April 7, 2008

My Story

After living in the Republic of South Africa for nearly 10 years as a missionary I was home in the U.S. finishing my Master of Divinity degree in 1989 when I was diagnosed with AML Leukemia. After nearly seven months of in house hospital stay which included chemotherapy, infections, and a bout with septic shock which almost placed me in heaven, I had a Bone Marrow Transplant at the University of Kentucky. My perfect match was my brother Marc, and after two years of recovery from that health care ordeal I was pronounced cured of bone marrow cancer.
However, in 1995 while living in Murray, KY and ministering as the Director of Pastoral Care and Counseling in a local hospital I noticed bubbling and gurgling in my chest and lung area. A visit to the cardiologist and a few tests later I was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy which is where the heart muscle is in a weakened state and can’t pump efficiently for the body’s needs. It was a result of the heavy duty chemotherapy which is now commonly known to cause heart damage.

At that time I was told by the doctor to get my affairs in order, put myself on the heart transplant list, and know that I would only have a 5 year life expectancy if I didn’t get a new heart. Well, that was in 1995 and I have out lived that prediction by exercising, living healthier, and taking the medications that were prescribed.

Since that time there have been thirteen years of preventative medical care, and I learned the added value of meditation, prayer, and the experience of wholeness of body, mind, soul, and spirit! "It is a wonderful ride, living life to the fullest with the experience of growth, development, and deepened life experience even in the midst of seemingly discouraging and difficult days."

**Now I will begin the latter half of this note from my heart. I have had the outcome of living a relatively normal life to the utter amazement of many of the ICU and Cardiac doctors and nurses that I work with on a daily basis. They often have remarked to me, "you are sicker than our patients here on the ventilator and/or those who are waiting for a heart transplant!" "You are a walking miracle." I believe it can be summed up with the words which my cardiologist said when I asked, "How come I am functioning so much better than most patients that I pray with when I am actually sicker than those who are in the beds?" He remarked, "It is your faith, intention, goal, focus, direction, a very positive mental attitude, and your mission in life to do what you do." "God is not done with you yet," is what I hear almost daily.

However, just two years ago I contracted a viral pneumonia which settled in the heart and caused considerable more damage to my already weakened heart. Since April 2006 I have had numerous stays in the hospital and the intensive care. I have had a pace maker/defibrillator implanted in my chest which has already saved my life once. There have been four hospitalizations, three ICU experiences, and three cardiac ablations to help with the atrial fibrillation. However, I am still in atrial fibrillation with an ejection fraction of only 17%. They have even tried five Cardioversions where they shock the heart to get it in regular rhythm. Yet, I still go in and out of congestive heart failure, have shortness of breath, and have a weakened and decreased ability to do physical activities. I was told by the doctor that I have stage IV Cardiomyopathy and am in end stage heart failure and that I should strongly consider stopping work because of the stress on my heart.

I was then referred by my cardiologist to go and have the heart stem cell transplant in Bangkok Thailand, and come back and give my heart a chance to rest and rejuvenate itself with my own stem cells. So after two years of intensive research with a company called Vescell which works with a group of scientist from Theravitea’ and who are in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh, I have been accepted into the Heart Stem Cell program. It is for patients like me who have no other options but to go home and either die or have a heart transplant. Therefore, I have opted to have the stem cell treatment for they have an 80% success rate of renewal to the heart muscle, have American trained doctors, and have a five star internationally acclaimed program that has been written up for its innovative program for heart failure patients.

My health insurance does not cover the expenses which could potentially save my life and so I have to pay for this completely out of pocket. I have a goal of raising $35,000 which will cover most of the medical expenses at the Bangkok Heart Institute. I am in the process of trying to find a not-for-profit organization that would have a Mike Rumble Heart Fund to which one could make donations and have a tax deduction.

My goal is to raise $35,000 by April 1, 2008. I will be using this blog on line for updates to my progress, give information, and be able to communicate on a daily basis from Thailand to all my friends, relatives, and supporters.

