Tuesday, December 22, 2009
PRAYERS FOR ALICEN WOOLEY

UPDATE AS OF JANUARY 11th, 2010: I am literally hollering this at this time. Thank you all for your prayers. Alicen finally came home from the hospital on Tuesday January 5, 2010. She has been so happy since coming home, giggling all the time. She is officially weaned off of the Methadone and the Lorazapam now. That was a little scary to be responsible for such a powerful narcotic. But thank the good Lord, she is off of it now and is doing really good. We have a follow up with the pediatrician but I'm going to wait till it warms up before I get her out of the house. At this time it is about 19 degrees. Ha Ha. And thanks to all who sent the ecards. I think she received about 300 of them. There was even one from the Philippines. I was totally blown away at the amount of prayers that were sent up for Alicen and I'm so thankful. I wish I could thank them all personally but I will have to ask you to do that for me. Again, thank you so much for all you have done for my little family and for most importantly the prayers. Love ya, Christina

Here is some information on the angel baby, or who I affectionately call TURKEY TOES...

Alicen was born 4 months premature weighing only 1 lb and 13 ounces. She was in the NICU at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana Illinois for 111 days. She has since been diagnosed with many disabilities. They include Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Plagiocephaly, Bronchial Pulmonary Dysplasia, Chronic Asthma, Chronic Pneumonia, Dysphasia (failure to thrive), she has a JG feeding tube, she feeds continuously through the night from 5pm through 6am. She is legally blind, she cannot walk, sit up, roll, but boy does she kick and holler like a trooper. She so vocal that she lets everyone know that she is here, bless her soul. That saying (NOT BEING ABLE TO SPEAK IS NOT THE SAME AS NOT HAVING ANYTHING TO SAY) truly suits her to a great big capital T. Anyway, she is totally dependant on us for all of her needs, she is wheel chair dependant. I had a nurse tell me at one point that it looks like Alicen was swimming in a dry puddle because she is constantly kicking and going is circles, how cute is that?

Her favorite tv show is (are you ready for this??) The Young and the Restless soap opera, she giggles all the way through it. We have to turn the volume almost all the way up in order to hear it ourselves. She also LOVES the commercial for Hillshire Farm, Go Meat, I say hillshire you say farm. She giggles when she hears it. She had had Many many hospital stays in her short life and she comes out of the hospital just as happy as she was before she got sick. This child has to be the happiest baby in the world, and by far the most beautiful little red head as well.

She has had many many hospital stays in her short life and she comes out of the hospital just as happy as she was before she got sick. This child has to be the happiest baby in the world, and by far the most beautiful little red head as well.

On Tuesday December 15, 2009 though, she was taken to Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital emergency room by ambulance and within an hour of arrival she intubated and put on a ventilator due to respiratory distress, her O2 level was at 56 and her heart rate was way over 200. The arranged to have her air-lifted and St. Johns sent their helicopter team to Mattoon. They could not get her stabilized for almost 2 hours so they could transport her. I have never been more scared in my life. The helpless feeling a mother has to watch her daughter laying in a hospital bed is bad enough but the feeling I had watching her almost die is totally indescribable, something I would not wish on anyone.

At this time December 22, she remains at St. Johns Children’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois. She is in a paralytic coma and is very heavily sedated. They are taking xrays each day and they are showing small improvements, Praise God. We need so many prayers for her right now. God has given her doctors the knowledge to treat her but it is God who will heal her and I firmly believe that. My husband, Derald, is laid off so at this time he is staying at the hospital and I go up every couple days to be with her so he can go home. I'm out of vacation and sick time at work so when I'm gone it is without pay. We cannot get Alicen on Social Security because they say we make too much money, can you believe that? Me neither.

Beings that Alicen is still in the hospital, I'm doing what I am calling “WRAP THE ROOM”. Anyone can go on the hospital web site and send her an e-card and I'm hanging all of them in her room. I've also decorated her room with Christmas decorations. She has never been away from home on Christmas before and I want to make it as much like home that I can. Your readers can send an e-card to her by following these steps: Go to st-johns.org, click on children’s hospital, click on send an e-card. Fill out the card with her info. Her full name is Alicen Wooley and her room number is the "Pediatric ICU." This is such a simple thing to do and it doesn’t cost a cent but will make such a difference to Alicen.

Angie, I can literally feel the love that you have inside you as well as the love your blog followers have in them. I'm asking with all that I have inside me for prayers and thoughts for Alicen. (And the e-cards will be nice too!) Thank you for all that you do and most importantly, thank you for your prayers.

Christina (a preemie mom)

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posted by Angie Seaman at 8:28 AM | 1 comments

Monday, October 12, 2009
PRAYERS FOR BOHDY BRANDON RUSS
Hi Angie. Can you please add Bohdy Brandon Russ to the prayer blog? He was born 9 weeks early via c-section (yesterday) b/c his cord was wrapped around his neck. He has a big sister Saylor and his parents Steve & Amy Russ who love him so much!

Thanks Angie! Love and hugs, Nicole

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posted by Angie Seaman at 1:27 PM | 3 comments

Tuesday, August 11, 2009
PRAYERS FOR BROOKE - HEART ATTACK
This prayer request comes from a dear blog friend, Tanya. Her sister in law suffered a massive heart attack at 38 years old last week while 8 months pregnant with their fourth child. Please see their story below and keep their whole family in your prayers right now. Blessings, Angie

My sister in law Brooke, is 38 years old. 8 months pregnant with her fourth child and had a heart attack early this morning.I ask that you PLEASE pray for God to heal Brookes heart, for her unborn childs health, for her three other children Emily, Jack and Keely , for Brookes, husband Greg and all other family. Obviously, this is a complete shock to everyone and we can not believe why it happened. We are not questioning God’s plan only trying to understand it.

