Nathan Update

Dear Family and Friends,

Thank you for all your prayers, support, and encouragement for Nathan. Nathan came home a few days ago and has been in very good spirits.
Nathan is continuing his medications at home and we also travel to the Sick Kids Hospital about three times per week for his ongoing chemo treatments. It is wonderful to be at home again and for Barb and Nathan to be able to sleep in their beds again.

Nathan at this point has no immunity system and so we still cannot receive visitors. Even family members who have cold symptoms have to wear masks, and we have all had to learn a lot about infections and the importance of hand washing. The slightest fever and Nathan will have to be rushed back to the hospital, so we are all practicing "due diligence" to ensure his well-being. It has been encouraging to see the family members rally around their little brother. Nathan has rallied our family in a truly wonderful way, as each one has stepped up to the plate and greatly increased their chores and help around the house as Barb and I have often been away tending to Nathan. The kids have all been very wonderful and supportive during this time.
The first stage of Nathan's treatment (which lasts 28 days) is to hit the cancer cells hard and then to continue chemo in lesser amounts over an extended period of time (two to three years) to try and ensure that all the "bad" cells are gone. Nathan has had four blood transfusions several bone marrow samples, a great many needles and blood work tests, x-rays, a port installed into his chest leading to his heart, and is on about six different medications all with their own particular side effects. He has been a very brave little boy and has demonstrated an inner strength and faith that has far surpassed his years. This little guy has been amazing!

The church family here at Cobourg Alliance has been remarkable. Every night we have had supper provided by various families in the church. Our family has received cards, presents, encouragement, and a great deal of prayer support. The board has graciously permitted me the flexibility to work around my family commitments and has also lined up people to preach for the next several weeks so that I can focus on my family needs.

In addition to the meals provided, Nathan has been the recipient of an outpouring of gifts that have come in the mail each day for him from family, friends, and even complete strangers. My brother Rick was surprised when all his workmates took a special collection and provided him a bunch of gifts for Nathan. Even Nathan's cousin Brandon (who is also about five) gathered up all his Bob the Builder movies and toys and sent them to Nathan. Others have provided cash to help with gas, meals, and expenses. One person in the church even donated a swing and slide set for Nathan and several men from the church came to set it up. Nathan's hospital pictures that were sent to only a handful of people have been viewed almost 700 times, and we have received word from several church congregations (many we don't even know) that he is on their prayer list. Words can hardly describe the way that people have opened their hearts and have been moved to reach out to Nathan and to pray. We have been overwhelmed … Thank You! … Thank You!... Thank You!

Nathan has agreed to be part of a four-year research project and case study on childhood cancer related osteoporosis. In spite of some additional time and tests each week it is our desire that Nathan's involvement will assist the medical community to continue to make progress in this field, as Nathan has benefited so greatly from all the research and medical breakthroughs from the past.

Even though this is the beginning of a long journey for Nathan we are confident that Nathan's faith, combined with yours will be rewarded. Thank you for your partnership in upholding Nathan in your prayers. Please forgive my tardiness in keeping you informed of what's happening. It has truly been an overwhelming time for us all.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!
Love,
Dave, Barb, and Family

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