I am booked by The Vessel Company to depart for Bangkok Thailand on April 25th from New York and arrive on Saturday the 26th of April. I am picked up at the airport by a Patient Care Coordinator who takes me to the hotel to settle in. The time that I will be away is two in a 1/2 weeks. The first week they take the blood out of my arm like giving a blood donation. The second week after the stem cells have been separated they inject them with a needle directly into the left ventricle and I will be in the hospital two days. Then I will be at the hotel for a week with a daily visit to the doctor to see how I am progressing. There is no opening the chest like an open heart surgery, and there is no ventilator necessary either. It’s a fairly simple procedure with all American trained doctors. There is very little physical risk involved with the procedure. No patient has ever died from their own stem cell treatment. There is no chance of rejection, and a great chance for the stem cells to begin to grow new heart muscle and cardio vascular rejuvenation.

I need to raise $35,000.00 to make this happen.

Please prayerfully consider supporting my efforts by sending donations to the
Mike Rumble Heart Fund

Please address it to:
Mike Rumble
1649 Woodfern Dr.
Boynton Beach, FL 33436

Cell: 772-224-0433

Mark on the item: Mike Rumble Heart Fund

Or you can contact me for information to directly deposit funds into an account that I have set up at the Bank of America.

**If I am unable to make the trip for some unknown reason your money will be completely refunded in full. Not one penny will be used for any personal needs. All money will go towards the up front payment to Theravitea’ to cover all heart procedure costs, hospitalizations, personal patient care coordinator, doctor fees, and scientist expenses. Payment must be paid in full up front before going to Thailand.

Please would you prayerfully consider helping me along the journey with a contribution and with your daily prayer for wisdom as I prepare to go and for recovery so that I can continue the mission in life that God has given me: "To be the healing presence of God to all I meet!"

Web sites and Links to look up for more information:
www.vescell.com
www.bangkokheart.com
Don_Margolis_The_No_Option-Option
a. Type that in a Google search to see a video

As it stands right now I am scheduled and booked to leave on Thailand Airlines on the 26th of April for Bangkok and will return on the 16th of May 2008.

Thank you so very much for your gracious prayerful support. After two years of extensive research I am in 100% complete confidence that this is the direction to go.

Sincerely your friend, Rev. Mike Rumble, M-Div; Board Certified Chaplain

To leave a comment, click on '# comments' under this paragraph. Then scroll down to the bottom and write your comment in the blank space. After that you must type in the word verification and then choose the 'anonymous' identity, finally just hit 'publish my post'. Thanks so much...........Mike

39 comments:

  1. Dear Mike, Your the best and there is still so much work for you to do. Your family and friends all wish you the best. We need you and are hopeful that the treatment in Thailand will help keep you with us all. Love, Maria

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  2. Dear Mike,

    I have faith that all the funds will come in so that your venture for recovery will be realized!

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  3. Hey Dad,
    Hang in there! You're the best. I'm glad to be able to travel with you to Thailand.
    Love,
    Elizabeth

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  4. Thanks Elizabeth, you are such a wonderful mature woman. I love you!

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  5. Hey Mike, I look forward to hearing all about Thailand upon your return. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Know that your friends here in SRQ are with you on your journey.
    Hugs, Anne

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  6. Wow Anne! Thanks so very much, that means a great deal to me. I look forward to coming to SRQ and sharing.
    Mike

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  7. Dad, you are so amazing! I cant belive your going to Thailand! I love you and hope this trip is an answer to our prayers.

    P.s. Caleb loves you too!

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  8. Dear Mike,

    I sincerely hope that everything goes well. I assure you my family and I are praying for your well being.

    I also feel comfortable knowing you are in the best hands possible. The hands and arms of our lord and heavenly father to carry you during this difficult time.

    If I can be of any service or you just need to talk, don't hesitate to call.

    Gob bless!!!

