Surgery Date Change, Mercedes Marathon

Yesterday was a bit chaotic - Jonathan's surgery date changed three times. We think we have a final date: Jonathan will be admitted on Monday, February 6 and will have the surgery the next day, Tuesday, February 7. Please continue to pray for us - that God would guide the doctor's hands and give him wisdom, the surgery would go smoothly without any mishaps, we would be prepared for what Jonathan will look like post-surgery (all the tubes, etc.), we will keep things as normal as possible for Jackson, Jackson's state of mind, Jamie and I would be like-minded, we would rest well, etc. We so appreciate your prayers!

Five days after Jonathan's surgery, the annual Mercedes Marathon will be held here on February 12. Josh Reidinger, Steven Causey, William Dow, and Stacy Townsend compose the relay team from WAKM. They are running to fundraise for the Bell Center and asked us weeks ago if they could run in Jonathan's honor. They were gracious enough to allow me to join their team. Many of you have asked how you might help. Many of you have prayed for our situation, some have brought meals, and some will donate blood for his surgery. Another significant way you can help is to donate financially to the Bell Center in honor of Jonathan. You can do this online by going to http://www.firstgiving.com/wakm. If you do not care to give financially, please continue to keep us in your prayers.

When Jonathan was born, one of the first contacts we were given was Betty Bell. We called her and she immediately came to meet us at Jonathan's bedside in the NICU. At a time of personal emotional upheaval and uncertainty, she was positive, upbeat, understanding, and supportive. She told us her story and how her experiences eventually evolved into what the Bell Center is today. Frankly, from the perspective of a parent with special needs, she is a godsend, a saint. She has devoted her life to helping children with developmental delays. I cannot tell you how much hope and encouragement I receive from taking Jonathan to the Bell Center twice a week. Every time we go, a PT, an OT, a special educator, a speech therapist, or a nutritionist works with him for an hour. We are also finding that many people we know volunteer there as well - we had no idea! Not only does Jonathan benefit from the therapy, but I receive education as well as encouragement. The staff, volunteers, and other parents there are so uplifting and remind me that Jonathan is a baby first and happens to have Down Syndrome second - he is a child to be cherished and Down Syndrome does not have to define him.

I am thrilled to run in an effort to raise money for the Bell Center. It won't be about me. Please join us in any way you can!

Julie