FULL STORY: Brooke woke up in the middle of the night and was complaining of a pain in her chest. At first, she thought it was just a typical symptom of pregnancy. However, after the pain persisted and became more intense, Brooke told her husband Greg that she needed to go to the hospital.As they waited for Greg’s father to arrive to stay with their other children the pain became worse. So bad, that Brooke was hitting her fist against the car. When they arrived at the hospital, they did tests and said she had a heart attack. She had an angiogram. After the angiogram the Dr’s said the plan was to keep her there. Have her heart heal for a couple weeks and then deliver the baby. Brooke continued to decline. It was then found out that the heart attack that Brooke had was a massive heart attack. The Dr’s could not figure out why Brooke continued to decline. It was then determined to transfer Brooke to University of Chicago.

Once Brooke arrived at University of Chicago they immediately started to figure out what was going on. Another angiogram was done. They found out that there was quite a bit of damage to Brooke’s heart. In fact, the Dr’s said that Brooke was very lucky to survive (Joe was more detailed when he told me the exact terms. I do not want to give out any false information. Something about functioning levels being 50 to 55% and Brooke’s heart was at 25 %.)! Another plan was put into action. They were going to do a c-section in the morning ( Friday) and then put Brooke on Bypass. She would then have surgery in the following couple of days. Brooke went into Labor Thursday evening. She was in a lot of pain. She could not have an epidural because of the blood thinners she was on for her heart. They had to wait for the Dr. At 12:30 a.m. the baby was born. 7 pounds. Greg said on his facebook “She is healthy, active and Beautiful.” The following morning ( Friday) Brookes health continued to decline. She was having difficult time breathing. It was determined that surgery could not wait a couple of days. Joe arrived before Brooke was taken into surgery and was able to spend some time with her and the rest of the family. Brooke was taken into surgery at around noon.

While Brooke was in surgery, the family spent some time with the baby. Joe said she is beautiful and was thrilled that got to hold her for a while.
The surgery lasted a while.The surgery went as well as could be expected. They did a double bypass. It was determined that Brooke Heart attack was caused by a dissected artery. It is a very rare risk in pregnancy for woman over 35. Her main artery feeding her left lobe was dissected or internally torn. Parts of her artery were blocking the blood flow to her heart.She will have permanent damage to her heart. It will take some time before the Dr.’s can determine how much damage. We are praying, and ask all of you to pray that the long term damage will be minimal. After surgery Joe stayed with Greg. He was there when Brooke woke up and said he did not want to leave until Brooke was given her morphine pump. He said that she was a lot of pain (obviously) but resting when he left. I will be going up to the hospital tomorrow with Joe after church. I am going to take my camera and try to take some pictures. Of course, I will update more as I get more information. I ask that you please continue to pray for Brooke, Greg, their children Emily, Jack and Keely, as well as the baby ( I am not allowed to really disclose the name yet—they may change it.). I also ask that you pray for the Dr’s and nurses caring for Brooke.

P.s. I have had several people ask me if Brooke’s heart attack was caused by a pre-existing heart problem. I do NOT know the answer to that. However, I can tell you that we were not aware of any heart problems before today. Now, did she have one and we did not know about it? I am sure that is possible and it will be looked into. For now though, it looks as if this was a pregnancy related incident. it.

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posted by Angie Seaman at 5:07 PM | 2 comments

Sunday, June 21, 2009
PRAYERS FOR TYLER GENNEKEN
UPDATE AS OF 11/4/09: Please keep Tyler's family in your prayers. Tyler unfortunately lost his battle with cancer tonight. What a hero this child has been for so many of us. Thanking God for such an angel and the time he did have here on this earth. We are praying for peace and comfort for his family during this difficult time.


Angie, please put the Genneken's on your prayer blog. They go to our church. They are nice people and a have a cute kid. Lisa and I have helped with the fund raisers at various times.

Thanks...Brenda
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Please keep Tyler Genneken in your prayers. Most of you are aware that he has been battling Leukemia for a few years now and tests are suggesting he may be headed for a relapse. Please pray for him, that he continue to be strong and battle this disease and keep his mom, dad, and brother in your prayers. See his father's heartfelt prayer in the letter below and check in on his progress at...www.caringbridge.org/visit/tylergenneken

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posted by Angie Seaman at 8:23 AM | 0 comments

Wednesday, June 3, 2009
PRAYERS FOR ABBY GRACE
I know you put up a prayer request for Abby Grace a few weeks back..they now have found what the issue is.. she has a growth on part of her brain...

I wanted to give you her prayer blog so that you could add it to your prayer blog..

www.prayingforabbygrace.blogspot.com

you can go there to read the update on abby grace..

thank you for being a blessing!

Blessings!
Rachel Marquez

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posted by Angie Seaman at 2:46 PM | 0 comments

Sunday, May 17, 2009
PLEASE HELP CHLOE
See HERE for more details regarding this benefit auction on May 31, 2009 in Texas. Let's help this little girl as much as we all can. What a fighter!