    Ernie

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  9. Hey bro, keep up the great work, we are all pulling for you up here in Mich. You are on our mind everyday, I love you,

    Marc

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  10. Mike,
    I got word of your condition thru Mom (Nancy Rose LeSieur) and wanted to pass along my best wishes and prayers for your travels and for a speedy recovery. I am sorry to hear of your ordeal, but it sounds like you are in good hands. I always did think alot of your work with Hospice in Murray. There was always a special spirit about you and I cannot imagine anyone else helping us tie the knot way back when. It was just over 10 years ago when you married Jason and I, and for that, I will always be grateful. We have a wonderful 2year old daughter and are settled in Hopkinsville, KY. I hope this note finds you doing well. I will be thinking of and praying for you.
    Heather (Rose) Holland

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  11. Hi Mike, you are going in the right direction. You have my prayers and thoughts. We will be watching your progress daily when you are in Thailand. Barry

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  12. Hi Mike:

    I remember our fellowship and talks together while ministering at Bon Secours Health Services. You have been a great encouragement to me with your healing presence that God has provided you. I am confident that you will be victorious over the physical challenges that you are facing. Carol and I are praying for you as you prepare for your trip to Thailand and value your continued friendship. Remember you are a "VERY SMART MAN."

    All Our Love & Prayers,
    Rich & Carol

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  13. Mike

    I was happy to visit with you and Maria this past weekend. I know you have put a lot of thought into your next journey and you should know that all those who have come to know you are behind you 110%. I will be looking forward to seeing you soon and want you to know I will be thinking of you while you're in Thailand and reading your daily updates. Stay strong and know that you are in God's hands....not a bad place to be!

    Larry

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  14. Dear Mike,
    This is going to be a Life Rejuvenation for you. I wish you the best.My Entire Family is passing along our thoughts and prayers.We Love You So Much
    David

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  15. I am touched by your story and send you prayers and Reiki healing energy. You are such an inspiration for how well you have done thus far, guided and protected by your faith. May you be well, may you be happy, may you be at peace.
    Namaste and Best Wishes from a CSA Sarasota supporter

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  16. mike, wow! of course our prayers and love travel with you. may God bless and heal. i pray the Great Physician will come to your bedside and bring healing and peace that passes all understanding. our love, Jeff from SCC in fort pierce

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  17. Hi Mike!
    This is a very nice recognition. I feel like it could have been written by me or any number of other people who have been the benefactors of your support.
    Last week I forwarded out your letter and attachment to a large number of the people on the MCCH e-mail system. I have spoken to Kerry a couple of times and he and the upper administration agreed that that would be a good way to get the word out. I have gotten comments from several people. I also contacted the editor of the Ledger and Times (Eric Walker) and forwarded him the letter and attachment. I also sent it to a couple other people in town including Loretta. I hope that you will be hearing form some otf the people here. Does Nancy (Rose) know of this?
    I hope that all is going well for you and Maria. Keep us updated.
    We are OK.
    Next week I am going to a Chopra Spiritual Yoga retreat in Austin TX. i am very excited about that.
    Cadelia

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  18. Dear Ones,
    This message is from my dear friend, Rev. Mike Rumble. He used to live in Sarasota and was a great spiritual support to me during a very difficult time in my life. We have stayed in touch since he moved away, and he is always an amazing spiritual light. Do take a look at Mike's website and the amazingly courageous story of his life. It is a miracle he is not only still alive, but living as vibrantly as he has been. His message is worth reading and sharing.
    Thank you and Namasté,
    -Karen
    Rev. Karen Wolfson
    Center for Spiritual Awakening

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  19. Hi Mike,
    I met you many years ago when you worked a Bon Secours but you left very soon after. What an incredible journey you have come through. You are very brave. God will see you through. I will keep you in my prayers. God Bless in the next few months with your goal. You can count on my support. Cherie

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  20. Hey Mike, how's it going? John said u were not feeling well and were staying home. I hope u are feeling better today. I hope everything works out with your transplant and u feel much better afterwards. You are such a comfort and help to so many people. Even when u feel crappy, u still have a smile on your face.
    Thanks Shannon...

