We Serve a BIG GOD!

HUGE NEWS!

The goal for the CIA Benefit Golf Tournament was to raise $5000 for Christian's much needed Intensive Physical Therapy treatment in February, but the Lord had bigger plans.

The grand total that was raised for Christian Daniel was.....

$16,000.00!

All proceeds will be paid through Kingdom Heart Ministries, Inc., through the selfless generosity of Bob & Teresa Nix, directly to the therapy clinics and medical entities that have provided or will provide Christian's past, present, and future treatments. 

We could not have ordered better weather, and the tournament itself was a great day.  104 Golfers played, 15 volunteers joined forces, and the family was blessed beyond measure.

Thank you to all the Volunteers that gave their time, to the Sponsors that donated funds and/or goods, Players who attended, played, and stayed for fellowship afterwards.  The Silent Auction was an enormous contributor to the funds raised, and we humbly thank those who donated items and those who purchased! 

The Lord meets our needs, and multiplied them into a blessing of more than we could have ever hoped far!



Benefit Golf Tournament Update!

Teams are forming, Volunteers are committing, and Sponsors are signing up! 

So far, we have 30 committed players!  God is Good!  Remember, registration and fee is due on or before October 1st.  Sign up early to make sure you have a spot!

We have confirmed a Sports Memorabilia consignor for the silent auction, as well as local donors of children's custom clothing, delicious treats, photography sessions, and lots of other goodies!

A grab & go breakfast and a BBQ lunch will be provided to all players and volunteers - any guests may join us for lunch at $10/person.

If you or your business is interested in Sponsoring a hole on the course, or one of the many prizes, get in contact with Tara Beasley at tbeasley@haoneil.com.

Thanks to The Abiding Place Retreat Center for co-hosting the outing  - Bob & Teresa Nix.  Because of their support, all sponsorship contributions are tax deductible!

Also, check out the new t-shirt design - we will have some available at the tournament and are now open for pre-orders at $10 to anyone interested. 

Thank you for your continued prayers and support for C and his family!

New Pictures of the Handsome Man!

Unexpected outcomes and a Call for prayer

This week, C has had two tests scheduled.  The first one - a Swallow Test - was conducted yesterday.

With a Speech Pathologist, Radiologist, and Technician observing, it was determined that C is aspirating when taking in food or liquid that is thinner than the consistency of honey.  One physician strongly suggested that C be put under to receive a feeding tube, and he would have undergone the procedure last night, but Dr. Lotze was not available to write the orders. 

Aspiration has been a very real and major concern since the TM diagnosis in April.  Due to C's weakened chest muscles, he is not able to productively cough out irritants from his lungs as needed, which makes him more susceptible to pneumonia. 

By the grace of God, C has remained healthy and we will continue to pray for his health, healing, and recovery of muscle activity.

Jack & Danielle are waiting on a call from C's lead Physician to see if they will travel back to Texas Children's Hospital today to undergo the feeding tube procedure.

A feeding tube would make daily life for C and for the family even more difficult, and the family is shocked that this may be a necessary procedure.

While observing C, the Speech Pathologist suspected that one of C's vocal cords may be paralyzed.  A referral was given to Danielle to visit an ENT for a scope to see what is going on.

The second test is schedule for Friday - an MRI on his spinal cord.  This MRI will show any progression or regression to his TM.  Please pray that the hours of therapy and rounds of steroids have strengthened C and have paved a way to his rehabilitation. 

PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Please pray for C's lungs - that they remain clear and irritant free.
- For his chest muscles - that he be strengthened and that his ability to productively cough will strengthen
- For the MRI on Friday to show significant signs of improvement
- For Jack, Danielle, & the girls to adapt, if necessary, to any changes that may be necessary
- For rest, peace, faith, hope, and perserverance for the entire family


Thank you for your support, love, and prayers!

Benefit Golf Tournament scheduled for October 31st!

Legacy Photography & Abiding Place Ministries proudly announce

Christian's Influence Alliance (CIA) Benefit Golf Tournament
October 31st, 2011
Shot Gun start at 9:00am
Walden on Lake Houston, Humble, TX

Christian's journey has undoubtedly touched many lives, and has left a lasting impression on all of our hearts.  We are planning this Golf Tournament to bind together all who have been influenced by Christian's smile, touched by his journey, inspired by his perseverance, and prayed for his recovery with a common goal of assisting the Smith family to meet Christian's medical needs.
Flyers, Registration, and Sponsorship forms can be found at:

FLYER: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/document-preview.aspx?doc_id=87320718
REGISTRATION - FRONT: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/document-preview.aspx?doc_id=87320751
REGISTRATION - BACK: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/document-preview.aspx?doc_id=87320713
We are looking for Golfers, Sponsors, Silent Auction donations, and volunteers on tournament day!

If you are interested in playing, or would like to help, please contact Tara at 832-233-3222 or via email at legacyphotographybytara@gmail.com

Please share this information with your community, co-workers, friends, & family!

Thank you so much!

Tara Beasley
Legacy Photography
832-233-3222

Quick Update

Doctors are moving forward treating Christian as having recurrent transverse myelitis.  Today he was to have further testing to search for any underlying causes for the flare ups.  They hope to be heading home tomorrow.  Christian will go home on a steroid treatment.

The good news to come from all of this is  a plan for any future flare ups.  In the future, Christian will have access to outpatient iv steroid treatment. 

Danielle will update with more detail when she is home.  Please continue to pray for Christian and his family. 

Pray for Christian Daniel: TUESDAYS in JULY! Chili's in Humble, TX gets on board!

Pray for Christian Daniel: TUESDAYS in JULY! Chili's in Humble, TX gets on board!: "TUESDAYS in JULY! Chili's in Humble, TX gets on board!
~ UPDATE from Tara ~

Great News for Christian!

Chili's in Humble, TX has joined the cause to help raise funds for Christian's recovery!

Every Tuesday in July - from open to close - for every person who brings in the flyer (see link below), Chili's will donate 10% of all sales to Christian's benefit ! Praise the Lord!

Who doesn't love Chilis? Please download the file below, print & email them out, and lets pack out Humble Chili's every Tuesday in July!

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/document-preview.aspx?doc_id=83163300

The participating Chili's is located on the corner of HWY 59 & FM 1960, across from Deerbrook Mall.

Come hungry!"

Please Pray Tonight

Christian had an MRI today and the results have left his family confused and floored.  The MRI shows a new lesion on his spinal cord at T12.  We will update after the doctors make rounds and give more information.

For now, please pray.  Jack and Danielle need your prayers.  Christian needs your prayers.  Ky and Jillian need your prayers.  The Casting Crowns chorus comes to mind, "If we've ever needed You, Lord it's now!" 

