Garrido Family

Alberto and Eva are going through a difficult time. Please keep this family in your prayers!

Beth Proctor

Sarah is a student at HCC. Her Mom has cancer again. Please pray for the both of them. They are going through a difficult time.

Alex Mihalovits

Alex Mihalovits, father of HCC alum Martha Mihalovits, is having a heart valve replacement on Wednesday. Please pray for him.

James Watson

James Watson died an hour ago. I was with him and his father just a short while before he passed. Please pray for him and his family.

Prayers for a Fellow Colleague

Please keep Margaret in your prayers. She is in St. Joe as of January 1st. She will be undergoing quadruple bypass surgery, Jan 3. Her daughter Barbara Cabana called me this morning. She did not have a heart attack, but instead is having this surgery at the direction of a cardiologist who was checking her for a heart valve issue.

She is in room 378 Bed 2, St. Joe Regional Med. Center. 574-237-7790

I asked Barbara if staff and faculty could be informed of Barbara's status and she said it was no problem to tell whomever I wanted. Her granddaughter Stephanie has been a volunteer in the same cardiac care unit at the hospital for several years so Margaret is being treated with extra special care by the nursing staff.

Once I hear of her status I will provide an update. If you are aware of someone I missed on this email that should be informed, please forward this message to them.

James Watson

The 17 year old son of Holy Cross College professor Justin Watson was badly injured in a car accident late last night. A surgeon has removed part of his skull and they are waiting for the swelling to subside before determining the extent of any brain damage. Please pray!

Avery Ellis

Please pray for Avery Ellis who is 3. She had surgery yesterday to remove a brain tumor after waking up and not being able to walk. Her mother's name is Amy and is a good friend of my mother's. She has 2 sisters and a brother also (and a great dad!). Please pray that their faith will remain strong and for a perfect outcome of the removal. Thank you.

Prayers for Little Boy

Over the weekend, Owen Lambert, a 15 month year old boy in Osceola, Indiana fell into a back yard pond and was later found by a neighbor who happened to be a nurse. CPR was started immediately but he was not responsive. He remains on a ventilator but is not breathing on his own. I ask you offer prayer for Owen, his parents, grandparents and whole family so they can be strengthened for what lies ahead in their lives. I pray to God to watch over children that have a natural innocence and curiosity such as that which lead Owen to that backyard pond. May he discover God’s will be done, and may God have mercy on his soul.

Prayer Request from Isaic Ruiz

4 year old Isabelle Ruiz my niece has been awaiting brain surgery to remove the connection between the right and left sides of her brain in an attempt to stop her seizers. One side of her brain is, for the lack of better words, dead and is sending corrupt electrical impulses to the other side causing her to have seizers. The surgery has been postponed twice due to complications. Recently the seizures have increased in severity and frequency. On the morning of July 16 they came so hard that she stopped breathing and had to be admitted and put on oxygen. The next surgery date is set for August 11 at 11am. Please pray that the surgery comes soon with no complications and that everyone involved has the peace of God with them.

Kevin Healy

Tonight, I need a special prayer, a friend of friend named Kevin Healey, who just completed his freshman year at Notre Dame, has been re-diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, and tumors have been found in his lungs; this form of osteosarcoma is an advanced metastasis of the cancer, everyone from the Notre Dame community, the community of St.Ignatius High School in Cleveland, and Loyola University Cleveland-imports needs prayers, so if you have time or know people who can go to The Grotto, please offer up a prayer, I don't know Kevin personally, but to go through 4 semesters of Notre Dame while battling this serious form of cancer is a truly amazing story. His website is www.kevinhealey.com. Thank you and God Bless

Sincerely,
Peter Olson (HCC alum)

Emilija Lapas

In the fall of 2005, at the age of 9, Emilija was diagnosed with a very rare malignant brain tumor. At the time, she received chemotherapy and radiation to the brain and was in remission for a year and a half. Unfortunately, in the fall of 2007, Emilija experienced a relapse of the illness. This time, the tumor appeared in the upper spine. Most of the tumor was surgicaly removed and she received additional chemotherapy followed by an autologous tandem stem cell transplant. Emilija finished her second part of the stem cell transplant just over a month ago.As part of her treatment, Emilija still has to receive radiation treatments to the brain and spine. The treatments will begin sometime in May and are expected to last for about two and a half months.

For Luke Bruner's Students

Luke, I believe, is the first theology major to graduate from HCC.

Tomorrow I am running a retreat for the entire high school (apx 150 students, plus faculty and staff). Any prayers you can offer for the students are greatly appreciated.

