Who knew that just under 4 months ago Rick would go in for routine blood work to discover his relentless fatigue would reveal something far greater than a lack of sleep or an over-actice thyroid?
GOD knew. And this is where we find our peace.
After many weeks of testing, specialists and non-stop prayer, Rick was given a diagnosis of Stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma on April 30th. In the Bible, James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." Joy in suffering is not natural. But, by the beautiful and mysterious grace of GOD, we are given joy. We submit to His call.
So, on June 8th Rick's combat course begins. With 5 rounds of hard-core, in-patient chemo and a stem cell transplant, and possibly a blood transfusion or two (no minor battle for any soldier of GOD), we're looking to make this 'badboy' tap out!! Rick is strong in Spirit, mind and health, ready for what lies ahead- ALL FOR THE GLORY OF CHRIST JESUS.
Deepest thanks to each of you for your love, encouragement, and prayers on behalf of Rick, healing, and our family.
GOD be with you.
4.25.2012
Our beloved GRANDMA ALICIA
January 28, 1926-February 16, 2011
Merry Christmas!
Lola
CONGRATULATIONS!!! TRANSPLANT COMPLETE!
11.12.10 Rick resting after Transplant
11.12.10 God's Miracle, His "identical" plan
11.12.10 Rick, Lindsey & Nicole
11.12.10 Rick, Mike & Brady
11.11.10 Mike harvesting his 21million stem cells!
11.12.10 Physical Therapists, Dice & Cecelia
11.12.10 Rick working out
11.12.10 Lance Armstrong: a picture of hope, perseverance & victory
11.12.10 Rick awaiting Transplant
11.13.10 Blessing from brothers
11.11.10 Chad, Pastor Craig & Sean
"CITY OF HOPE" CHECK-IN DAY!
11.05.10 Case Co-ordinator: Kia, Rick & Dr. Nade
11.6.10 Rick gets his exercise with his "donor."
10.2010 Rick- "lookin' good!", days before COH admin date
NiGHT OF PRAYER, HOPE & CELEBRATION
11.04.10 Praying for Healing
BROTHERS in the LORD, gathered together
11.04.10 Todd, Rick, Fred & Noel
11.04.10 Fred & Rick
LOVING FAMILY TOO....
11.04.10 Mike, Rick & Mia
11.04,10 Chris, Rick, John & Jackie
11.04.10 Pastor Craig, Rick & Dana
11.04.10 Rick & Amber
11.04.10 Mia, Mike & Dana
11.04.10 Mike & Rick
"TeamRICK raises $7400 for blood cancers"
Sunday, September 19, 2010
TeamRICK 2010
Kyra & Brandon
In Honor of Rick for Mantle Cell Lymphoma
"We love you Rick"
Charee, Sky, Kyra, Jess & Cassie
09.19.10 more TeamRICK
"We love you so much Dad"
RICK & MIKE / IDENTICAL TWINS!
"God created the perfect match!"
8.3.10 "Rick, David & Donna visit @ St. Joes"
Getting his PIC line flushed, blood drawn and dressing changed."
"Easy in, easy out..."
"GO IRISH!!"
7.2010 "Danny comes bearing gift"
"Danny & Rick"
7.25.10 "Rick & Pastor Craig"
7.25.10 "Darla, Dana, Rick and Cindy"
TRUE LOVE
7.11.10 "Gettin' blood..what fun,..and such a blessing!"
"We love you Dad!"
"Dad & Rick"
"Jen & Kathy, 2 of our favorite SJH RNs"
"Rick & Amber (Mimi)"
"Sky & Dad"
"Kyra & Daddy"
"Brady visiting Uncle Rick @ the 'hotel'..."
7.11.10 "Lindsey & Uncle Rick"
6.4.10 "HAPPY 42nd BIRTHDAY Twins!!"
6.2010 Young Adult's Ministry "Happy Birthday Rick!"
"The Girls from YAM & Chuck"
"World Famous Mud Run" Camp Pendleton, San Diego
Danny & Heidi Bishop
Danny bear crawls the 30 ft. Mud Pit
5,500 people ran that morning in San Diego...
Rick's "Hotel" Visit in June
Sky & Kyra with Dad for Round 1
FAITH, FAMILY & FRIENDS
Lindsey, Brady, Rick & Kyra
Rick & Dana
Mike, Mom, Dad, & Rick
Ready for Battle June 2010
I pray for you every day. You rock - that's why.
ReplyDeleteRick, we are praying for you. AND we will be donating blood in your name. Don't forget to be "positive"--get it??? God loves you and is asking you to go through this time of illness, but He would never want you to do alone! Not only is He with you, but He has sent your friends and family to stand in the breach. We love you. David & Donna
ReplyDeleteRick, I am praying for you and for your family. May God's grace and mercy surround you, hem you in, behind and before.
ReplyDelete"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." Deut 33:27
There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. I Peter 1:6-7 (NIV)
ReplyDeleteKnow that you are covered in prayer here in the PNW !!! The Walter Family will pray together daily for you !!! Hang in there GODS SOLIDER !!!!
Love ya
The Walter Fam !!!!
Karl and I are praying for you and your family daily...He never gives us more than we can bear...and seeing your faith in this time of trouble is inspiring. Let us know where we can donate blood in your name and Karl will be happy to do that. (They won't take mine as I've had cancer -but I'm a 25 year survivor Praise God)
ReplyDeleteand you'll fight it this time too I'm convinced
Betty Anne
Dear Rick,
ReplyDeleteMario and I are praying for you, Dana and the girls. Please know that you can count on us. I know that God is watching you over you and taking care of you. We love you and we are here for you.
The Rangel's