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Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 11:03AM Janet Kiel, a former member of Fellowship Reformed Church, has been diagnosed with cancer. Please remember her in your prayers as she continues with testing and consultation. You may receive updates regarding her condition by visiting www.caringbridge.org and searching for her page entitled "janetkiel". Janet is a member of Faith Reformed Church in Zeeland.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 10:30AM Holly Veurink, a cousin of Verna (Bill) Ritsema, remains diagnosed with severe rectal cancer. She has been hospitalized more than 2 dozen times in the past year. Please pray for God's strength as she battles this disease while caring for her 9 children.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 08:22AM Kevin Kruithoff, father of Erin/Mike Mepyans, had prostate cancer surgery in early 2011. Additionally, he underwent a liver transplant on October 16 of that same year. Following the surgery, he became "septic" and spent over a month in the ICU--nearly losing his life. Miraculously, God has healed him completely, and he is working once again. The family requests that you join them in praising God for his miraculous outpouring of mercy.
Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 10:38AM Ken Mast, brother of Deb/Scott Westhuis, continues to battle Lymphoma; he underwent a stem-cell transplant in the past. As of February 2012, the cancer has returned. Ken is currently consulting with doctors to determine if he should receive additional chemotherapy, undergo a second stem-cell transplant, or "wait and see" how the cancer progresses.
Friday, February 17, 2012 at 02:10PM UPDATE--FEBRUARY 20--Evie has been released from critical care. The doctors are optimistic and believe that surgery is not required for the fractured vertebrae; praise God! She continues to be very week--and is struggling with regaining her strength. Please pray that God will soon restore these full abilities to her.
FEBRUARY 17--Evie Stursma, mother of Susan (Jeff) Wynsma, was in a critical automobile accident on Thursday, February 16. Evie's two grandchildren, Josh and Amanda, were protected from injury. Unfortunately, Evie sustained very serious injuries: several fractured vertebrae, four broken ribs, and internal bleeding that was pooling in the abdominal cavity. As of Friday afternoon (February 17), she is in the critical care unit at St. Mary's Hospital with a HALO head brace. Neurosurgeons are still consulting regarding the fractured vertebrae--debating whether or not to perform surgery. Please pray for wisdom, healing and control of the pain.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 09:44AM Renee Germeraad Cramer, daughter of Dan and June Germeraad, had surgery on February 13 to remove a mass on her left ovary. The surgery went well; however, cancer was found in the ovary. The oncologist believes that the cancer was contained; additionally, about 20 biopsies were taken to be sure that there is no other cancer. It will be 7-14 days before the test results are made available. Please pray for good results and that no further treatment will be needed.
UPDATE: FEBRUARY 16: Doctors have found that the cancer was stage 1; no additional surgery or treatments will be required. Please join us in thanking God for this outstanding healing on behalf of Renee.
Monday, February 6, 2012 at 02:46PM Irene Bommelje, a niece and cousin of the Nauta Family, has been diagnosed with terminal (stage 4) cancer. Doctors have discovered a football-sized tumor restricting the function of the intestines. The tumor is not able to be treated through surgery or chemo. Please pray that Irene is given strength and the ability to participate in her daughter's wedding on March 10, 2012. The Bommelje Family resides in Illinois.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 11:45AM Shirley Holtrop, mother of Anne Richards, will be having a second biopsy on Wednesday, February 1 to help determine the cause of her illness.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 04:10PM Cathy and Anna Paul were in a very serious car accident on Tuesday, January 24. Cathy is the aunt and Anna is the cousin of Lisa Post. Cathy was admitted to Gerber Memorial Hospital and found to have five broken ribs. Anna was transported to Butterworth Hospital via aero med. Miraculously, Anna has only a concussion and a broken hand. Praise God that their injuries were not more severe.
Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 07:47AM Jim Schuitema, brother of Carol (Dennis) Murray, had surgery at Metro Health on Monday morning, January 9 to remove a large brain mass. The mass was determined to be stage 4 cancer--being both aggressive and fast growing. Jim is currently home recovering from the surgery and is expected to undergo radiation soon.
Thursday, January 5, 2012 at 01:36PM Saraiah Hamlet (daughter of Jeremiah and Veronica–and extended family member of the Ron/Margaret Borst Family) was born emergently in January 2010. She was not expected to survive. Airlifted to the University of Michigan, she was diagnosed with Down Syndrome and found to have catastrophic malformations with her heart.
Miraculously, she celebrated her 2nd birthday on January 4, 2012! At the age of 2, she is wearing clothing that would normally fit a 6-9 month old; she is also receiving all of her nourishment through tube-feedings. We continue to be thankful for the gift of her life each day.
Thursday, December 15, 2011 at 03:04PM Alana Vazquez, granddaughter of Tom/Jan Rozema, has been diagnosed with a condition that promises near certain blindness within a short period of time; she is only 3 years old. Fortunately, as of December 2011, she has been accepted into a program at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. This is the world-renowned research center for LCA and RP eye disease gene therapy. Please pray that this opportunity will provide positive experiences--and ultimately healing for her vision. Her next key appointment is February 28, 2012.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at 01:10PM David Ryskamp, son-in-law of Bill and Susan Patmos, has been on the waiting list for a liver transplant for several years. He received word on Wednesday, December 14 that a liver has become available. The 5-hour surgery went very well and the liver immediately began working as expected. Praise God for a successful transplant!
Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 02:41PM Steve and Val Van Laan, friends and co-workers of Andy (Becky) Odehnal, are requesting your prayers. Steve underwent back surgery on Tuesday, December 13--he is now back to work on a part time basis. Additionally, Val was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma on December 2; she began 6 months of chemotherapy treatments in late December. The Van Laan's have 4 children ranging in age from 1-8. Please pray that God will provide both healing and daily care for their entire family.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 10:08AM Debbie Bekkering, daughter-in-law of Lloyd and Marian Bekkering, had cancer surgery on Tuesday, November 8 at St. Mary's Hospital. She remains hospitalized as of today (November 30). Doctors performed a complete hysterectomy in order to combat the uterine and ovarian cancer. She is also battling a "leak" with the colon which was reconstructed during surgery.
Monday, November 28, 2011 at 10:02AM Marie Borst, daughter-in-law of Ron and Margaret Borst, is currently in the second trimester of a high-risk pregnancy. Please be in prayer for a healthy pregnancy, the healthy development of the child, and a timely delivery.
Monday, November 7, 2011 at 03:43PM Michael Fallon, father of Dresden (Scott) Kramer, will be having surgery at the Cleveland Clinic on Tuesday, January 10, 2012. Approximately 12 years ago, Mr. Fallon underwent a heart-valve transplant. The transplant has started leaking--and doctors now need to perform a very invasive open-heart surgery.
Monday, October 31, 2011 at 09:51AM Kim Slot, wife of deceased Walker Police Office Trevor Slot, has been diagnosed with Stage Four Bone Cancer. At this time, she is receiving treatments for two spots found on her back. Please pray that the treatments shrink the spots--thus allowing doctors the opportunity to remove a portion of the cancer by surgical means.
Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 09:00AM Anne Viening (Aunt of Chris Viening) recently suffered a stroke. She has been placed in long-term nursing care.
Monday, October 10, 2011 at 04:55PM Pastor Don, an extended family member of the Bekkering and Luth families, continues to daily battle challenges with both Parkinson's and Dementia.