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  21. greatings to all,
    i meant mike about 3 to 4 years ago. we were at a bedside of a person transitioning back into the natural state of spirit. as a respiratory therapist, in the critical care unit, this rebirth was one of many for me. this one was the beginning of a great friendship with mike rumble. for those readers that has never spent years in a critical care unit, i would like to say that our creator gives many gifts to his children. i, like many others, has grown to love the gifts given to me. back to my friend mike, he to has great gifts that he uses. that first day mike walked into that hospital room it was very apparant to me that i was going to be a witness to a light and love fill event that i call the rebirth of the spirit back to its natural state. over the next several years, mike and i have worked together countless times witnessing the rebirth. yes, these times can be very sad and painful to family and friends of the deceased. however; with mike,s gifts of compassion, love, wisdom, and humility and the way he uses them to help ease and heal the sorrows of loss has proven to me that mike has a place on earth and a very important job to do. one of mike statements to me is " i know what i am suppose to do here but, i don't know what my job would be there." well, i have decided to help mike raise the money for his life giving trip. in the last several weeks i have put together a team to help.
    with the help of many, we now have a name which is mikes non- profit foundation. we are planning a cook out on the beach in st. lucie county, florida. this family fun day will be opened up to the employees of st. lucie medical center and lawnwood hospitals. mike is one of our family members. he has helped many many people not only his fellow employees, but also the people of this county and the surrounding counties around st. lucie. i would like to ask all readers of mikes blog spot to give any amount of money that you can. these donations will help save a life of a wounderful loving person.
    in addition, mike will be with us for a long time using his special gifts which help to heal our earthly cuts and scars. thank you all for all your gifts of love to mike. that is all i have to say for now. keep looking at mikes blogspot for updates for the rumble-thon family fun day at frederick douglus park on the beautiful beach in fort pierce,fla which will be held on april 5th.
    good luck mike from a friend.

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  22. greetings from a friend,
    i am john buchanan a respiratory therapist at st. lucie medical center. i am very excited to anounce the offical start of the michael rumble healthcare foundation inc. being the vice president of this new not for profit foundation, the foundations first goal is to help mike grow some new heart muscle!! after that goal has been meant our foundation will be searching for another person to help a dream come true.
    our first fund rasier will be on april 5th at frederick douglas park 4 miles south of the fort pierce inlet. it will be from 8am to 8 pm. the name is rumble-thon family fun day. thanks in advance for everyones help and support.
    john buchanan

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  23. mike,
    the rumble-thon family fun day is really starting to take shape.
    we have several hogs, chicken, potatoe salad, beans,and lots of fun and games for april 5th. to brother marc, you should try to fly down to florida for that weekend. you will be able to see the support your bro has. april 5th will be a great day to remember.
    i will continue the party updates.
    john

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  24. Hello Mike, Finally got here and am blessed at this site! Will be praying. I am challenged...but amidst it all...Psalm 52:8b-9 I trust in God's unfailing love forever and ever. I will praise you forever,O God, for what you have done. I will wait for your mercies in the presence of your people. In Faith, SM/R/LRMC

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  25. hey mike,
    i want to thank sally a kind soul which gave $20.00 today. this is a very nice lady that doesn't work at the hospital and doesn'tnow mike but wanted to help. all employees at lawnwood and slmc don't forget the benefit bbq april 5th. lots of food and fun for all.
    john b.