Our school is in the process of rebuilding Catholic identity (we sold our patrimony for a bowl of porridge in the 70s and 80s), and this is the first all-school retreat in several decades. Many of our students will be going to the Sacrament of Penance for the first time since their first confession. All students will also spend some quiet time before the Blessed Sacraments... it will be the first experience of adoration for every student in the school. We're even having a Eucharistic Procession... the first one held here in two generations.

In short, there is the potential for a tremendous outpouring of grace tomorrow. Every prayer will help.

A successful and rewarding retreat for the students could make a profound difference at this school.

Maybe you could throw something about this on the blog? Now that you're feeling better, the readers will need something to pray for!

Yours in Christ,
-Luke

Mary Catherine

From HCC alum Katie Robertson:

I had a prayer request if you wouldn't mind. My boss (Mary Catherine) is scheduled to have a C-section this week. Prayers for her, the baby, and her family would be greatly appreciated.

A Student's Uncle

A current HC student requests prayers for her uncle who is dying of cancer. Janice Harber's uncle, Tony Strack was given only a couple of weeks to live. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

The Sacchini Family in need of Prayers

Sacchini Family had three family members pass away in the last 4 months. Mary Jane Feece is chronically ill.

Mr. Irvine's Mother

Doug Irvine's mother passed away just before Thanksgiving.

Please continue to keep Doug and his family in your prayers.

Prayers for the Niemier Family

Please pray for Carol Niemier, my wife, who is going through a difficult peiod in her life.


Edward Cukrowicz, my wife’s uncle, who passed away this past week.

Professor at HC

Please pray for Gail Miller, an adjunct instructor, and for her husband Don, who is undergoing treatment for recently diagnosed cancer.

Sue Schoen

Mrs. Schoen is a bit discouraged. She asked me to share that she had emergency surgery on her infected back on Thursday. She is now back home recuperating. But, her spirits have been dampened. Please join me in refreshing these by calling her or sending her a card. She asked that we please continue to keep her in our prayers.

Doug Irvine's Family

Doug Irvine's mother had a massive stroke on Monday, 11/12 and is at Memorial Hospital and is unresponsive. Doug and Jan are meeting with Hospice today and do not figure that his mother will be here much longer. They ask for your prayers for her and the family.

She was at Doug’s on Saturday and was with lots of the family having an early Thanksgiving. Doug’s brother and niece were there as well as Doug and Jan’s children and grandchildren and a few nieces and nephews and brother-in-law. He says that she seemed to be enjoying her self immensely!!!



Doug’s mother’s name is: Henretta “Hank” Irvine. Thank you in advance for your prayers!

A Student in Need of Prayers

On October 22 Sara Proctor's grandmother died after a long fight with lung cancer.  Sara was very close to her.  Shortly after the funeral, it was confirmed that Sara’s mother has acute leukemia and went into the hospital for chemotherapy. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

Passing Relative

For Julie Bennett - grandmother of a former student. She passed away early this morning. For her and for the rest of the Bennet family.

Rosemary Antonelli

Asking for prayers for Rosemary Antonelli for physical healing and for progress with her various developmental delays. Thank you!

Submitted by her wonderful mother, Jocie Antonelli.

For Luke Bruner

Luke is a 2007 graduate of Holy Cross College. He has recently moved to an Indian Reservation in Montanta to teach in their school. Let us support Luke in prayer as he generously follows his calling. Congratulations Luke!

Young Man in Need of Prayers

Caleb Sutula (from St. Thomas in Elkhart, IN) was found dead in his apartment yesterday. Prayers for him and his family would be greatly appreciated!

Please pray for this couple, one of whom is an HCC alum

I know you are pre-occupied these days, but I need some prayers. My wife and I just became pregnant with our first child. It is a welcome surprise. However, we are concerned about he health of both mother and child. My wife suffers from bi-polar disorder and the medication is not safe for pregnancies (it causes a lot of birth defects). Getting off the medication could significantly effect her mental stability. She is trying to lower her dosage, but cannot get off the medicine entirely. Please pray for the physical, mental, and spiritual health of both baby and mother. I am worried for both my wife and baby's safety. Also, if you could pray for me to receive the grace to be a great father and husband, I would appreciate it.

Reid Leazier

Reid Leazier, who just graduated from Dwenger, was at the Pro Life Music Festival in Warsaw last night, and was struck by lightening.

Some of you heard Reid give his incredible faith witness at the Jr. High Rally in October or on the Winter Be a Hero retreat.

He is recovering, but has burns and both ear drums bursted. Please pray for him, the other teens affected, and their families.