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posted by Angie Seaman at 8:10 AM | 1 comments

Monday, May 11, 2009
PRAYERS FOR JT
Hi Angie. I know you are on vacation. I hope you are having a fabulous time. I have a prayer request for you. Please spread the word. You can give the password and username out to my blog. I MUST spread the word on this! I am so frustrated!!!!! This request is for my son. My heart breaks for him.
Thank you Angie!

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posted by Angie Seaman at 7:09 AM | 0 comments

Tuesday, April 14, 2009
PRAYERS FOR 4 TEENS KILLED IN CAR CRASH
Hi Angie. Sorry I haven't emailed you or had comments on your blog posts. We had a bad weekend here in Seminole, FL. Our community and specifically the parents of 4 young men in this area need your prayers. Please pray for the families of Joey Ruzecki, Keith MacCollom, Nathan Richardson and LaShawn Smith. They were killed Friday night in a horrific car accident. Joey, Keith and Nathan all attended Seminole High School which is the school my son EJ graduated from in 2007. EJ is also best friends with Joey's older brother Kyle and Keith's older brother Cameron. This has been horribly tragic for everyone in this tight community. The good news is 1 boy Corey LePore did survive the accident, however he is taking the deaths of his friends pretty badly. Here is the links to the stories that have run in our local papers. Thank you so much for the prayers, they are desperately needed!
Click HERE and HERE to read the story online. Love ya, Nina

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posted by Angie Seaman at 6:06 PM | 2 comments

Sunday, April 12, 2009
PRAYERS FOR ABBY GRACE
Hey Angie. Would you mind adding this sweet little girl to the prayer blog? This is my best friend's daughter, Abby Grace. She's having some very serious medical issues right now and we would just like prayer for her. I'll attach the info for your blog post. We're reaching out to people now in hopes that people can pray that it doesn't get more serious than it already is.
Please let everyone know that we are starting a prayer blog for Abby Grace and I'll send that info over when it's finished. This little girl is very sweet and near and dear to our heart so please keep her and her mother in your prayers! I've attached a picture so that people can put a prayer with a face. ~Rachel
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I just wanted to ask everyone to please be in prayer for Abby Grace over the next few weeks. We had her follow up appointment yesterday at Texas Children's from her sleep study. I found out that she has 2 different types of apnea, central and obstruction. She stops breathing every ten minutes in the night and her oxygen dipped down into the 80's and even down to 62 twice (which she came out of on her own very quickly). The first step they will do is an MRI to ensure there isn't a growth on her brain that should not be there. That is the first thing they look for in a child her age with central apnea happening so often. We are taking steps now to try and control the obstruction apnea which will involve a surgery to remove her tonsils and adenoids. They are not enlarged, but her doctor would like to allow as much space as possible for airflow during the night. Because Abby Grace stopped breathing the last time she was under anesthesia, this will all be done at one of the best children's hospitals in the country. She will also be put completely to sleep for her MRI.. Anesthesia is now a very scary thing for mom!!! Both follow up appointments are on June 2. Please be in prayer for good results on her MRI and peace during this stressful and scary time. Thanks so much.
~Amanda, Abby Grace's Mom

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posted by Angie Seaman at 4:54 PM | 1 comments

Friday, April 10, 2009
PRAYERS FOR BENTLEY
Bentley has a heart condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. To break it down TOF has four defects in the heart, it is a complex heart condition that requires open heart surgery for survival. There will possibly be two more open heart surgeries in the future. This will remain unknown until Bentley goes through her first open heart surgery. With TOF we have to monitor Bentley's oxygen level closely. With TOF the heart is not failing, the child is suffocating. So her oxygen level must remain in a safe range. Because of this Bentley is not allowed to get upset and cry excessively. This will cause her oxygen level to go down and possible bring on a tet spell which could cause her to quit breathing. Children with TOF are usually called a “blue baby” because their skin tone is often blue due to low oxygen. We have been very blessed, Praise God, Bentley has fought this like crazy and she is doing amazing. With that said, the fact still remains that the defect is there and will require open heart surgery for survival, there is no other way around this. Believe me...I have looked and search for other options, but open heart surgery is the only thing. Bentley is scheduled for her OHS (open heart surgery) next month (in May). Please keep Bentley in your prayers. We pray that her surgery goes as smoothly as possible, considering all the risks that come along with such a surgery. My heart aches for her every second of the day. We greatly appreciate any and all prayers.

With the help of family and friends we have started a medical fund for Bentley. We are selling Bentley Bracelet’s in hopes to raise money for Bentley’s upcoming heart surgery. They are super cute and come in the cutest colors! Each bracelet reads “I Heart Bentley”. They come in two sizes, adult and youth. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your prayers and support! To order a bracelet, please contact Bentley's Mommy via their blog HERE.Thank you so much Angie for all you do. I am so very blessed to have met you (online) a few years back. You are such an amazing person and you inspire me in so many ways!

Blessings, Crystal
http://www.youandmeplusthree.com/

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posted by Angie Seaman at 6:26 PM | 1 comments

PRAYERS FOR CHIC DORTMUND

Hi Angie. Whenever you have a minute, can you add Chic Dortmund to "A wing & a prayer"? (See email below) I would greatly appreciate it...! Soak up the rays...

