a desire to learn.
big support
We're continually encouraged by all of you who visit this site. In the last two months we've received hits from 22 countries!
isaiah nathan
superman
Thank you for praying for our sweet son. On his first day in the hospital, Isaiah told his mom, "I will get strong again." We'll keep you updated and celebrate his progress here.
"I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous..." - joshua 1:5,6
stay strong
pre-bedtime pep talk
solidarity
Some of the men of Emmaus have shaved their heads in support of Isaiah. From left: Rick, Nate, Steve (Isaiah's godfather), and Sal. This means more than we can express.
isaiah's community of support
I recently hooked up Isaiah's blog to google analytics (and am kicking myself for not figuring this out earlier). But just to give you a glimpse into the remarkable support network of which you're a part, consider this:
In the last 11 days, Isaiah's blog has been viewed 1015 times, by 324 different people, in 134 cities, including those in 27 states, and 8 countries.
Thank you for sharing life with us!
Isaiah and Sienna in September
What's Next...
12/21 Should be a simple blood, etc. check at the clinic. We're down to every-other-week appointments for a season!
even more thank yous to...
the students of Amber Bobst's 2nd grade class from Eastside Christian School in Belleview, WA for the cards
all those who have contributed to our gas and groceries fund...you're keeping us going!
all the Emmaus families who have brought dinner to us in recent weeks
the Harrington family for the picnic package
Anne for the book and CD
The Hoke family for the birthday bird
Goebel, Linville, Nutti, and Ferrara families for the great gift certificate
Doris for the pint of ice cream
Emmaus for being the Church and supporting us in countless ways...for the gifts for Isaiah and Sienna...we're so thankful to be sharing life and discovering Jesus with you.
Betsy for the care package for the kids
Diane for the one-prize-a-day gift
Glenda for the beautiful superman quilt
Mrs. Liden for the SuperIsaiah cape and blanket
The Keaton Raphael Memorial Fund
everyone who is praying
friends and family for the financial support
Shirli and the Needle Arts Group for the blankets and hats
Susanna for the cleaning supplies
Susan, Laura, Sandie for nutritional help
Bob and Elaine for the motorhome
The Arena for the Batman blanket
Anne for the quilt
The Arena and The Ridge for supporting Carmen
Sunrise Church for the prayer quilt
Ms. Della Roca's 4th graders at St. Mary's for the beautiful cards
Josh and Lisa for the superman blanket
Oates Family
Celebrating Sienna's Baptism 2007
chillin'
more bands are here!
We've just received another shipment of 200 Strong and Courageous arm bands: How do I get one? They're available at Emmaus Church Community or you can send a request with a check to this address. How much? $2 covers our costs. Is this a fundraiser? No. We created these as a call to prayer and a quiet way to show support for our family during this season.
prayer bands
Thanks to all of you who are remembering to pray for Isaiah. Seeing these bands on friends in our community is a quiet, significant source of strength.
splitting wood with dad
ready for church
emmaus kids
good morning!
beach
with sister and cousin in Santa Cruz
swords
Isaiah fighting with dad's college roommate, Aaron
camping at bita and papa's
good morning!
break-fast!
Thanks to all our friends who fasted with Isaiah!
Superman and Supermom
blood from another
receiving blood before going home
second breakfast
the steroids make him HUNGRY
He is superman now
He is going for a walk i think he going home. -sienna
Posts
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22 comments:
Hi Isaiah!!!!
We are praying for you lots of times every day Isaiah and know that God will be with you helping you be STRONG and COURAGEOUS. Let God be your Superman!
Your Emmaus family will be here to support you all the way! Aaron says 'hi' to his buddy, he has prayed and continues to pray for you everynight before he goes to bed.
Josh, Rebecca, Aaron & Jonah Unfried
It is good to rejoice in the Lord :o) I am praying for you all.
-Megan Webb
1 Cor 16 -
...Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name...Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles...
Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy in his dwelling place...
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Cry out, "Save us, O God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, that we may glory in your praise." Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.
Then all the people said "Amen" and "Praise the LORD."
Hi Isaiah,
We are all praying for you. I heard you are being very strong. I know you will be better soon. I love you! You are my best friend and a great godbrother. I miss you and cannot wait until we get to see each other again. I hope you are getting good at my gameboy.
Love,
Jacob
Hey Isaiah,
I am praying for you every night and at every chance I get. I hope you get well soon.
Your Friend
Shaw Campbell
Thanks for the blog to help keep us all updated! You are constantly in our prayers.
Hi Isaiah buddy!
I am praying for you, and all my friends and family are praying for you too! I missed seeing you on Sunday, but I know you will be back!! You are the toughest boy I know, (especially with a sword!) Remember Jesus is taking care of you. He loves you and I love you too dude!
~brittany
Hi Isaiah,
We're all praying for you throughout everyday. We miss you playing in the back yard but KNOW you'll be out there again soon having fun!
God bless you all and know he will prevail.
Hey!
This is Angela Kump from Arden and I just wanted to say that if you need people to donate blood for Isaiah I would volunteer to go! All I would need would be a ID number if it was with blood source.
