It's Time for a Holiday Miracle

Back in July we got the news that our dear friend Di had a brain tumor. At that time she had surgery and radiation and things were looking good for them. Until last week. Today we received this email from Diane. They are past the point of casseroles and get-well cards. Now all they really need is our prayers. Please join me in praying that this year it is their turn for a Christmas Miracle.

Hello friends,

I sure do hate to give bad news this way, but it is quick and easy for me right now. Please forgive me. I had surgery for a recurrent brain tumor on Nov 3oth. I did well, but they also discovered a new tumor near the brain stem which was inoperable. I had the gamma knife procedure for that and I'm, looking into some type of clinical trial, help, etc.The problem is that the type of brain tumor I have, anaplastic meningioma, is not common and there is not a whole lot of research on it. I may have found a study at Duke University and I'm checking into that this week. Actually I feel better than last time and I'm moving around well, without much pain. I am asking you to keep me and my family in your prayers. If you know of any prayer circles, please put me on it. I will keep you posted. I really appreciate all your prayers, love and support. Love, Diane

Mr Mess and Jim, her husband, have been friends and co-workers for over a decade. They have seven children, five girls and two boys, in their late teens and twenties. One of their middle daughters just got engaged this summer with a wedding planned for next fall. They have just come through a very rough couple of years with their oldest son. Jim has been unemployed for almost a year. I don't know how much more a family should have to endure. But endure it they do and they seem to be managing with an amazing show of solidarity and strength. Their oldest daughter moved back to Illinois from Texas to be near her Mom and to help out with the rest of the siblings. Both Jim and Diane continue to be gracious and thankful for everything they have and all the help they've been receiving. They just don't deserve this.

I would also appreciate any advice to Steve and I on what to do and say and how to help. We're so broken up and in shock that we are at a total loss as to what to do. We've never been through anything like this before.