Sunday, June 6, 2010

We need your Prayers!


(Update at bottom)


 I am a pretty private person but 
our family is in need of your prayers.


You may have noticed that I have been away for a few weeks. Not only have we been in a major long distance move, with Hubby working and living in Palm Desert and me still here in Texas...
we are also having MAJOR life/health issues in our family!

My dear son-in-law, Kevin, is near kidney failure. He was diagnosed with a kidney disease at age 14, and was told at that time he would need a kidney transplant in about 10 years.


 Because of his healthy lifestyle,
he surpassed that time frame
and made it 22 years.

This picture was taken in better times.



He has such a wonderful little family!

2005

This was taken December of 2005. (He is now 36.) 
My beautiful daughter Angie, and their adorable daughter Logan and of course Kevin.



He is a GREAT  HUSBAND
and the VERY BEST DADDY ever!


Logan adores her daddy!!!



Well... early this year it became necessary to start the transplant process.
This is usually a long drawn out process,
but he was VERY lucky that his father was a good match! 

Then came all the tests to make sure his father could actually be the donor.
We were SO sure that Kevin would get his transplant by early summer...


But then they found something.
A  small spot  on his  fathers lung.
Something that requires further testing.


Good thing this was found early, and would not have been had he not gone through all those test.
Bad thing is that he will not be able to donate.
Understandably this has also added to the family health concerns.


All this time wasted!
Now the process starts over!


Kevin is now at the point that he HAS to go on dialysis.
He goes in this Thursday so get an operation to insert a port.
This will allow him to have his treatments at home... maybe.
We hope!

At this time he is feeling a little worse for wear, to say the least.
Hopefully the dialysis treatment will help him to feel better, 
and without too many side effects.


Did I mention that he is still working?
He is a very determined man.
Taking care of his family.


Even though he is extremely tired and very sick at times,
he still needs his income and insurance coverage. 
My daughter is working and going to school... again. 

They are making plans for the long term. 
 After all these transplants usually just last 5-10 years
and then the process starts all over again.


Good news...
I am blood type O!
A universal blood type!!!


That means that I could possible be the donor... if all goes well. 
Hopefully my old body has held up well enough to be of some good.  
(Now I regret not taking better care of it.)


Strange... now it seems more important
for Kevin's health than it was for mine.


I am hoping that I can do this. It has given me a real since of purpose.
Something that I have not felt in some time.


Mothers feel the pain of their children,
no matter how old they may be.


~ ~ ~

Update: August 4, 2011
six months post transplant.


Kevin was lucky enough to get his transplant.
His neighbor of 6 years was a match.

Kevin ( left) and Jace the morning before surgery. Feb 2011.



Kevin is loved by MANY people and
dozens of people offered to be tested. 

Kevin (right) and Jace up and about.


Thank you Jace!

Kevin (left) and Jace back at home.


He and his dear friend are doing great.
Both are now back to work.

Kevin (right) and Jace post transplant!


Kevin recently wrote this on his facebook.

"Today is six months post transplant! The kidney is doing great. The dr.s are still adjusting my medicine but overall things look good. Thanks everyone for your support and especially jace without you i would not be where i am today im forever grateful. And i cant forget my immediate family and extended family who helped raise money that helped pay for the tranplant surgery. Have a great day and dont take your friends or health for granted they can both change so quickly..." Kevin

Kevin is back to his "old self".

I must say that he is looking pretty good again...
Just like the Kevin we have all grown to love :)

Life is precious so enjoy every day!


I was almost brought to tears by reviewing this past year... 
Our prayers were answered and we all 
still have Kevin in our life.


xoxo
 Bunny Jean

30 comments:

Gay Vaughan said...

Adding your family to my list! Thank you for sharing...sometimes even us private people have to share because prayers are needed. God is good, all the time!
~Gay~
itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com

Donna said...

I will be praying for all of you.

Donna

Marigene said...

Please know that your family members are in my thoughts and prayers...praying Kevin will will be matched to a donor right off.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh my, this is such sad news. You will all be in my prayers. I know the Lord will guide you all and that He has you in His hands. I so hope the right donor is found fast. God Bless. Hugs, Marty

Anonymous said...

I certainly will be lifting up your dear son in law in my prayers! What a lovely family they make. I'll be praying for a donor quickly! I'll be praying for you too to feel God's peace in this time. Thank you for sharing so we can get the opportunity to pray for you.
Blessings,
Shelia ;)

Jo said...

You and your family are in my thoughts

Natasha in Oz said...

This must be a very stressful time for you all. I will definitely keep you ALL in my thoughts and prayers.

Take care.

Natasha.

Kelly @ Much To Do With Nothing said...

Hi Bunny Jean. I'm so glad I was surfing blogs tonight and saw this. I worked in dialysis for a year, so I know what the patients go through. I loved all of them. I'll pray that you're a match.
He is young and strong. I know everything will be ok.
xoxo
Kelly

Joyce said...

I was wondering where you were lately. I will certainly pray your SIL and yes do take extra special care of yourself.
Joyce

~ The (UN)organized Homeschooling Mom said...