If We've Ever Needed You Songwriters: Hall, John Mark; Herms, Bernie;
If we've ever needed You
Lord, it's now, Lord, it's now
We are desperate for Your hand
We're reaching out, we're reaching out

All our hearts, all our strength
With all our minds, we're at Your feet
May Your kingdom come in our hearts and lives
Let Your church arise, let Your church arise

If we've ever needed You
Lord, it's now, Lord, it's now
We are desperate for Your hand
We're reaching out, we're reaching out
We're reaching out

We need You now
Revive us now
We need You now

Hospital Stay #3

Christian has been admitted into Texas Children’s for the third time, due to a Transverse Myelitis flare up. I know this sounds like a broken record but AGAIN, THIS IS RARE! He is doing another round of IV steroids and MRI. C is doing great; he is his normal, cheerful self. He is flirting with every nurse and PCA he can get his eyes on. He is shameless. Kyleigh and Jillian (his biggest and bestest sisters) are not responding as well. Ky-Anne is crying a lot and does not want to come to the hospital at all. Jillian wants to be here every second and is being disobedient. Please be praying for these special little ladies! Also, pray that we walk out of here with answers. OR better yet C is healed completely!

GOD is Good All the Time, Every Time...Believe It!

Christian's hospital bill is over half a million dollars. We have been working with a financial counselor since day three in the hospital trying to come up with ways to tackle this insurmountable amount. Originally, she was trying to cut the price in half...still inconceivable in my mind after looking at all those zeros. On Monday, the financial counselor, said she was presenting our case to a board of charities and going to recommend that we receive MORE than half assistance. I responded with a Great! and clenched teeth smile....because at that moment I truly believed we would pay the hospital off when I died and my family got my insurance money! Are you ready for it????....ONE MONTH OF JACK'S SALARY!! Stunned silence was all this poor women got after working so hard for our family. All I can say is GOD is faithful. I  read my bible and commit to memory all the promises GOD gives me...because at the beginning and in the end, that is all I have. However, during storms, doubt starts to creep in not about HIS existence but about HIS faithfulness and  HIS goodness. That is not the kind of faith I want. I want the faith to say HE is good every time, all the time and believe it. But....                 It has been a very hard road. For those of you who don't know, Christian, is not our first son. Our first born son, is Jackson. Born healthy and perfect. I laid him down for his afternoon nap on February 17th at 5 months 7 days and he never woke up. The coroner listed the cause of death as SIDS, which is fancy terminology for "we have no clue look why a healthy baby dies for no reason." After losing my sunshine, I set forth to rebuild and rewrite relationships and beliefs, from the ground up. I thought my faith had been restore and was more brilliant and stronger  than it was before...only to find another son almost non-responsive in his crib again. I screamed in my head, really?!?!? we are really gonna do this again?!?!? Just trying to acclimate and respond to the demands of having a chronically ill and disabled child seems to be enough. But the fact that my insurance will not cover his recovery (hospital bills, specialists, therapy, and equipment) seems cruel. I look up at GOD and scream INTERVENE....PLEASE! let something work...You promised. But our GOD is not a vending machine. Read the end of Job He will remind you what HE is capable of and that HE answers to no one. From Job 38:4 to 40:2 we may glance a sliver of GOD's mightiness. These are humbling passages, they make me ashamed. The blessing of being able to pay off Christian's hospital bill in my life time makes me ashamed. Because instead of sitting back and trusting GOD, I wrung my hands, fretted, and worried.  I agonize every week whether Christian is going to get the therapy he so urgently needs, it is so critical to his recovery and our insurance will not cover a single physical, occupational, or speech therapy. So people donate their services at a fraction of the cost. I sit and analyze every aspect... will we be able to keep up with the costs even though they are discounted? will so-in-so stop working with c? is this asking too much? when is this good favor going to run out?...I can see GOD looking down at me shaking HIS head saying..."oh yea, of little faith..." He is has never not provided what C has needed, not once. HE is just not providing it  the way I want...with security. If my insurance was not so ___________ (you fill in the blank) then I could call a rehab clinic and say my son needs these services and they would say ok bring him in! Then they would evaluate him and say he needs this, this, and this equipment and then he would get it. Instead God is providing one day at a time, one service at a time, one piece of equipment at a time. I can see HIM smirking at me; saying," Will you choose to believe Who I say I Am, now? "

Save the Date

We will be celebrating Christian’s 1^st Birthday with a Bash called Christian’s Big Top Benefit on August 6^th tentatively from 4-8!

Circus Fun, Good Food, and Live Music!

Save the date!

Desperately Candid

This will not be my typical post. My ability to be tactful and “glass half full” has been replaced with desperation.  This will be an influx of information and prayer requests.

This past Wednesday, C and I were able to meet with Doctor Lotze(Neurologist) and Doctor Schwabe(PMR).  I went armed with pages of questions; both doctors were patient and kind.

                Main Points of the Visits:

-There is a Transverse Myelitis Clinic in Maryland at the John Hopkins Hospital. I wanted to know if Doc. Lotze felt if it would be beneficial for us to travel there and receive a consult from them.  The first thing he said when he walked in was that John Hopkins would be here November 2^nd and he wanted them to meet C…what did I think???  I said YES!!! I showed him where I had written that very question; he said GREAT, free consult in your own backyard! PTL!

-The Overall Health Concerns for Christian:

                *Permanent Paralysis from waist down

                *Limited use of his Hands

                *Weak Trunk

*Kidney Complications: due to the fact that it is hard for C to urinate, he is at high risk of kidney infections, kidney damage, and kidney failure. We are adding a Urologists to his team of doctors.

*Pneumonia and Aspiration: due to his weakened respiratory system C cannot properly cough, sneeze, or swallow thin fluids (ie water or juice but milk is fine). We are adding a Pulmonologist to his team of doctors.

-The MRI and some of Christian’s symptoms don’t add up. Some of his symptoms say the brain is involved but his scans show a healthy brain. Thus begins the waiting and watching. There is evidence (C’s recent flare up and “brain” symptoms) that C has Multiple Sclerosis on top of his TM. Only time will tell.

-As it was explained to me the atrophy of the spinal cord is discouraging; however, Doc. Lotze is still hopeful C can regain use of his legs. The first six months is critical in recovery and we will see the most changes in this time frame. Still, we can expect subtle changes for up to two years. He told me after we hit the six month mark if C’s legs were still not working, then he would probably never recover the use of his legs.

-We got the news that the channels I was pursuing to get Christian on Medicaid were probably not going to work out. This is devastating. Our insurance is awful, to say the least. They barely cover anything and on top of that Christian is maxed out on his benefits…leaving us with NO medical coverage for the next 6 month. Having Christian’s diagnosis and health concerns is intimidating but knowing I don’t have the resources to get him the therapy, equipment, and specialist he needs is devastating. I am his mother…it is my job to take care of him. I need GOD to do one of two things either heal Christian completely so Medicaid is not needed or provide us with Medicaid.

Please be in prayer for the above information.