Nicole Ryan
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Hello Friends. I am writing to request your prayers.....in a HEAVY dose.
Chances are good that my Dad has colon cancer. He will find out for sure tomorrow afternoon. He had a colonoscopy yesterday and it was not good. Because of what the doc saw during the test, he also ran a CAT scan, did a biopsy and ran some blood work. My mom explained it as he (my Dad) has a lot of 'junk' in his colon....so much that the doc could only get in about 4 in. There is a slim chance that it is just IBS...with God's grace, that is what we are hoping for. At this point we are praying for a miracle. It is killing me to even type this, as the thought of my Dad being ill again is too much for me to comprehend. I cannot seem to wrap my mind around it. Because of my Dad, I truly believe in the power of prayer...this is where YOU come in. Many of you already know my Dad, some have yet to meet him. Regardless, he is a beloved man who means a great deal to my family. So, please, once you finish this email, stop and pray for him. Remember, prayers come in all shapes and sizes! I cannot thank you enough for taking some time to pray for my Dad's health. Of course I will be in touch about his test results sometime this weekend.

Blessings,
Mandy (& my Dad, Mom, Lee and Matthew)

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posted by Angie Seaman at 6:54 AM | 0 comments

PRAYERS FOR MOLLY'S DAD
UPDATE AS OF 4/14/09: Hey Angie!! Well my dad doesn't have anything major like we thought, but they still can't figure out what is causing his headaches. His doctor went over his brain scans with us and my dads MS has progressed very rapidly. When he had his last MRI in '03 he only had a few small areas of white matter, which is dead nerves in your brain. Now about 40% of his brain is covered in white matter. My dad never told me he had stopped taking his medicine because of the side effects it had on him, he used to take injections everyday but they caused his skin to become hard and leathery and would make it almost impossible to use a needle, so he quit. Me and my step mom have almost convinced him to take a another drug that he has taken before that has less side effects but he is leery. The drug would slow the progress of this disease but not stop it because there is no cure. My dad has a tendency of not telling others when he is hurt or stops doing stuff which I got on to him about but I understand his reasoning. My dad cried back in the exam room and told us he wished this was over. I can see why he gets depressed because he walks slowly, often falls and hurts himself, has seizures, slurs his speech and shouldn't drive because of the seizures he has. He often tells me how much he misses work and his friends. My dad hasn't worked in 10 years and I know he gets bored just sitting around the house, I go to see him every chance I get and we talk everyday for about hour. I try to keep his spirits up and encourage him to read his bible. We exchange a lot of recipes and gardening ideas so at least that keeps him some what busy. Thank you again Angie for keeping my dad in your prayers and for helping make a worldwide prayer chain not only for me but everyone that reads your blogs. I told my dad about you and your family and our blogs. He's not computer savvy and wondered how we met and I told him but I don't think he got it HEHE. Thanks for praying for my family again and being a warrior for God. Sometimes we don't know what God has in store for us but I think God has given you the power of spreading his word and helping make prayer chains through your blog.
Your bloggy friend ~ Molly P


Hey Angie!! It looks like you guys have had a lot of fun on spring break. I hate to ask this of you but I need you as a prayer warrior. My dad has had piercing pains in his head for 2 and half months and didn't tell anyone because I think he knows something's wrong. He finally told me last week because he had a spell in front of my step mom and she made him call the doctor. He went in for a emergency appointment and has his MRI and MRA tomorrow. We won't get the results until Monday. If you have just one second to send one little prayer up that would be awesome. I truly believe in the power of prayer and having many people praying for the same thing. I have not had to deal with this type of situation before and would just like to be guided by God if we get the worst. I know you are on your vacation and I hate to even bother you, but I do value our "blog" friendship (HEHE). Thank you for listening or shall I say reading my request. I hope you guys have a safe trip home and have had a ton of fun down there.
Your friend in Christ ~ Molly P.

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posted by Angie Seaman at 6:46 AM | 0 comments

Tuesday, March 24, 2009
PRAYERS FOR BABY STELLAN

Baby Stellan needs our prayers again. His story is near and dear to my heart considering I've experienced similar issues with my own heart in recent weeks - (as most of you already knew). Stellan had problems in utero and is now experiencing more of the same now months later. Please continue to watch MckMama's blog and lift them all up in prayer.

Thanks, Angie

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posted by Angie Seaman at 6:55 PM | 0 comments

Monday, March 23, 2009
PRAYERS FOR AVA - HEART SURGERY

Dear Angie:
Let me preface this email by saying I think your blog is amazing and from what I am able to gather from your blog, you and your family are amazing too! I truly applaud your faith and wish I could have the same (although it is something I am working on). It is very strange to email you since I do not "know" you, but I guess that is what blogging is all about, right?
Anyway, I stumbled upon your prayer blog and am now calling out for my own prayers. My daughter is five years old and lives with complex cardiac congenital heart disease and will be having her third and last open heart surgery tomorrow morning. It is going to be a long six hours...whew...I will be thrilled when the day is over. We expect nothing but good things tomorrow but it is going to be a LONG ROAD and a three week hospital stay expected. I try not to think of what may be or what could happen...
Ava is an amazing child and she fills my heart with such love and goodness...she makes me want to be a better person! :) So please, say a special prayer for my girl, a smooth operation and a healthy recovery!
One of my favorite quotes is from the movie Cast Away..."I have to keep breathing, because tomorrow the Sun will rise, and who knows what the tide will bring?"
Thank you Angie!
xoxo, Amy LaRue Bennett