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  26. I met Michael about ten years ago when I was looking for a counselor. I do believe that my guardian angels brought me to him, because I met him looking for someone else. I was dealing with a divorce and my Mother dying of cancer, and I had a broken heart. Michael is so sincere and has such a special light that surrounds him, and shows you that he really cares!!! When you talk, he listens~when he speaks to you, he's a conduit of God's Words! He counseled me through my darkest hours and helped to heal my broken heart! Now I want to help heal his heart, so he can continue his special purpose in life~doing God's work.
    To all my friends and family, I want to thank you so much for your monetary & moral support for Michael. He was my counselor, then became a great friend. I now call him my brother, because he feels like family! Even with all he's going through, he still calls to see how I'm doing. How thoughtful is that?! So let's keep the prayers and contributions coming until he comes home with a healed heart. Much love, Sharon

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  27. Mike, I am so glad you have gotten such a great response with this site and the foundation. You have a lot of supporters, which does not surprise me. I look forward to the Rumble-thon. I'm bringing my family! I'm prayin for u!!!
    Shan

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  28. Dear Mike, You annointed my son with oil and prayed for him when he was in ICU. To all present in the room, we witnessed a miracle. Our prayers are with you now for your own healing. God is with you. Maybe your journey will pave the way for others to be able to some day have stem cell treatments in the US. We will follow your progress on line. God Bless You! Susan, Dan & Tim

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  29. I just found out about this TODAY! You bet my family and I will be at that park April 5th. I am passing this on to everyone I know. Mike, you mean alot to us at LRMC- we love you and NEED you healthy to carry on with God's divine work.You really are a shining light in the darkness. Sometimes I feel like the only Christian in the place and then you round the corner with that beautiful smile!I am praying for you everyday and will do all I can to spread the word!

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  30. Love ya Mike- we'll be there for you!

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  31. Mike,

    Its okay, you are welcome. I will also watch how it all plays out later, not so much for any worry about the procedure, as I don't have any more concerns with that - but I realize that you might need some help later with finances, etc. and will remember to ask how it is all going while you are recuperating and not working. We will be glad to help out then also.

    Just thank God for all the help he is sending you - we don't want any credit for doing what he would call us to do at this time and for any other time later. He will tell me if you are running low on funds, He has in the past.

    I think it will all be okay. Just look to God as He is surely supporting you and holding you up and walking with you in this.

    We sure do all send our love and our best to you. And from my heavenly family also who will also know now how much you helped and supported my wonderful Mom while she needed to talk to you to help her walk that path to Home.

    Our hearts are with you, our minds are full of prayer for you, and the Heavenly Father will take care of it all.

    Don't worry about getting in touch with us right away. That's okay. There is so much going on - and we know that - we also are solid in our faith in what He will do and do not need you to worry about us right now - just enjoy your time with your family and friends before you go fulfill the next step in the journey for you. He has been with you all along, now is your hour to be healed and His time to give you that gift and however He chooses to do so will be perfect as it is from Him.

    I remember you saying sometime along the way that you know what you do down here on earth - what your job is. And you are not sure what your job would be there. But do you also remember that there is a going from here.......and a coming.......to the other side. I always figured based on other people's opinion about this, but I do think whatever we have done here, will be the class time, study time and training for what we will do there. Imagine getting to be the "gracious host" for the Son of the Living God - meeting people on the other side, will allow you to be a Chaplain there also - meeting and greeting those who need to be introduced to someone they have waited their whole lives to meet. Our Lord and Savior.

    I am not telling you this to make you unsure of this procedure or that I think it might not go well. That's not the case. It sure is soothing to think that that would be your job.

    You have work to do - and so your job is to finish it until you are done. But one thing you might want to consider and I have been thinking about a few minutes ago is actually spending some time in the future teaching chaplains the job and responsibility of dealing with the dying and how to do that thing you do ---- we both know Dr's are not good at it - they sure need others in this life to know how you do what you do to make people so comforted during the dying process.