Rainbows

I know I am  way over due to update the blog.  Forgive me? There is so much to share. After returning home from the hospital it was harder getting back into the swing of things than the last time. It was shocking to have to go back into the hospital. C, the girls, and I are a bit burnt out! We have an appointment to see Doc. Lotze and Doc. Shwaube this Wednesday. I have two pages of questions already typed up for them! We are ready for this appointment. C had an episode a few weeks back where he was suddenly unresponsive for over 3 minutes. The girls and I were shaken to our core. This signals that something is occurring in C’s brain. The Bell’s Palsy of the face (drooping of the right side of his face) and pstosis of the eyes (drooping eyelids) have also indicated this. However, the MRI shows a healthy brain. This truly is befuddling. Please be praying that Doc. Lotze will know how to proceed with these contradictions. I am very interested to hear his expertise on C’s new MRI. Currently C has come down with bronchitis. The reason why this is a bit concerning is because he has a weak cough and sneeze; which makes him very susceptible to pneumonia.

OK OK…done with all Debi Downer junk…..

C has made amazing strides since coming home from the hospital! Christian Daniel is ARMY CRAWLING!!!  We are so proud of him, we beam! I wish each and every one of you could see him in action! He truly is inspiring! His perseverance and determination is a blessing to watch. One statement has been repeated over and over by C’s doctors, therapists, and supporters,”I expected worse from what I read (from either C’s medical charts or blog)”. After hearing this so much, I created a theory.  WARNING!! I am putting a disclaimer on this theory though; Christian is my son, so my opinion is SLIGHTY bias! HaHa! C has a way of wearing Transverse Myelitis that makes you believe anything is possible.  Who Christian is to the core out shines his TM, his disabilities. And I believe these things will always play second fiddle to this astonishing little guy! What the fallout is from his TM is written in black and white but C is more than that diagnosis. He keeps getting knocked down but he comes back every time hungry to adapt and overcome, adapt and overcome. C doesn’t just find a way to get what he wants, he MAKES a way. I pray that one day; I too, can rise to life’s challenges with such finesse.

I can see God’s promises ringing true in our daily life. The provisions he has provided, make every step not only possible but hopeful.  God is who is taking every step with C, cheering him on and reminding him all things are possible THRU HIM! God is providing C with his super hero endurance and strength. God is in all of C’s therapists, who treat and most importantly love him like their own child, instead of a client. God is in our church family, Crosby First Baptist, who when we got too tired to walk picked us up and carried us…and still does this very moment. God’s hands and feet are moving through every prayer, hug, donation, meal made, coffee break, phone call taken and made, care package given but mostly ya’lls presence alone have made the greatest impact in our life. With all that we are….Thank-You.

               

TUESDAYS in JULY! Chili's in Humble, TX gets on board!

~ UPDATE from Tara ~

Great News for Christian!

Chili's in Humble, TX has joined the cause to help raise funds for Christian's recovery!

Every Tuesday in July - from open to close - for every person who brings in the flyer (see link below), Chili's will donate 10% of all sales to Christian's benefit !  Praise the Lord!

Who doesn't love Chilis?  Please download the file below, print & email them out, and lets pack out Humble Chili's every Tuesday in July!

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/document-preview.aspx?doc_id=83163300

The participating Chili's is located on the corner of HWY 59 & FM 1960, across from Deerbrook Mall.

Come hungry!

All the King's Horses and All the King's Men would not put Christian back together again...

 Christian is home from the hospital after a flare up of the original TM assault. He responded well to the treatment and didn’t need any cathing after 12 hours of the first steroid IV infusion. They had a MRI study done of both the brain and spinal cord. It confirmed that no new lesions were present. However, it did show atrophy of the spinal cord; which means the spinal cord did not regenerate from the damage done. While in the hospital the FIRST time, Doctor Lotze, explained it to me like this….C’s spinal cord was hit hard by a storm, damaging it.  But the body has electricians and they would go rewire the system. Electricians are over worked and underpaid; so often times they show up late and work slow. He told me to be patient and not give up hope. That is why he gave C the six month window of opportunity to improve…he was expecting the cavalry to come through in the end.  Fast forward to THIS hospital stay and his most recent MRI. The attending neurological doctor told me that C’s condition would not improve because his body did not fix the damage done by TM, that his spinal cord tissue had now died. As I type these words, vomit came into my throat and tears welled in my eyes. I refuse to hear that. I need to hear those words from Doctor Lotze, unfortunately he is out of town for the next two weeks. So I am impatiently waiting but I have already decided how I will respond if he tells me the same thing.  I know there is always HOPE in Jesus, our Healer but there comes a time to deal with what is right in front of you and pray for something better. This will be my response. I hope everyone can respect that. C will still benefit from Physical and Occupational therapy. That will re-strengthen what was weakened, and  re-teach what was forgotten, and GOD WILLING re-gain what was lost. This will also be his time to learn how to accomplish tasks as a boy who is paralyzed and had limited use of his fingers. We will also set goals; so C can plow right through them. He is determined.  And if by GOD’s grace his legs move, his therapists and I will make sure they are ready! Thank-You so much for your prayers, and continued support. We (Jack and I) are in this for the long haul. We will exhaust every possibility and not stop until C’s potential is maxed out; giving him every chance, every opportunity of a life uninterrupted by Transverse Myelitis. Please keep praying for Christian. We believe in miracles.

Difficult Days

Yesterday, Christian was re-admitted to Texas Children's Hospital.  He began a 5 day course of IV Steroids and thankfully is responding to the steroid therapy.  He is expected to go home within the 5 day time period.  This is the good news!

Christian is experiencing an inflamation flare up on his spinal cord. This is uncommon, but the fact it is happening is an indication he will likely continue to have similiar flare ups in the future.  This is extremely rare and very disappointing.  X-rays indicate his spine has begun to twist due to muscle spasms in his trunk.  Today, Jack and Danielle were also informed Christian has a condition called Chiari 1 malformation.  This is a condition in which brain tissue protrudes into the spinal canal. 

As you can imagine, this is alot to absorb.  Please pray for Jack and Danielle to experience God's peace and that God will grant them strength and endurance for each day.  Continue to pray for God's miraculous healing hands to touch Christian's body and restore his health. 

Heading to Hospital

Christian is still having trouble with urination issues.  He is not voiding on his own at all.  He was able to do so when he left the hospital.  Dr. Lotze has asked Danielle to bring Christian to the hospital.  Please be in prayer for parents and doctors to have wisdom.  Please pray for Christian's body to respond and for him to be healed.

Update on Christian - Every cloud has a silver lining!

Christian continues to battle an intermittent fever, which has been one of his symptoms since the onset of the TM.  Most recently, he has contracted a rash on his chest that is turning into sores in some places.  The Doctors are perplexed by the fever & rash.  His blood work was analyzed last week, and concluded that his hemoglobin, hemadocrit, and his white blood count are all low.  They will be re-working his blood this coming week to see if another blood transfusion is needed.  While he is eating table food well, his suction is weak, which has lead to Danielle syringe feeding him his milk instead of being able to nurse him.