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posted by Angie Seaman at 12:16 PM | 3 comments

Friday, March 20, 2009
PRAYERS FOR THOMAS SEAMUS JOHNSTON
A sad update to Seamus' story below... Please pray for Sharon and Tom during this very difficult time. It's heart breaking. I hate to see any parent have to go through this. If you knew Tom and Sharon you would feel their goodness as people instantly. There are just no words for what they must be going through right now. Thanks Angie. Rachel

The Children's garden on the 8th floor has always been a place for Sharon and Tom to retreat during this journey with Seamus. It has given them peace, tranquility and a place to bring them closer with the outside world when it was overwhelmin g inside.Earl ier this evening, Sharon and Tom took Seamus to this beautiful, peaceful place to spend their last moments together. They held him in their arms, they read to him, loved on him and were just with him. It was here that there little angel spread his wings and flew to the arms of his heavenly father.Plea se pray for God to give them the strength and peace to accept His will for Seamus and them.
Thomas Seamus Johnston March 1, 2009-April 23, 2009
Good morning Angie. I have a prayer request to ask for. I know that the power of prayer can be amazing - so I'm asking for all of the prayers I can find.

My husband and I have two amazing friends, Tom and Sharon Johnston who were expecting a baby after quite a while trying. On March 1, Sharon gave birth to Thomas Seamus (pronounced Shay-mus) Johnson. The problem is, Seamus wasn't due until June. So, because he was born about 3 months early, he is literally fighting every day for his life. He's had good days and bad days, but he keeps fighting. He has a long road ahead of him and every day is a test for Seamus and his mommy and daddy.

Tom and Sharon are truly two of the very kindest, most wonderful and positive people we know. They are the people you want in your life forever - and people who are ideal to be parents. I ask for prayers for tiny baby Seamus and for our friends Tom and Sharon!

I've attached a couple of pictures from their website. One of the Johnston's hands and one of Tom's wedding ring on Seamus's arm. Thanks Angie.

Rachel (Johnson) Wade

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posted by Angie Seaman at 5:20 AM | 1 comments

Wednesday, March 18, 2009
PRAYER FOR GAVIN OWENS
Hi Angie,

What an awesome blog you have started!! I have a prayer request for a little boy I don't personally know but he, and his family, could use our prayers.

His name is Gavin Owens he is the most precious 2 year old who has spent his short life in and out of the hospital, fighting for his life. He has Mitochondrial Disease, is 100 % TPN dependent and has struggled with chronic blood infections due to his failing bowels. On February 23, 2009 he had all of his large and small intestines removed as well as his gallbladder, in an effort to save him from the frequent life threatening infections. His recovery has been very slow and they have now been in the hospital for over 5 weeks trying to get his pain under control as well as other medical issues. Please, please visit his blog, www.gavinowens.blogspot.com, for specific prayer needs. To quote his blog "I may be small but I'm a fighter".
Thank you so much!!!!!

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posted by Angie Seaman at 10:01 AM | 0 comments

Tuesday, March 10, 2009
PRAYERS - EYE CANCER

Hi Angie, If you can please post this to your prayer blog when you get a chance I would really appreciate it. Thanks again,
THIS IS A FUND RAISER FOR MY FRIENDS SON who got Bi-lateral Retinoblastoma which is cancer in the eye. They have removed his eye and have replaced it with a glass eye. It spread to the other eye but we are trying to save it. We would like to have this fund raiser to raise awareness. They are also accepting any kind of donations because this operation is so expensive and they cannot fully afford it...

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posted by Angie Seaman at 12:18 PM | 0 comments

