With joy and thanksgiving

It is with GREAT JOY that we announce our goal of $125,000.00 has been raised for Keith's Stem Cell transplant!!!  So many people prayed, believed, and donated, and it happened. In one month. What an awesome God we serve!

Looking back at all the emotions we had over the last several months....what a ride!  From hearing the diagnosis, the hope of a transplant, the relief of getting into the transplant trial, the defeat of denial by insurance 3 times, the humility of fund raising, to the thrill of meeting our goal. Whew! We could feel God leading us the whole way, He is so faithful.  It's almost crazy to know that He is that close to us all the time.

We could not have met that goal without the help of so many.  Family, friends, our Church family, our deacons, co-workers, neighbors, and even strangers worked so hard to make this all happen.  We are so blessed to be living in West Michigan! How wonderful to feel the love and support of the entire community.

There are still a few fund raisers out there that will help with additional medical expenses that arise along the way, as well as travelling costs, and the fact that Keith is self-employed and will not be working for several months. *Please Note:  The Lasagna Dinner and Pie Auction scheduled for this Saturday, Nov. 21, has been cancelled.*

On December 22-23, we will be going to Northwestern Hospital in Chicago for pretesting.  They need to make sure that Keith is healthy enough to go through with the transplant. On Jan. 5-16, we head back to Chicago for chemo and harvesting Keith's stem cells.  Then on Feb. 3-21, more chemo and this is also when Keith will get his stem cells back.  So exciting to finally have dates on the calendar!  Now to figure out the kids and grandmas schedule. :)

We are so humbled and thankful for everyone's prayers, acts of kindness, and generosity. I have hugged more people in the last 2 months than I have hugged in my entire life.  And saying "thank you" never seems like enough.  So please know that we are truly grateful for each of you!!