As of yesterday, Christian is struggling with voiding his urine, which is requiring cathetarition  This is a mountain that Christian had already conquered since being home, so this regression is both concerning and disheartening to the family - especially with the other symptoms occurring.  Please be in prayer for Christian, his family, and his team of doctors as they monitor his course and symptoms.  Danielle is waiting on a phone call from the lead doctor that treated C at Texas Children's to order a plan of action if necessary.


The Silver Lining!
By the Grace of God and with the help of the loving hands of Christians's PT angel Leah, Christian's left pointer finger & thumb are almost at 100% full function!  His left pinky finger is "firing" intermittently, but movement is a blessing and a sign of good things to come!  His left thigh also seems to be showing slight intermittent firing, or movement signaled from the brain.  This is the first sign of reaction in his lower region - Praise the Lord for He has began a good work in this baby boy!  There is still no change in his right hand, but we are counting our blessings for the signs on the left side. 

Also a blessing!  The Smith's were blessed with a kid cart, a standing machine, and some body bracing

On Memorial Day, Christian & his big sisters spent some time at a local pool.

Hands & Feet Shirts are In!

Thank you to everyone who pre-purchased a Hands & Feet t-shirt!  They will be mailed out or delivered to you this week.  Ms. Seale at FBC is your contact person for Crosby FBC.

The pre-sale was a huge success, and 75 shirts were sold!  Praise the Lord!  That is 4 weeks of therapy for Christian! 

If you haven't already ordered your shirt, and are interested, please send an email to Tara at tbeasley@haoneil.com.  We will continue taking orders, and will send to the printing company in 50 shirt intervals.

God's Hands.... part one

Hello Dear Friends,

My name is Danielle.  I am Christian’s mommy. It is a bit funny to be guest starring on my own son’s blog. I wanted to give you an up close picture of the last 40 days. But more so, I want to show you God’s hands through this all. 

On the evening of April 18^th, Kyleigh (Christian’s biggest sissy) had a softball game. Christian would not eat his stage two baby food, which is unusual for him, and was extra fussy; however, he breastfeed fine and went to sleep between 7:30 and 8:00. At around 4:00 am I went to check on him…I stood outside his door for a moment and heard no crying but when I went through the door I heard a low moaning sound…it was Christian. I hurried to his crib and all he could do was look at me with his eyes, his body did not move. I picked him up and his body was limp; I screamed and rushed down the steps to Jack (Christian’s Daddy) yelling at him that there was something wrong. Jack held him as I took his temperature, it was very high. I gave him Tylenol and Motrin, deciding in my head that he was limp due to high fever. I took him back upstairs and was feeding him, he did ok. He fell back asleep and when we woke back up I switched sides for him to eat but he could not suck; he just looked at me and cried softly.  It really hit me then that something was very wrong. I woke up the girls (Kyleigh and Jillian) and quickly ushered them into the car in their pjs; no food, drink, or bathroom. 

 We showed up on our pediatrician’s office doorstep. They saw us that second, the doctor told me to go Texas Children’s Hospital immediately.  Sitting in the ER waiting room was scary and tense; both Jack and I were impatient. We were taken back to a room; the nurse did her quick assessment and realized the severity of the situation; so she got the doctor right away. That doctor decided to get the attending ER doctor. They ran blood, x-ray, and a CT-scan, all of which came back ok but Christian was getting worse by the minute. His heart and respiration rate were alarming, he had not eaten all day, and could barely move or cry. The attending doctor was completely clueless about what was happening to Christian and made it obvious she did not know what was wrong with him. By this time shift change occurred, (GOD’s hand) and there were two attending ER doctors looking into Christian’s case; this new doctor had a fresh perspective.  He ordered an MRI.  At this point friends/family had piled into this tiny ER room to support and pray over Christian (GOD’s hand). The girls were taken home by (GOD’s hand) the Criswell Family…words cannot express our gratitude.

The MRI was supposed to take an hour and a half, it ended up taking over 3 hours; the atmosphere was tense and nervous. They led us back into recovery and at the same time the nurse received orders to intubate him (put a tube down his throat so a machine could breathe for him) however he was breathing on his own(GOD’s hand), it was labored but he was managing.  The attending doctor came into the recovery room and told us Christian had Transverse Myelitis. The lesion was extensive it ran from C3-4 to T5-6. The lesion was on, among other things, the part of the spinal cord that controlled breathing…Christian should not have been able to breathe on his own but he was (GOD’s hand). A team of three critical care doctors came in to explain that 1/3^rd of people  don’t make it, 1/3^rd  partially recover, and  1/3^rd fully recover; they didn’t know which category Christian would fall in. I had been praying for the last nine hours to GOD begging HIM to let me keep C; but it was not till then that I realized how close we were to losing him. This day starts our new normal. 

 I promise to write as much as I can tomorrow to give you more of Christian’s journey and show you GOD’s hand.
~ Danielle

Last Call for T-shirt Pre-orders!

Praise the Lord!  We have received orders for over 40 shirts already!

We will be placing the order for shirts on Monday.   All proceeds of Christian's "Hands & Feet" shirts will go directly to the family next week!  Thank you all so much for your support!

If you attend FBC Crosby, you can also place your order with LeeAnn Lee.

If you have not placed your order, and wish to do so, please email Tara at tbeasley@haoneil.com.

Be Blessed, and Be A Blessing!

T-Shirt Fundraiser...now taking pre-orders!

Fundraising Opportunity!

We are now accepting pre-orders for white t-shirts with the above design.  All profits go directly to the Smith family for Christian's Physical & Occupational therapy. 

What an awesome opportunity to represent the hands and feet of Jesus by giving to rehabilitate Christian's hands and feet!

Ordering information:

$10  S-XL

add $2 for each extra X

Youth sizes also available for $10

(Please specify "Y" in your order YS=Youth Small)

Please send an email toTara tbeasley@haoneil.com, include quantity & sizes.

*Crosby FBC - pre-orders can also be accepted in person by LeeAnn Lee*

Thank you for your support! 

Adjusting to life at home and Testimony of the Lord's Favor!

This weekend, Danielle's mom, "Mim", was in town for a much needed visit.  Mim is so very close with her grandchildren, and it was a blessing to have her here for support and for Kyleigh's birthday party!

Adjusting to life at home without the support of medical teams has been rough, but the Smith's are taking it in stride.  Their faith and perseverance is amazing and the Lord is providing for their needs.

Christian is eating well and his bowels are operating with little to no intervention (PRAISE!!!) but has been waking in the middle of the night often, leaving Danielle very exhausted.

Major Praise report!  Christian is now extending one of his fingers! We are standing and believing that this is just a first step of him regaining mobility!

Per the doctors, the next six months will be a crucial window for his recovery.  The plasmaferesis treatments typically take between 2-6 months to begin repairing the damage done to his nerves.  During this window, Christian must have regular and frequent Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, and daily rehab at home.  Danielle has expressed that "being a rehab hospital is really hard".  Let's continue to rally around her and encourage the Smith Family!