I will be continuing to be praying for you!
-Angela
Hi Isaiah -
All the Goodnoughs and Byers are praying for you! Praise God for the good news. We are here for you, call on us if you have any needs.
Daily, hourly, prayers are being lifted for you, and will continue until you are well again!
You are loved!
Hi Isaiah and the Oates family,
Just wanted to let you know that we are praying for you here in Washington State. You still have lots to accomplish and we know GOD HEALS! You will be up and running in no time. We will think of you often.
Jeff, Lori, Ryan and Hayden Blake
Hey Sweet Boy,
This is your godmother. I just want to tell you that I love you like crazy and am really proud of the brave boy you are. You are an amazing boy with the most beautiful heart. I am praying for you all day long.
Sopie Sopes says to tell Sayah that she loves you and you are so cute.
Love,
Angela
Hi Isaiah, Sienna, Nathan and Carmen!
We're so glad that you posted this site. It's GREAT to see Isaiah's smiling face! We are all praying hourly at our house. They are very specific prayers, but the sweetest of all has been Caleb's very simple prayer that he says over and over throughout each day... "Jesus, heal Isaiah".
As I was opening my bible yesterday during my morning prayer time, I came upon this verse...
"But if it were I, I would appeal to God;
I would lay my cause before Him.
He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed,
miracles that cannot be counted." Job 5:8,9
We are so thankful that it appears that God IS working wonders in Isaiah's life each day as his body responds to the treatments. We will continue to lift you all up in prayer each day. You are all so loved!
Hugs,
Jason, Tami, Lucas, Colby and Caleb
Isaiah,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope that you are holding on as strong as superman. Remember that God loves you and is there for you.
You have a wonderful family and I know they are loving on you as much as they can.
God bless you buddy!
Amber Bobst
Isaiah,
Joshua 1:9 says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
I know you don't really know us, but we are a part of your family of God and we're praying for you too. Sometimes it's just good to know that you're surrounded by prayers, even if they come from Loma Linda, CA.
In Christ,
Josh and Megan Fitzpatrick
Hi Isaiah and Family,
This is the Fechner family from Arden chruch. We just want you to know that we are praying for you every day. Hope you get to go hope soon. Kalie says Hi and she is praying for you. Hang in there!!
God Bless you!
Carl, Diane & Kalie Fechner
We are praying for all of you as is our church (First Church of God, Tulare, CA). The Lord knows the way through the wilderness - He will lead you through.
Randy & Patty DeGraw and family
Hey Nate,
Thanks for putting this up and for the updates. Your family in Milpitas/Fremont is praying for you.
As for everyone's favorite worm-catcher, I'm hoping he has more good days than bad, and that the first round goes as we hope.
We love you all very much.
rey
Isaiah:
We're praying for you and your parents. Our God is BIG and He will take care of you. He knows all about your body (Psalm 139) and is watching over you. YOU ARE LOVED!
Mike and Merlynn Fitzpatrick
Hi Nate--Vicki again. I re-read your note and just had to share something with you. I know how nervous blood transfusions can make a person--I received them by the truckload (really!) but I came to view them in a way that really made things easier. I imagined someone getting up and ready for a busy day, then taking time to drive to a blood center somewhere, dealing with traffic, rolling up their sleeves and donating a gift that no one else can give in their place. Donating a gift that is unique, rare, and unable to be manufactured or imitated. Donating a piece of themselves so that a stranger may live another day or battle an illness like leukemia. I view blood donation in a very spiritual way--all tied up with Jesus and body and blood - and as a type of agape love. Every transfusion I received was filled with a stranger's caring and generosity and HOPE for me, for my family, for my life. Sometimes, even now,thinking of this I feel like I'm walking on air because such precious gifts sustained me through very hard times. Even with that knowledge, though, I understand your nervousness and will pray for your peace and the safety of each infusion. Isaiah is being held up in so many amazing ways and blood donors are just a piece of the tapestry of love. (Each blood donation is tested - more than a dozen tests - to make each unit as safe as possible) Our BloodSource patient of the month is a young six year old boy, named Hunter, who had ALL at 3. He is now healthy, plays hard with his big brother and is a superhero just like Isaiah. Hold fast, choose hope and we will do the same.
And we are all thankful for you,
Isaiah,
Sienna
Carmen and
Nathan
We love you!
The Bolton Family
SupperDupper Isaiah Man!
We are parying for you every day! We love the pictures of you there, but will love see your smiling face back at home.
Trevor got himself a couple new Lightsabers and he is anxious to share with you some new moves so hury up and get better! BE STRONG and COURAGEOUS!
Psa 27:14 "Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD."
Isaiah . . commit that verse to memory, share it with you mom and dad because they will often need to hear it!
Wendell, Susan, Torie & Trevor
(The Weckters)
Dear Nathan and Carmen:
How thankful we are that Isaiah has you as his dear Parents, along with his wonderful extended family, and family friends both near and far.
Count us among that group whose hearts and prayers are with you at each and every hour.
Trusting Him,
Mark & Joy Ballew
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