Friday, March 6, 2009
PRAYER FOR RICH - CANCER
UPDATE AS OF 3/18/09:
Dear Friends,
Rich passed away peacefully in his sleep early this morning. We are mourning him deeply, but take comfort knowing that today he is with his own Father, rejoicing, whole, and home at last. We will keep you updated with visitation and service times as they are determined.
Please keep all of us, and especially Mary, in your prayers today. Thank you.
Richard Dean Elling
August 23, 1943-March 18, 2009
Alive in Christ
Hi Angie,
I copy and pasted (after many attempts) a blog a close friend wrote...can you please post it on "a wing and a prayer"? I don't know if you can post the whole thing...let me know if you need any additional info. My friend, Susan, is a very gifted writer!!!
Thanks girlie!
Nicole Ryan
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THURSDAY, MARCH 05, 2009 08:53 PM, CST
Dear friends and family of Rich and Mary,
I’m not even sure how to begin this entry. The words fail me, partly due to their magnitude, and partly because the instant they are written is the moment that reality is sure to settle in….
Dear friends, Rich’s cancer is back. He found a lump under his arm two weeks ago, had a biopsy done this past Monday, and the results were confirmed today that it is indeed cancerous. At this point we know frighteningly little more than that. His doctor here in Zeeland is pretty sure it is related to his past diagnosis of mesothelioma, but that is not guaranteed. The cancer is in the lymph nodes, which we were told could actually be a good thing, as they are still mobile and could help with the ease of removal. Unfortunately, Rich’s doctor in Boston is out of town until early next week, and it is he who will decide what the definitive diagnosis is, and also what the next steps are for treatment. And so for now, for today, we wait.
I just returned home from spending the afternoon and evening with my Mom and Dad. They are doing okay; I think both still somewhat reeling from the initial shock of hearing the word “cancer” again in reference to my father. A sense of déjà vu settled in almost immediately, as it seems it was just yesterday that we were all in this same situation, facing the unknown of my Dad’s new reality, seeking comfort and guidance for what was surely going to be a long road ahead. So much of today reminded me of all we had gone through back in December of 2007. The gathering of family, the times of tears interspersed with times of laughter, the feeling of trying to simply soak my father in as if I may never get the chance again, the phone calls from concerned family and friends, the visit from our wonderful pastor and his wife, the wondering, the sadness, the longing for healing…..
But, just like last year, we were also reminded of the undeniable truth that God is with us. That He loves us, that He loves my father, that we can rest in the knowledge that no matter what happens He will always be in control. That He still has a plan for my father’s life, and it is perfect. That we just need to trust in Him and follow His leading knowing that He would never, could never, lead us astray. We know it’s going to be a tough road. We know that this journey will most certainly be painful. We know there are tears that will fall, hearts that will ache, knees that will be worn from days and nights of kneeling in prayer, times of doubt, and fear, and sorrow. But, being the faithful and loving God He is, He also assured us tonight that we will be blessed, that He will be glorified, and that this journey will not be in vain.
Dear Lord, we thank You for opportunities, no matter how painful, when we are given a chance to see Your face and be enveloped by Your goodness. For times when we know without a doubt that the God we serve is real, that You are here, and that You love us. Thank You, Lord, for being trustworthy, dependable and unchanging in a world that is constantly shifting around us. You are our Rock, and we know if we hold fast to You we will not falter.
Lord, hold onto us tonight and in the days ahead, when it will surely seem as if the ground has been taken out from under us. Let us continue to see You here, controlling every movement, every decision, every moment. Remind us, Lord, when it becomes so easy to forget, that we need not worry. That you still know the outcome of this story, and it is written perfectly, with the ending being one that will show Your love for us in the center of it all. And oh, the love, Lord… thank You for the love…..
So, dear friends, here we are again. I pray that you will be willing once again to accompany us into the unknown, as I’m not sure if we can go this road without you. Please pray for peace for my father, for freedom from fear, for physical and mental strength as he looks down a path that must seem much too familiar. Pray that his ever-present pain subsides, so that he can focus on this new battle that has been laid out before him. Please pray also for my mother, for peace and strength for her as well. And for all of us, please pray that Satan’s footholds are few and easily recognized, and that we can see past his efforts at filling us with uncertainty in these trying times to come.
I will keep you posted with any and all news as we receive it. Already my heart overflows, just knowing with complete certainty that my father will be lifted up by all of you, his own personal army of prayer warriors, ready and willing to place him once again at the feet of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is no better place for him to be tonight. Thank you.
Resting firmly in His grasp,
Susan

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posted by Angie Seaman at 2:02 PM | 1 comments

PRAYERS FOR HEATHER
UPDATE AS OF 3/17/09:
Hi Angie,
Wanted to update you on my prayer request you posted last week. I went in for a needle thyroid biopsy this past Thursday. They normally go in 5 times with the needle but they couldn't get a good sample so they had to go in 7 times. Yes, my neck was numb but I could still feel pinching, pressure and some stinging sensations. The worst was just the anxiety. I was so tense every time he had to insert the needle. I wasn't allowed to talk or swallow and of course when someone tells you not to do something you all of a sudden have this incredible urge to do just that! They did extract some of the fluid and showed me how pitch black it was in color! I don't know why I was shocked to see that but I was. It all took about 2 hours and I was very sore but felt better by the 2nd day.
I just received a phone call from my doctor and the biopsy showed that the cyst on my thyroid is benign! Praise the Lord! I feel such relief and the biggest burden in my life has been lifted! I still have to meet with him to discuss surgery to remove it and the possibilities that holds but that pales in comparison to what I thought could happen. Thank you Angie for your prayers and posting my request so others could pray and be informed. Knowledge is power and maybe someone else is going through the same thing or knows someone who is and will find some reassurance in my results. GOD IS GOOD!
Sincerest Gratitude,
Heather
Hi Angie,
I was wondering if you could post this on your prayer blog? I went in for my lovely annual exam on Tuesday, like every good girl should do. My doctor immediately noticed a lump on my throat, my thyroid to be exact. Both he and the nurse noticed right away. The look on their faces was grim and my stomach just dropped. He was surprised I hadn't noticed it as it is the size of a golf ball. Well, I never noticed it nor did my husband or family. I went in for blood test and an ultrasound on Wednesday where they found "something with debris" and a need to schedule a biopsy. Please pray that this is benign and not as serious as it feels. I have twin girls that just turned 3 and I am in shock that anything remotely like this could happen. I too have been praying but yet I am still very nervous and consumed by my thoughts. Please keep me in your prayers. Thank you, Heather

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posted by Angie Seaman at 2:00 PM | 1 comments

PRAYERS FOR ME THIS TIME
UPDATE AS OF 3/18/09:
All is well. God is ssoooooo good! What a praise. Thank you for your powerful prayers. Aside from a little tiny pill (heart medication) to help the tachychardia I'm now having, everything else is fine. All of my stress tests, echo test, EKG, holter monitor test, blood work, etc. came back normal for the most part. I'm thankful for incredible doctors, awesome nursing staff, and priceless blog friends who are my prayer warriors anytime we need them. Blessings to each of you. Hugs, Angie Seaman
There are many times here on the blog when I have come to all of you asking for prayers for others. And this time, I've hesitated even bringing this up on here. However, after much thought and consideration...I've decided that there isn't ever a time when prayer - and lots of prayer - isn't needed. Today, I am requesting prayers for myself this time.