Testimony of the Lord's Favor.....
To make a really long story short, Danielle and Jack were sent home from Texas Children's with a plan for at home care.  PT & OT were in place, and grants for Christian's therapy was already in the works.  TCH assured them that everything was in line for a very smooth transition.

Once they got home, Danielle & Jack began to make necessary appointments only to find out that PT and OT for Christian are not covered by insurance, and will be $225 (a 50% discount apparently) each time they visit for therapy.  TCH stressed that therapy should be at least 4 times a week to give Christian the BEST chance of a recovery.  So, $900 a week just for therapy - not including gas, parking, food, and childcare for the other kids.  For any family, $3600 a month would be a major burden.

But we know the Lord, Who is the Provider.

Through a friend, Danielle was introduced to a incredible woman of God who is a Physical therapist.  Leah has been following Christian's journey through this blog and through word of mouth, and met with Christian for the first time on Friday.  She has already been a blessing to the family through not only her profession, but also by her spirit of compassion, encouragement, and through her faith and love of Christ.  Not only that, but she has agreed to provide Christian with his PT treatment for a fraction of what the family would be facing.  The Lord is surely using her as a literal angel on earth to be His hands and feet for this family.  To God be the glory!

Here are a few shots of Leah working with Christian! 

Please continue to be in prayer for the family:
- As they make adjustments to life at home
- As the girls begin to see the differences and adjust to more focused time with Christian
- As Danielle becomes Christians "at-home" rehab facility - give her strength, patience, peace, and confidence
- Pray that the Lord continues to open doors for provision for the family
- Pray for favor at Jack's work place and with the hospital staff
- And of course, please continue to pray that Christian's treatments begin to show undeniable progress of healing and restoration to his body. 

Stay tuned for news of fundraisers for the family.  If you happen to have connections with any companies or individuals that would like get involved with sponsorship of a t-shirt fundraiser, or any other, please contact Tara Weber Beasley at tbeasley@haoneil.com

"Super Christian" is Back at Church!

Dressed in his Super Christian shirt and cape, Christian made his appearance back at church.  What a wonderful gift it was to have him back with all his friends.  Adam was super excited to see Christian too!

Christian was also able to join the prayer circle tonight as women gathered to pray for him.  What a beautiful gift to see God's prayers being answered on so many levels.  God is working miracles and allowing us to see His hand. 

Continue to pray.  God listens!

Guess Who is Coming HOME!!!!!!

Christian is going home today!  Tonight, the Smith family will all be under the same roof and it will be THEIR roof!   What a day of celebration this is for all of them.  Ky and Jillian just may be the happiest of all!

Please take time today to praise God and thank Him for making today possible.  So many times God has protected and saved Christian's life over the past several weeks.  We promised to give Him glory and today is a great day to do that.

Pray for a safe transition home.  Pray for peace as Jack and Danielle care for Christian outside of the hospital.  Pray for their wisdom and endurance.  Continue to pray for complete and total healing of Christian.  God is working.  There are amazing stories of how God has intervened and protected Christian's life.  He is able to do abundantly above and beyond all we can think or imagine.

Praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow!

This is the day the Lord has made.  Let us REJOICE and be Glad in it!

Praise

From Danielle.......I asked to keep him, and he lived. I asked for help, and HIS hands and feet came. I asked for wise doctors and nurses, and I got champions. I asked for a bed, and got a room. I asked for protection, and he was saved(story later). I ask for him to be healed....and he will be healed in Jesus' name.

Pray the Boy Home!!!!!

Danielle's facebook status yesterday says it all..... "The Boy might get to go home this week! 26 days in the hospital is way to long! Poor thing spiked a fever and won't eat, so they have him on IV fluids and IV antibiotic. But it looks like he does not need a blood transfusion! Thanks to everyone who made my girls day special!"

Treatments are finished.  Time to focus on getting strong and coming home!  Please pray for Christian to regain his strength and for him to be released to go home.  Having their entire family under the same roof......HOME..... will be awesome for everyone!

Yesterday was Ky's birthday.  She celebrated with her Sunday School class and again with the family at the hospital.

Thank you for continued support and prayer.  Christian is stretching out his fingers more and more.  This is a huge praise!  When Christian comes home he will begin physical therapy and lots of hard work with focus on regaining full use of his hands and legs.  Our God is ABLE.  Our job is to believe He is able and trust Him as we wait.  

Chemo Treatment Saturday Afternoon

Christian will have his chemo treatment this afternoon.  A doctor, a pheresis nurse, a chemo nurse and Nurse Amanda will all be present.  Please pray for Christian to tolerate the treatment well, to have few if any side effects, and most importantly for the treatment to be effective.

Please pray for Danielle.  She is doing great!  She has strength she knows comes from all of your prayers. 

Pray for Jack and the girls.  Daddy is spending the morning with them at a swim meet.  The girls are certainly ready for the family to all return home.

Please continue to pray for The Criswells who have so graciously taken on the partnership with Jack and Danielle in caring  for the girls.  Please "bless" them as you are able.

Thank you for continued prayers for Christian's complete and total healing!

Answered Prayers and Good News!

In what can be explained no other way than a direct answer to prayers.....Christian has begun to tolerate his plasmapheresis treatments and is having his final treatment today.  Thanks to answered prayers, he will also proceed with the next treatment option which is chemo.  This is a level of chemo which brings risks and side effects ..... but he WILL get to keep his blonde curls!

Another awesome praise is 2 of his fingers are stretching out when he reaches!  This is a much longed for sign of progress!

Today, Christian was able to visit with his friend Adam.  This was a special treat for both of them and their moms!

There is also a possibility of going HOME on Monday!!!!!!  Please pray for wisdom on behalf of doctors, Jack and Danielle as they determine when Christian is ready to come home.

Please continue to pray..... God Listens!

Pressing On

Thank you for prayers for wisdom.  After much prayer, Jack and Danielle have decided along with their doctors to move forward with Christian's plasmapheresis treatment.  He will have treatment tomorrow (Wednesday) and again on Friday. 

Today, the doctors put a new treatment back on the table as a possibility. Please continue to pray for wisdom and direction.


So 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

Prayers for Wisdom

The treatments C has been getting are not producing a change but they are endangering his life.  The doctors are debating amongst themselves to end treatment. They approached me to get my opinion on the matter. I need wisdom, the doctors need wisdom, then peace about whatever the final decision is...please pray... ~ Danielle

Weekend update and Monday, May 9th Prayers

Thank you for your continued prayers and concern for Christian and his family.  Your commitment to pray and check in with his progress is a life giving gift to the Smith family.  The knowledge people are praying is an invaluable gift.  God is their sustainer and a very present help in time of need.  You are the body reaching out and giving tangible life to their faith. 

