January 29, 2012 Update on Bretts Condition:

It is with a heavy heart that I have to tell Brett and Kate’s circle of support that Brett's latest MRI showed substantial tumor growth since the December scan. We are certainly saddened to see how much it has increased. It has spread to the left side of his brain as well as on his brain stem.

Since Brett has tried 5 different types of chemo, Dr. Glass feels that there is nothing more medicine can do for him. He advised that typically he would tell a family that 6 months would be the limit. But with the rate of growth, he wouldn’t give it that long. We know that doctors and medicine do not make the ultimate decisions! It is unbelievable that in such a short time, it has spread like wildfire in the midst of so much treatment. It was only 5 months ago that he was standing on the sail boat with excitement and being his playful self.

They will be making arrangements this week to have him moved to a hospice care facility which will be better suited for his comfort care. He is already having difficulty remembering. Although, he knows everyone who walks in the door and he is very much able to have a conversation; he forgets a few moments later. He can not open his right eye due to the growth of the tumor.

As much as it hurts and as difficult as it is, we have to keep praising God for the incredible support system and all of the love that you all have shown. We know that HE is still a miracle worker and it's not over yet! We are not giving up hope. If HIS choice is to take Brett home to be with HIM, we can still praise HIM that Brett is healed as our prayers have been heard!

Brett’s family has been so gracious and supportive to Brett and Kate in the midst of their own pain and suffering. They have given of themselves in so many ways. Brett and Kate could not have endured any of this without them by their side.

I am still working on the campaign to allow Kate to spend as much time with Brett as possible! It is a blessing that she will be able to stay over night with him in the new facility! If HE chooses to take Brett home, my new campaign will be to offset funeral costs since there is no life insurance. If you can not donate, please leave Brett a HUG!

Thank you for your continued prayers and praise reports! Our Lord continues to shine through even the toughest times and we have to continue to trust!

Their Story:

God brought Brett and Kate together and they were married in Nov. 2009. In May 2010 Brett was diagnosed with brain cancer. Doctors removed most of an anaplasticoliGODendroglioma grade iii tumor. It is an aggressive tumor, but Brett is an aggressive kind of guy. He has had 2 brain surgeries, 2 rounds of radiation and 4 types of chemo. His body is not tolerating the chemo. It is making him weak and he is losing mobility.

Through it all Brett has remained FAITH-ful to the Lord! While doing a mental test for chemo he had to write a sentence with a noun and a verb. Kate was thinking "See Jane Run" and couldn't imagine what was taking Brett so long. His sentence was,
"If you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord you will be saved." He has spread the word of the Lord throughout his battle.

Brett has been admitted to the hospital many times since June 2011. Oct. and Dec. MRI's showed continual tumor growth. Another surgery is not an option. Currently, Brett is in a rehab facility trying to regain his mobility and strength while they try the 5th type of chemo.

Brett and Kate have medical insurance, Praise the Lord! But, they do have some medical and travel expenses building up. She has been beside her husband throughout this ordeal and our goal is to keep it that way! She is his main support as well as their savior Jesus.

If you'd like to donate by check or have any questions, please call Jennifer O'Donnell (Kate's sister) at 856-346-1338, or email me at jod07734@aol.com. (I can not respond to messages emailed from Give Forward.)