If I had one wish for 2006...

Jason

Every so often you meet someone who changes your whole life. In my case, I was lucky enough to meet a whole family of them. Through my internship at a college television station, I met Jason (pictured above). At the time he was a high school senior who had been given one year to live after being diagnosed with a stage 4 brain tumor. My job was to meet the family and do a story on them. But it quickly became evident to me that I couldn't possibly cram so much love, positive spirit and courage into just one story.

Jason's whole family is so kind to everyone they meet. At a time when so many would be lost in grief, they were strong in their faith and love for each other. Several different times, Jason was so ill that doctors couldn't even find his pulse... but he never quit fighting. He made it past the one year mark and didn't looked back. At one point, a medical scan showed the cancer had all but vanished. But this good fortune has once again been cut short.

Jason is very sick again. I received an email telling me that the family is once again very worried. They are all on their way to Mayo clinic for a monthly checkup. Jason's cancer is back and he is literally taking chemo on top of chemo. He is very physically ill and experiences periods of time when parts of his body becomes paralyzed and he cannot speak. Through all of this, I know that he is fighting and smiling whenever he can. His family is with him as well... smiling right back and praying.

Throughout all of this, the family has asked one thing of all the people they know.

"Please pray for us."

I have no idea how many of you out there read my humble little blog but if you are reading this, please make it a point to include Jason and his family in your daily prayers. Pray for healing and a full recovery. He deserves a cancer free life and I believe he will achieve it.

Miracles happen.
Please pray for this young man and his family.For more on Jason and his amazing family:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/annualreport/jasonstadstad-2004.html