Over the weekend, Christian had his 3rd plasmapheresis treatment as well as a blood transfusion.   The plasmapheresis treatment is basically like dialysis.  It is the removal, treatment, and return of (components of) blood plasma from blood circulation.  A blood transfusion is when he received the blood of another individual due to his own hemoglobin count being low.  Today he has his 4th of 6th plasmapheresis treatments.

At this point, there has been no change in his use of hands or legs.  Last week, he was fitted for leg splints due to the stiffness in the legs and feet. The splints will keep his feet in proper position so his tendons and muscles will not shrink.  Christian is also struggling with constipation issues.  Because he is not eating well, he is having difficulty getting his full dose of miralax, which is causing more constipation. Bowel and bladder issues are a direct result of the transverse myelitis. 

It is very difficult on treatment days in particular.   At this point, we are unsure if most of these symptoms are treatment related.  He feels lousy.  Low blood count.  Treatments. Constipation.  You can imagine!

Pray:
1.  "We want to see some movement in Christian's legs.  We want to see his hands uncurl."  His core muscles are not working either- which affects ability to sit up and hold himself up.  Please continue to pray for God to heal Christian completely.
2.  Please pray for Christian to have relief from his constipation struggle.  It is very painful for him and for his parents who want to relieve his pain and are unable to do so.
3.  The girls - Jillian is really having a tough time with seperation from mom and dad.  Please pray for her to have peace.  Ky appears to be doing well.  She is working  really hard to please everyone and help in any way she can.  Please pray she will not take on any more than is needed.  Please continue to pray for and support Mike and Stacie Criswell who are so kindly caring for the girls and offering them stability during this time.
4.  Jack and Danielle- Exodus 17:8-15 tells of the battle against the Amalekites.  As long as Moses held his hands up to God, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.  When Moses' hands grew tired, Aaron and Hur made it possible for him to sit and they "held his hands up - one on one side, one on the other - so that his hands remained steady" .  The battle was won.  Jack and Danielle are in a battle.  They are weary, tired, and in need of people to "hold their arms up" in prayer and warfare against the enemy who would seek to weaken them during this time.  It is difficult not to question decisions when you must watch your child suffer.  Pray for God to strengthen their faith and resolve.  Pray for God to give them the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical stamina needed to endure with confidence that God is good, God is able and God is trustworthy.  Ask God to surround them both with a very real sense of His presence and peace. 

Quick update: Third treatment in process

Christian is undergoing his third treatment right now. The doctors are exaining that a blood transfusion may be necessary this round. Danielle is currently with Christian and Jack, Ky, and Jillian are headed up to the hospital to spend the day. Please pray for a sucessful treatment for the baby with limited interventions, for good quality family time for all, and the girls especially, as they are dealing with separation anxiety.

God bless, and thank you for praying.

Urgent Prayer Request from Danielle

Christian started his second treatment at 1:15pm today. 

Message from Danielle at 2:15:

NEED PRAYER REQUEST

One side of the port is partially functioning.  It can be flushed but we cannot draw blood out of it.  The doctor thinks that it may be just a positional issue of the tube.  The other port is working as it should.  They are giving medication to try and disolve any clots that maybe be blocking it.  If this is not resolved, then the port will have to be replaced.  (meaning another surgery)  Please pray that this issue resolves on its own.

Danielle

Update: Rough Night Wednesday, Praying for Sucessful Treatment Today

Last night, Christian began vomiting, spiked a fever of 103.2, and a rash appeared, all of which are potential side effects of the Plasmapheresis treatment.  The nursed monitored him throughout the night.

This morning, the port in Christian's leg - where he receives his treatment - showed minor bleeding and he still has fever, now at 100.7.  The nurses are fitting Christian with leg splints.  At this time, they are still planning to administer the second round of Plasmapheresis sometime today. 

God is in control.  His ways are perfect.  He designs and orders our steps to cross paths with people everyday that can bless us and be there in our very time of need.  From a spectators view, that is happening with the Smith family - and its beautiful. 

Thank you to all the incredibly special people in their lives who have not only stepped in to assist in every way, but have allowed the Lord to use them for divine appointments. 

What a blessing that Danielle has a dear friend with her today that, through personal experiences, knows the ins and outs of Texas Children's Hospital.  She has been able to calm her fears while seeing some of these side effects appear.  Danielle and Jack have been so strong, and it is a tremendous blessing and encouragement to have someone with them that has been there.  How awesome is it that this friend was able to be there at this particular time.  God is in control!

Thank you Lord for every blessing!  We will stand on Your Word and Your Promises!

PRAYER REQUESTS
- Christian to remain healthy enough to receive his second treatment
- While in treatment, for his Blood Pressure and Heart Rate remain at a healthy level
- For health and protection against any sickness for all the family, friends, doctors, and medical personnel coming in contact with Christian.
- For the Ky & Jillian, please pray that they continue to thrive while being loved on by family & friends while out of their normal routine.
- For Jack while he manages work, home, hospital visits, keeping his family closely connected, and for safe traveling throughout it all.
-  For Danielle, as she manages, monitors, and cares for Christian at the hospital.  For her heart, her health, and for her spirits to remain high and focused.

Today, on the National Day of Prayer, please help us spread the word.

Praises and Prayers for the first day of new treatment

Christian began his plasmapheresis treatment today.  It began with a surgical procedure to add a Port in his leg, rather than his chest.  Danielle, Jack and Christian spent most of the day in a Dialysis facility receiving Christian's treatment.  He was blood levels were checked frequently to insure that he was tolerating the procedure.  He was able to complete the entire treatment, but his Blood Pressure dropped and Heart Rate increased.  The medical team found that his calcium level also dropped, so they scheduled another infusion of calcium to regain the appropriate levels.  Right now, he is being monitored, and will be tested soon to see if yet another infusion will be necessary following today's plasmapheresis. 

After all is stabilized from today's treatments. they will wait 48 hours to begin the second of five treatments. 

Praise Report!!! 
After packing up their hospital room and preparing for another week in the PICU, the doctor allowed them to return to a private room after each treatment.  This is HUGE for Danielle and the family because it means that the sisters can still visit, showers and restroom facilities are close by, and best of all, Danielle can stay the night in the room with Christian. 

We are thankful for every blessing!

Prayer Requests:
- For Christian to maintain healthily blood pressure and heart rates during and following his treatments
- For any infusions necessary be tolerated perfectly
- For rest, peace, and health for the entire Smith Family

Plasmapheresis Prayer Please

It is a little after 5:00 pm and Christian is undergoing his first Plasmapheresis treatment.  He is having some difficulty tolerating the treatment.  His blood pressure is dropping.   The doctors are monitoring him throughout.  Jack and Danielle have asked that we pray for Christian now and over the next several hours.  Will update again when the treatment is over.

PRAISE REPORT...... YIPPEE!

Tuesday, May 3rd has held some stressful moments but is turning out to be a day of God's blessings!  CHRISTIAN IS DOING WELL after his MRI and surgical procedure.  Mom and dad survived as well. 