The past three days have been a whirl wind of emotions for me. I spent Tuesday night awake every hour on the hour with severe heart palpation's. Waking all thru the night feeling as though my heart was about to explode out of my chest - praying that I could stay awake in fear to go back to sleep. Fearful that I wouldn't wake up. Yes, that is how bad it was. Wednesday evening and into the night was no different. Throughout the past few days, I've had palpation's, weird tingling sensations in my arms, slight chest pains, nauseated feelings, etc. I can get thru the day but the nighttime hours have become some of the scariest hours of my life recently. I have always had weird heart palpation's and things that caused me to "wonder" if something could be wrong. When pregnant with Brennen, I was diagnosed with sinus tachycardia and placed on beta blockers for a racing pulse. After I delivered, my cardiologist took me off the heart medication and chalked it up to a strenuous pregnancy. Therefore, I always have distant thoughts of "what if" something is wrong deep inside and they've never found it.

Wednesday night, around 11pm, I ended up in our local Emergency Room. The fear and the heart palpation's were too much to handle. After a quick EKG, being stuck tons of times until they finally got an IV inserted, rounds and rounds of blood work, urine analysis, etc. the ER doc told me that everything was checking out just fine. She released me around 3am Thursday morning. However, I am currently hooked up to what is called a "Holter Monitor." (see image in photo above) The ER doc wanted to track my heart for 24 hours while at home to see if they could pick anything up that they didn't while I was in the ER. This little monitor is my new best friend until Saturday around 11am. From there, I'll take the monitor off and return it on Monday. It will take until the latter half of next week to hear results. I also am meeting with a general family doctor and the cardiologist in regards to reviewing the findings and discussing all this further.

In a nutshell, I'm praying that this is all just some kind of anxiety issue or panic attack even. I've never had either one so that would be a new thing for me. However, I'd rather it be that than something to do with my heart structurally. I am not a doctor girl. I never go. Never have a need to. I don't even have a family doctor because I never need to visit one. I am not a pill girl either. I have to have a REALLY bad headache to even take an aspirin. Other than daily birth control, that is really the only pill I ever have a need to take. Therefore, I knew I was scared if I was willing to pack up and go to the ER Wednesday night.

So...I ask that if you can, will you please drown me in prayers in the coming days/week while I wait out the very anticipated results from this monitor and word from what the doc and the cardiologist think? I know that prayer changes things - especially prayer in numbers. I have felt very uneasy, unable to breathe at times, and extreme concern since Tuesday. It's been very hard for me to focus, to eat, to stay in tune with what is going on around me. I've never considered my life that stressful but maybe my body is trying to tell me something. Kenidi locked herself in my car last week, the daily battles with raising a special needs child, a 10 year old who thinks he is 16 at times, etc. etc. etc. I have just never felt that I was dealing with anything any different than a normal Mom does running to and fro with her own children. However, in hindsight and after lots of reflection in the past couple of days, I'm starting to wonder if I'm pushing myself too much and placing way too much expectation on my day to day grind.

With that said, I'm taking the weekend to breathe and search for some peace while awaiting the end result of this ordeal. Brent and I are getting out with three other of our couple friends for dinner and a movie tomorrow night. I need the distraction and friends are just the trick for that need. In the meantime, I will update as I can and post as I feel like it. However, I must admit that my mind is elsewhere right now - far far away from this blog. Thank you in advance for the prayers. I truly appreciate them and am very thankful that I have this avenue to ask for them in. I know I have many prayer warriors around the country and even outside the US. For that, I am so very thankful during a time like this.

I'll keep you posted as I learn of any new details. For now, I'm praying like a mad woman for God to give me peace thru it all and for him to give me a positive result. This may be his way of getting me to slow down. If so, it is working.

Much love and gratitude, Angie

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posted by Angie Seaman at 1:41 PM | 4 comments

Saturday, February 28, 2009
PRAYERS FOR PIFER FAMILY
Angie,

I came across your blog and think's it's absolutly amazing. My husband and I have been TTC for almost 3 years, can you please keep us inyour prayers. We honestly can't afford an actual fertility clinic right now,it's just too much. Thankfully my local OBGYN does IUI's and some fertility meds. We are hopeing and praying that this is enough "help" and we won't have to go to the next step. If you and everyone could please keep my husband and I in your prayers as wereach our 3 year mark, I have a feeling this next month will be hard on us.Thankfully God has given us the strength to leave all our worries and fears in his hands, however were human and we do have our breakdown moments. Please pray that God continues to give us strength, as well as all the other inferility patients out there!

