Letter from James
05/29/2006

5/29/2006 3:01 PM

Sydney's brothers were not a match for the bone marrow transplant. The doctors are confident they will be able to find a suitable donor. They told us that historically someone from European decent has a 90% probability of finding a suitable match.

We did receive some wonderful news in that the boys blood and bone marrow test results were perfect, with no propensity to leukemia.

Sydney is experiencing almost no negative side effects from the chemo. Her spirits are great, some of that is do to her God given resilience and her mother's creative care. We made her a tent that she spends hours in with her mother and Aunts reading books and trying to hide from the staff. We have to isolate Sydney more now because her blood count is going down as planned from the chemo. We do not want to isolate her too much because she thrives on visitors. The last four days the blood test has shown no blast (bad) cells. The doctors are very optimistic about the disappearance of the blast cells and negligible side effects to treatment. Hopefully she is already healed.

Lynette and Sydney were doing their own little church service Sunday, and Lynette told Sydney that she is a disciple of Christ. She explained that thousands of people from around the country, some she knew and some she didn't know, were praying for her. Sydney was amazed., she asked,"why would people who don't know me pray for me"? Lynette told her," Because people who love and care for you asked them to." An unknown doctor walked in about that time and Sydney announced to her in her typical confident manner; that thousands of people from around the country are praying for her, the doctor said she would pray for her too. Sydney went on to have a wonderful and energetic day. What a blessing she is.

We will always be grateful to you for praying and hurting with us.
Give thanks for His covering us and protecting this little disciple.

Please continue to pray . . .

• For Sydney's complete healing
• For a perfect donor match and that we receive it when needed
• That the Lord makes it clear where we should have the transplant
• For protection from negative side effects of any kind
• For her to remain happy, joyful, and at peace and continued blessings
• For us to be reenergized by the Lord, because we are a little fatigued.