Then, moments ago, the doctors said there was NO REASON FOR CHRISTIAN TO HAVE TO BE IN THE PICU for the treatment.  So, Jack and Danielle are now unpacking and setting up camp back in the same room!  This was a welcome "surprise" gift from God today.

Jack and Danielle send this message:

"It has certainly been difficult to endure all of this.  However, Jesus has been right here with us supplying us with dear friends and limitless support.   God has placed a nurse with us whose sister has transverse myelitis and she has great knowledge and contacts she has shared.  Dr. Lotze has pulled strings to get us back to the 10th floor...... Jesus is HERE. We can see Him and feel Him."

Ephesians 3:20-21 says,

"God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

   Glory to God in the church!
   Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus!
   Glory down all the generations!
   Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes! "

Trusting that God is able and waiting with anticipation to see what He chooses to do next!

Christian is in MRI and then Surgery

Please pray for Christian as he is in for his MRI and then he will have the surgical procedure to put in the port for treatment.  This process will take quite a while.   Pray for Jack and Danielle as they wait.  The plan is for the treatment to begin today as well.  Will update later today.

A Fight to the Finish - Ephesians 6
God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a coup...le of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long.

Heading back to PICU

From Danielle, "Heading back to the PICU for the next two weeks....please pray this is a hard place to be....no bathroom.showers.food or drinks.visitors are limited and our girls are not allowed.....no beds just two small hard chairs for parents...agh...this is too much sometimes...feeling overwhelmed..."

Christian's surgery for the port was moved to tomorrow morning.  After the surgery he will be back in PICU for the duration of the treatment.  They were not aware or expecting to move back to PICU.  Please pray for endurance, encouragement and for the girls.  As always, protection and healing for Christian.

Plasmapheresis, Port, and Prayer

This morning doctors explained Christian will need a surgical procedure to put in a port in order to receive the plasmapheresis treatment.  This was a bit of a surprise to Danielle.  He will not be able to eat/drink for several hours and this presents some challenges.  She anticipates him to be in surgery sometime late afternoon or early evening.

Please pray for Christian's comfort and protection.  The plasmapheresis treatment will most likely begin tomorrow.  Please pray for success with this treatment.  There have not been any changes in Christian over the past several days.  The hope is this treatment will bring the much prayed for improvements.

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement of the Smith Family.  

"Those who wait on the Lord....shall walk and not faint."  Isaiah 40:31

Weekend Update

The last couple of days have held no real changes.  Christian is maintaining and that is good news, but we are all hoping for great news of steady improvement! On Monday he is scheduled to begin the plasmaferesis treatment.  Please pray for continued healing and improvement in Christians body. 

The girls are spending the weekend with mom, dad and Christian.  Last night, Ky was able to spend the night with mom and Christian.  This was a big deal for her.  Please pray for the girls to enjoy some quality time with mom and dad.

Please pray for logistic and financial provisions for when Christian goes home.  He will need intensive therapy for some time.  Please pray specifically for the Medicaide approval to come through for Christian's medical needs. 

The doctors clarified visitors are and will continue to be welcome.  Your continued encouragement through cards, visits, and scripture posts are greatly appreciated.   Above all, please continue to pray.   

"The things that are impossible with men are possible with God."  Luke 18:27

Comments are Enabled

Thank you to Matt Murphy who corrected the issue with comments.  Hopefully you can make comments now!  May need to make comment as "anonymous" and sign your name in comment.  Will update later today.

Some trust in chariots (doctors), Some trust in horses (treatments) But we trust in The Name of The Lord Our God

Yesterday, Danielle had several meetings with doctors.  One huge praise is she was able to meet with Dr. Lotze, a pediatric nuerologist who specializes in demyelization.  He rarely comes to the hospital, yet he did yesterday.  YEAH GOD!

To summarize the information given yesterday, the doctors say:
1.  Christian will have spastic diplegia.
2.  Christian will most likely have bladder/bowel problems.
3.  Christian's fingers may remain non-functioning.
4.  Christian will have a depressed autonomic system.
5.  Christian will have a weak cough and sneeze / respirtory system.

Next week, he will begin plasmapheresis treatment.  This treatment will remove all the antibodies from his system.   The two weeks while he is getting plasmapheresis his visitors will be restricted for his safety.   Please contact Lee Ann Lee prior to going to visit.

That is the medical report from the best of the best at Texas Children's Hospital.  Here is the report from the King of Kings and Lord of Lords........

God says,

1.  Some trust in chariots, some trust in horses, but we trust in The Name of The Lord our God. Psalm 20:7
2.  For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.  2 Timothy 1:7
3.  But now, Lord, what do I look for?  My hope is in You!  Psalm 39:7
4.  I call on You, O God, for You will answer me.  Psalm 17:6
5.  But I will restore you to health, and heal your wounds.  Jeremiah 30:17
6.  ".....But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”   "If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”  Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:22-24
7.  He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.  Psalm 112:7
8.  This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.  And if we know that He hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of Him.  1 John 5:14-15

God is still in the healing business.  Please continue to pray for Christian's healing and complete recovery. 

The girls are looking forward to spending the weekend as a family here at TCH.  Pray for a special time family time.

You will notice a paypal link has been added to the page.   All donations through paypal will go directly to Jack and Danielle's account.  Thank you for your generosity.

A child from our church family has been admitted 2 doors down.  He has been initially diagnosed with adrenoleukodystrophy.  Danielle asks you to please pray for Adam and his parents, Rollo and Amber.  God can heal and we are boldly asking Him to do so!

For those of you having trouble commenting, you must first create a google account or one of the other log in id's.  Process should take about 10 minutes!  Thank you for your patience!

PS  Christian has been emptying his bladder on his own, without a catheter for the past 24 hours.  PRAISE GOD!

Scripture, Prayers, Fasting, Miracles

Many continue to ask, "What can we do?"  The number one answer remains PRAY.  Ask God for a complete and full recovery for Christian.  Ask God to heal his hands, his legs, his bladder and all areas affected by Transverse Myelitis. 

Another way you can encourage is to post encouraging Scripture here on the blog comments. (If you have difficulty leaving a comment here, please leave a Scripture or prayer on Danielle's facebook page.) 

Yesterday, Danielle commented she would fast and pray if it were possible (not advisable for nursing moms).  If you feel led to do so over the next couple of weeks, select a time frame to fast and pray for Christian's healing. 

Several plan to pray for Christian daily at high noon.  Use the call to prayer as a reminder to lift Christian and his family up to God.

Above all, we give God glory and honor and praise.  Looking forward to reading the Scriptures God places on your hearts today! They will be a blessing to Jack and Danielle.

Intense Day, Keep Praying

Today has been an intense day for Danielle.  She has had meetings with teams of doctors throughout the day and was able to meet with a Doctor who specialized in Transverse Myelitis.  She was overloaded with lots of information.