    We send you love - Cookie

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  32. This is a note I received today from the TheraVitae company from Bangkok. Narumol says, I will arrange the vehicle to pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the Swissotel Le Concord Hotel. You may login and see the hotel's website at http://www.swissotel.com Tel: +66 2 694 2222. You will meet our cardiologist on April 28, 2008 to review your medical records, perform test and discuss the Cell Therapy Program using the Thoracoscopic procedure at the Bangkok Heart Hospital. You may login and see the hospital's website at http://www.bangkokhospital.com/english/default.asp

    Your Blood Collection will be done by drawing 250 cc of your peripheral blood for the selection of ACPs. This is similar to what you would do during a blood donation. The blood is then sent to our lab in Israel for the process of ACPs selection and cell multiplication, which will yield a package of concentrated ACPs.

    The ACPs are then sent back to Bangkok ready to be injected in the operation room. The ACPs are injected directly into your heart muscle. You will stay overnight for close observation a few days at the CCU and then move to the international ward. Later, you will be discharged from the hospital with a complete copy of your medical records and be returned to the hotel.

    On May 13, 2008 you will be transferred from the hotel to Suvarnabhumi International Airport and depart back home.

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  33. Dearest Mike,
    Please know how many of us are praying for you my dear friend. You have been my sounding board on numerous occasions & now is my chance to give back to you. You have such and incredible spirit Mike that shows each and every day with what you do for our community and their loved ones. I know how blessed they must feel as I did, as you were there by their bedside in their time of need & prayer. How wonderful it is to have an angel on earth such as yourself--I truly believe that each of us are angels with one wing, but when we embrace each other, it is then, when we learn how to fly. You
    are an amazing man and all my thoughts & prayers are with you on a daily basis----Peace & Love, Alyssa-LRMC

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  34. mike,
    wow, i am not suprised about the support you are receiveing. the community is getting ready to say thank you rev. michael j rumble. there is a hurricane that is going to hit the treasure coast on april 5th. the storm's name is storm rumble-thon. we will be ready.
    john

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  35. Dear Mike,

    I can't think of a person who is more blessed then you are. (No pun intended, ha ha). We are all behind you. I love how you put everything into perspective. There is no flowered song and dance. You explain everything just as it is.

    I think of you every day. And pray for you all the time. You have touched so many lives through out your lifetime. As you continue with this journey, I know you will touch that many more.

    Lots of Love from MI

    Jennifer

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  36. hi mike, this is lisa & tim we came to your benifit on sat. im as so thrilled for you. we will keep you in out thoughts and prayers. if you recall, we traveled to north east china for stem cell injections. i have no hesitation when i tell you it helped tim greatly. we have a long road ahead of us still, but we are still moving forward!!! as requested, here is my email address, kunzmann8024@hotmail.com. please drop us a note upon your return home, or sooner! i know you will be very busy. we both look forward to hearing from you and wish you the best.i will be checking your blog as well....may god bless you and be with you always. lisa & tim o'connor

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  37. DEAR MIKE,
    WE WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK, AND
    SINCERELY HOPE, THE PROCEDURE WILL BE SUCCESSFUL FOR YOU, A DEAR,SWEET,KIND,CONSIDERATE,
    COMPASSIONATE HUMAN BEING. WE WILL BE THINKING OF YOU AND VERY
    ANXIOUS TO HEAR THE GOOD NEWS.

    LOVE AND HUGS, FRANCINE AND DAVID

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  38. DEAR MIKE,
    IT WAS GOOD SEEING YOU AT THE
    RUMBLE-THON, I DO WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK AND HOPE ALL GOES WELL FOR YOU. HAVE A GOOD TRIP,
    AND REMEMBER WE ARE ALL PULLING
    FOR YOU.

    LOVE AND BEST WISHES, RUTH MARTIN

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  39. So glad to hear your EF has improved. God is smiling on you. Keep thanking Jesus for His healing power! And that His finished work on that cruel cross gives us access to that healing power. Thank God for the doctors that are continually researching and discovering these keys to healing our bodies. Wonderful news PRAISE GOD from whom ALL blessing flow. I am no longer at Lawnwood, so I am thrilled your blog keeps me up tp date. I shall never forget you or forget to pray for you. Carol

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