Also, my husband will undergo knee surgery in early May, if you could please pray for a speedy recovery for him, I would appriciate it. I truly believe in the power of prayers! I am also praying for everyone on this blog, sometimes in life you have to sitback and look at the big picture...sometimes you think your problems are sobad, but then you read about others and well, it broke my heart. God is soamazing and I pray he is with everyone on here! God Bless,

Tiffany Pifer (The Pifer family Blog)

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posted by Angie Seaman at 4:55 AM | 1 comments

PRAYERS FOR SARAH
Angie, I have a prayer request for the prayer blog. I wasn't sure what email to send it to. Sarah DeNeal is in our bible study, and she has been having these heart spells for several years now, and they finally discovered that she has a hole in her heart. She periodically has had spells where her heart rate would jump to 215 beats per minute! Though finding out was a praise for her because for years they weren't sure what was wrong, she will need prayer for peace and a quick surgery and recovery to take care of the hole. Thanks! Her email is below. Aubree

Hello, Family & Friends!
I want to start by thanking all of you for your prayers today. They were felt from the time that I went into the testing center, until the time that Brian and I were able to walk out. It has been an adventuresome day, but through it all, God has been good.
As soon as the tech called my name, I knew that I was in good hands. She had been the one that hooked me up on the Holter monitor at the beginning of the month. She remembered me, and that made me feel at ease.
From there she inserted an IV for my Bubble Study, and I was ready for the Stress Echo. The Stress Echo was routine. Don't move, breathe or don't breathe when told. For those of you who have been there, you know the drill.
Then it was time for the Bubble Study. They injected some saline into the IV in order to make the echo machine see if there were any bubbles in my heart. I expected that this was routine, but then the waiting began. Finally, the Doctor came to tell me that I have a hole in my heart. This was no small thing, considering that Brian was in the waiting room. But God was there. I knew that everything was going to be OK.
They decided that I would still be able to do the treadmill part of the test, so I started that out. My tech was talking to me the entire time, and I made it through. Almost as soon as I was on the table for them to do the follow up Echo, I had one of my heart "episodes". My heart rate raced to 215 beats a minute. They stopped it with medication.
While I wasn't expecting all of this, it was a praise. I wasn't looking forward to them implanting a device in me, and now they don't have to. They have it recorded.
So from here, I am not exactly sure what all of the next steps will be. I have an appointment with an endocrinologist next Thursday at 11:15 a.m. My thyroid levels were a little high from my blood work, so my cardiologist would like me to have it checked more thoroughly. I will also be moving up my appointment with my cardiologist now that we have some answers.
Thank you for continuing to keep me (and Brian) in your prayers. Brian has been an incredible source of strength which we both know has come from the Lord.
My love to you all.
Sarah

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posted by Angie Seaman at 4:46 AM | 0 comments

Monday, February 23, 2009
PRAYERS FOR GRACIE
Angie,
Gracie is in need of immediate prayers. To make a long story short, she had a heart transplant on February 22. They thought her body was rejecting her heart. They ran test and it came back negative which meant her body wasn't rejecting the heart (good news) but now they believe the new heart was bad (bad news). Things are just not going the way that they hoped for. At the moment, I believe they are just watching her to see how things playout and might be re-listing her for a re-transplant today. Gracie has been fighting a hard battle with CHD congenital heart defect since she was born. This family needs our prayers, Gracie needs our prayers! Thank you for such an amazing blog Angie, you rock!
Crystal (another heart mommy)
PS...HERE is Gracie's blog. Thanks again Angie!!!!!!

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posted by Angie Seaman at 7:19 AM | 1 comments

Thursday, February 12, 2009
PRAYERS FOR BRANDON BROWNEN'S FAMILY
Hi Angie,

I'm not sure how the prayer blog works but I have a family that is in need. I volunteer at my daughters school 3 days a week and today was a very sad day. One of our students, an 8 year old boy named Brandon Brownen, was killed last night when he was hit by a drunk driver (while skateboarding), who not only struck the boy but proceeded to drive the remaining 3 blocks to his (the drivers) house, parked his vehicle, went in and went to bed. I personally know this boy. He was a good boy. Very polite and kind to everyone. I along with other parents and faculty members spent today trying our best to console his classmates. My heart aches for his mother. I can't imagine what she is going through. I know that his family and his classmates could sure us as many prayers as possible in the next coming weeks. HERE is a link to his story.
Thanks Angie. Jessica

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posted by Angie Seaman at 7:03 PM | 1 comments

Wednesday, February 11, 2009
JEREMY LUSK - MOTOCROSS ACCIDENT
Hey Ang,

I am in tears as I followed up on your prayer blog here tonight. Cora...that truly broke my heart....I wanted to catch up, and will soon, but wanted to see if you would do a prayer request for Jeremy Lusk's family. He is a Freestyle MotoCross rider, who died yesterday, in Costa Rica, after a brutal crash, leaving him with severe head injuries. He was a local here, as most all of his fellow Metal Mulisha MX riders ( it is a big thing here)....even though he was a young adult, his family and new wife are dealing with an immense amount of grief, I can not imagine..... If you google his name, you can find a picture of him, to put up with the prayer request..

God Bless, Christina
Temecula

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posted by Angie Seaman at 4:28 PM | 1 comments

This blog is intended for those individuals requesting prayer for themselves or someone they know who needs prayer as well. Whether we know you personally or whether you are just a passer by on this blog, we would love to lift you or someone you know up in prayer.

Do you have a praise? If so, we'd love to hear about that and share Gods blessings as well. The bible states that for two or more people who come together in agreement of prayer will have their prayers answered. Therefore, this place is our place to lift one another up when prayer calls all while knowing that there are not just two but hundreds of us in agreement.

Want to keep things anonymous, we can do that too. Either post anonymously on the blog or feel free to shoot me an email at Angie@AngelicaGraceDesigns.com. No matter what, your prayers are safe with us should you not want names and full details released to the blog world.

In His Grip,
Angie Seaman