Christian will begin a new treatment next week which will last approximately two weeks.  The plan is for him to go home after that treatment in order to keep him from getting sick.  (The hospital is NOT a good place to avoid illness!)

Tonight, her and Jack will talk and process the information she was given today.  Please pray for them as they create a plan for the girls  and take in all of the information. 

The girls went to the hospital today to spend time with Danielle and their time was limited at best.  The teams of doctors came and Danielle was continually meeting.  Please pray for the girls to understand and have a sense of how very much their parents do love them!!!

As always, continue to pray for complete healing and restoration. 

Also, they have asked for no visitors tonight.  Thank you!

Tuesday Morning Update

Christian slept solid from 9 pm to midnight, then "twilighted" until 4 or so.  Then slept again pretty solid until 7am!  His fever spiked around midnight and blood pressure dropped again.  At this time blood pressure is normal and he still has a fever.

This morning he is still very stiff.  OT had some problems working with him yesterday. He did wear his braces like a champ last night.  Doctors are using words like diplegia, paralyisis, and clunus.

They have just removed the catheter as a test and will check in four hours to see if his bladder is functioning.  They are also considering putting in  a picc line to make blood draws and infusions easier.

PRAYER REQUESTS:
1.  Pray for his bladder to function and that he will not need the catheter returned.
2.  Pray for 3rd IVIG treatment today.  His blood pressure needs to remain stable and pray he can continue to full dose.
3.  Please continue to pray for complete healing and restoration!

Thank you for your tremendous, overwhelming, amazing support!  We would not be making it without you! ~ Jack and Danielle

April 25th evening update

Big Praise of the Day:  During testing, Christian responded to something cold being on his legs.  This means he has feeling in BOTH legs!

Today he was fitted with WHO (Wrist Hand Orthies).  He does not like them!  He has to wear them when he sleeps and for 3 hours on, 3 hours off while awake.  Tomorrow he will be fitted with AFO (Ankle Feet Orthies).

His feeding tube is out!  He did very well with baby food and feedings today.

His blood pressure stabalized and he was able to have his second IVIG treatment. 

Infectious Disease team has been called in to run full battery of tests in order to identify why his fever continues to spike.

Jack returned to work today and faced multiple challenges. Please continue to pray for this situation.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for continued prayers, visits and support. 

Pictures from Sisters' hospital visit

Prayer from Danielle

Watch close. Pay attention. GOD is going to work a real life miracle in C's life. I rebuke paralysis in the name of the Lord. I rebuke a non-functioning bladder and sphincter in the Name of the Lord. I rebuke non-working fingers and wrists in the name of the Lord. I rebuke weak muscles that are used to cough and sneeze in the name of the Lord. My boy WILL fully recover!

Easter Sunday Praises and Monday morning Prayer requests

We have Praises to report for Christian Daniel!

Yesterday, Easter Sunday, Christian began DAY 1 of a five day IVIG treatment.  PRAISE THE LORD - he was able to receive the dosage he needed! 

Big sisters, Kyleigh and Jillian were able to come for a much needed visit to Mom, Dad and baby brother.

God's Provision through his people has been overwhelming - and is so very much appreciated by the Smith family.  They are amazed at the out pour of love from so many, and are very thankful.

Medically, Christian's chest X-RAY was clear and both Danielle and Christian were able to sleep four straight hours last night.

This morning presents a few challenges that need prayer:

- Christian's blood pressure is lower than the doctors would like.  Please pray that his BP rise so that the second IVIG treatment can be administered.

- Jack returned to work today.  Please pray for favor with his employer, peace beyond the circumstance for both Danielle and Jack, and for Jack to stay perfectly healthy.  This is incredibly important while Christian's autoimmune issues are being treated.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and for the support that is showering this family.

IVIG Begins This Morning

This morning, Christian will begin his IVIG treatment.  There are some risks involved with this treatment.  The dosage will be increased very slowly and he will be closely monitored during the treatment.  The infusion will take approximately 2 hours.  Please pray that he tolerates it and is able to make it to the goal dosage. 

He is still spiking fevers which is still of concern, considering all of the high powered medications he has been taking.  As a result, they are doing more testing.  His chest is weak, meaning he cannot sneeze or cough very well.    Respitory team has been called back in to treat him.

Thank you for continued prayers.

Doctors Say Plan B..... Trusting God for Plan A: Full Recovery!

Jack and Danielle have asked to get the word out on Christian's progress and where he is in his recovery at this point.  He is still battling fever.  The first several days have been critical for recovery.  Doctors have said he is not recoverying as they had hoped and they are switching to plan b.  Plan b is to address the issues as they arrive and work to keep him funtioning at the highest level possible.  Doctors have told them he doesn't have paralysis "yet".  The word "yet" has been very disheartening for Danielle in particular.  Danielle has not been reading up on transverse myelites and has no desire to do so.  She said she is having a difficult time processing what is reality without looking at the possibilities.  Jack and others have read and she says the others do not seem as surprised.

They will begin an infusion treatment called IVIG on Monday.  They will also change his steroid to another type of steroid.

I asked her for her top 3 prayer requests and here they are:

1) Pray for a FULL recovery.  Her words, "I want a miracle!!!!"

2) Pray for Kylie and Jillian.  The next couple of months will be very different.  They are in excellent care with Stacy Criswell.  However, Danielle is concerened for them.  She doesn't want them to feel neglected, unloved, or to resent Christian's illness in any way.  Pray for wisdom in how to help them have normalcy in the midst of this crisis time in their family.

3)  Jack will need to return to work soon.  Please pray for his peace and wisdom.  Pray for his work situation so he will be able to spend less hours at the job.  Pray for peace for Danielle and Jack while he is away from the hospital.

Many are asking, "How can I help?"  Here are some ways you can help:

1)  PRAY.  Seriously.  If you do nothing else, and you pray, you are doing the best thing there is to do.

2)  Volunteer to sit at the hospital with them.  Especially with Jack's return to work, this will be of huge help.  Lee Ann Lee is putting together a calendar for people to go to hospital in shifts.  (Visitors welcome any time, but if you want to be there for a few hours or more, please sign up with Lee Ann).   You may contact her at 832-573-1862 or Facebook or email:  davidandleelee@yahoo.com

3)  CCHE (homeschool group) is coordinating all other aspects of care:  meals, childcare, yard work, laundry.....you name it!  If you would like to volunteer in some other capacity than being at  the hospital, please contact Cathy Darsey via email: vincat1@earthlink.net or 281-452-6573

4)  Financial assistance:
       a)  It is very important to Jack and Danielle that The Criswell's not be burdened while caring for Ky and Jillian.  Danielle has asked for people to send gift cards for groceries  etc to Stacy and help her as much as possible. 
       b)  Jack and Danielle also have obvious expenses at this time.  If you wish to donate financially, you may take donations to Community Bank of Texas and ask to see Josh Seale or you may drop off your donation at FBC Crosby church office and your gifts will be taken to the hospital as people go.