It is a scary situation....I sure hope it all goes well and that everyone comes out doing well.....as we all know, I do not pray but lately my thoughts have been nonstop on this issue....and in a way maybe I have been praying, to whom, I am not sure. I have been asking for a happy outcome to all of this......I give you and Kevin all of my love and strength I have to give...((huggs)) to that both of you....and of course, Angie and Logan are in my thoughts....stay strong. I am re-posting this on my blog....only have 13 followers but maybe they will re-post on theirs also.....and so on.....

Sonny G said...

I am so sorry your family is going through this. Healing energy to you SIL and prayers for all of you.. I know there is a light at the end of this tunnel and you will all come through with a renewed zest for life.

Sonny

Stephanie said...

I had chills on top of chills. I will be praying if you are not a match one will come right away. I know God hears our "petitions".
God bless you and your family,
Stephanie

Sharon said...

My prayers are with you and your family, I hope a kidney will be found soon. My husband had stage 4 lung cancer and now is cancer free. Have faith, and prayers are answered.

Tardevil said...

Bless your heart. I can't imagine all of that on top of a move across the country. Will say a prayer for you and your family.

Creations By Cindy said...

Praying, praying and praying! Be blessed. Cindy

Nola said...

Sorry to hear of your son in law's health problems. Rest assured, you will all be in my prayers.

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

Hi Sweetie...
Thanks for stopping by...
I am wondering where you all are in this process of finding a kidney.
Are you seriously considering yours?
I know your heart...anything for your children.
Goes without saying...
I am praying for a kidney soon.
Such a beautiful family..I can imagine your stress level.
God knows every detail...rest in that.
xoxo~Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings...

Bella's Rose Cottage said...

Hi Bunny Jean, So soorry to hear about your families health problems. I think it is so good for you to share even if you are a private person, supportis good!
If you are a match what an incredable gift that is!!!
I am keeping you and your in my thoughts!
Bella

Judi said...

Hi Bunny, My prayers are with you and your family. It is difficult to share what the heart is hurting from. You have a beautiful family and know as a mom the inexpressible sadness you must feel.
God answers prayer,
Judi

Dreams and Decor said...

I'm so sorry to hear about all this that is happening. But, thanks for sharing this with us, so we can pray for you. God does hear prayers! All of you are in my prayers! Patti

Unknown said...

Hi Bunny, you will definitely be in our thoughts and prayers. What a beautiful family they are and look the picture of perfect health. They will be soon as hopefully everything will fall in place and Kevin will be in great shape!
Thanks so much for stopping by - I love the company. Sorry you were never able to get any Western Tanagers - we've been pretty lucky I guess!!!

Brenda Pruitt said...

Just yesterday another blogger wrote that her daughter needed an organ. So young and beautiful, and in need of something so scarce. I hope that things work out. I hope he sees many, many more years with his family, who obviously love him very much.
Brenda

The Stylish House said...

Bunny Jean,
I can honestly say I understand what your family is going through. I'm Heather's mom and appreciate the kind words you left on my blog. Hopefully, our loved one's will get their life saving transplants soon and enjoy a full and long, happy life!
All my best,
Cathy

Staci at Craftify It ! said...

You are a hero for even stepping forward as a donor. Best wishes to you and your family & I pray that he will get his transplant soon!

cherry said...

Thoughts & prayers coming your way. What a beautiful family ..
Happy 4th to you and yours!
hugs from Savannah, Cherry

xinex said...

I am so sorry your family is undergoing all ythese health issues. I feel so bad for Kevin because he is so young yo have to go through all these but then maybe being young is an advantage because his young body might be able to tackle all the treatment challenges.I will offer some prayers for him and for your family...Christine

Kristi said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your son in law! I hope there has been a match found. These stresses on the family make things so hard at times, but also make you all draw closer. I will be praying for Kevin and you all! Update us when you can!
Kristi

WhyCuzICan said...

How great to hear that your Kevin is doing well after his transplant, Bunny Jean :) That's wonderful.

As you and I are "new blog buddies" I don't know if you have read my blog yet, but my own Kevin (it's such a nice name, dont' ya think?!) is battling Kidney Cancer now. (He is not eligable for a transplant, and is considered terminal at the 5 year mark, he is on year 4 year and 1 month already though, and is still VERY much live and kicking).

Kidneys are so precious, and the ability to give a kidney to someone in need is a precious gift. Jace is quite a guy, as it Kevin :)

God Bless you all,
Suzanne in IL

WhyCuzICan said...

Re-reading your lovely post about your own dear SIL, Kevin.

Still Praying for him and your family and thanking The Lord for Jace. What a special man he is.

God Bless you all today and always,
Suzanne & Kevin in Illinois

Joy Burkhart said...

Hey Bunny,
I'm so thankful that Kevin is doing so well, Jace, too! They are both special men. I saw your grand-daughter's name is Logan. That's my maiden name. Have seen it many times for boys, but this is the first for a girl. I'm likin' it-about time for a girl to take such a noble name! Tell your kids they're still in my prayers!
xoxo
Joy



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