Knee Surgery

Sue Schoen will undergo knee surgery on June 26. Sue will then hear on July 9 whether she will require additional surgery for the cracked vertebrae and fractured bone in her back. Please be sure to keep Sue in your prayers, especially during this difficult time in her life.

Our Beloved Campus Minister

Robert Kloska's battle with cancer continues.

In his own words, "It's still very early – microscopic in fact – but this means that I’ll have to take care of it again this summer. We don’t have a game plan with a specific timeline yet, but Margy and I are headed to our familiar haunt at the University of Chicago to figure all that out on Monday (6.4.2007). As I did last year, I expect to be able to work during all but the most difficult part of treatment. My doctor assures me that my superior toughness and tenacity lends him to believe that I will be up and ready to go (sans hair) come the start of school in August."

Please, please pray for BK and his family as they face this challenge. You can check the Kloska family's blog for updated information: www.kloska.blogspot.com

Matt Patterson

Let's all keep praying for Matt.

Jamie

Sara Kassen and her family ask that you pray for friend Jamie Williams who has just received a cancer diagnosis. Please pray also for Jamie's family and friends as they face this difficult time.

Jerry Love's Mother

Please pray for Jerry Love's mother who has suffered many strokes and one severe one recently. Please pray also for Jerry and his wife Bev at this time. Both are alumni of Holy Cross College, and Jerry is serving the College as the chair of the board of trustees.

Mackenzie Gillan

Alum Kathleen Duggan Friendshuh called from Ft Worth, TX to ask that we include the following on our prayer blog:

Mackenzie Gillan, 17 year old student at Nolan Catholic High School , Ft Worth, TX, brother of SMC alum Katelyn Gillan '04, is in need of prayer. Please pray for his healing from a virus and pneumonia.

Thanks,
Pat

Fr. Rock Niemier, O.F.M.

Greetings:

Please add my brother, Father Rock Niemier O.F.M., to your list of people that you pray for. Yesterday he was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Long story short--a scarring of the lungs and cyst formation in the lungs. "Prognosis varies greatly. Most people continue to get worse. Some survive for many years; a few die within several months."

Thank you and Peace,

Al Niemier

Luke Holly

Hello All,

Thought I would send out an update on Luke. He is doing well gaing weight (over 8 lbs) and starting to smile at mom and dad. He is acting like most other 1&1/2 month olds would, which is his corrected age. He saw the eye doctor last week and they thought the eye issues were resolved. He also saw the kidney doctor and his ultra sound looked good so no surgery for now. He will continue antibiotics and recheck an ultra sound and voiding study to see if the urine reflux is still present at 12-14 months. He has a follow up with the lung doctor in mid April and we hope to get him off oxygen soon. Thanks again for all of your prayers.

God Bless,
Patrick

Blaise Voita

Hello Everyone.

Wanted to update you on Blaise's progress and request more prayers. This Wednesday, March 14th, Blaise will be having her seventh surgery. She will have a hernia repaired in her groin area. Usually, this is an outpatient procedure with an almost zero percent chance of recurrence. With Blaise, of course, that is not the case. They feel because of all the pressure of her fluid, the hernia will likely come back or she will get one on the other side. Blaise never does what they think, though, so we'll hope for the best. In the scope of all the things we've had to put her through, this is relatively minor, so I feel confident that things will go smoothly. Her operation will be at 8:30 a.m. We ask for prayers also for Blaise to be able to eat. She has virtually eaten no 'real' food her whole life, so it is very difficult to get her to eat by mouth. The sooner she learns to eat, the sooner we will be able to remove the tube from her nose/stomach. We have good news that's also a little bittersweet. Blaise is finally learning to walk at 29 months. She walks with trepidation because her belly is a different size every day, which throws her balance off and when she falls, she falls hard! I'm so glad she's finally walking, but it's bittersweet because we have never been able to put shoes on her swollen feet. I imagine we'll have to look into more therapy or specially made shoes if there is no improvement soon. Of course, our biggest prayer is for complete and total healing for Blaise, which I still believe in wholeheartedly.

A little follow up on the radio program Pat was on...We got an overwhelming response from people all over the country and Dr. Joy's staff. I wrote back to thank them and sent some pictures, and Blaise is now featured on her website at http://www.drjoy.com/

Also, the week following Blaise's surgery, Pat and my dad will be driving Blaise up to Stanford to see two doctors who specialize in the treatment and research of lymphatic issues. I feel that Blaise's healing is going to come in her and God's own time and that the doctors have done all they can. Pat still believes there is an answer out there somewhere in the medical field and I love him for trying. He'd take her to the ends of the earth if there was a cure. I agreed to let him take her as long as he took her without me and that they do NOT touch her!

On good days, we have peace in knowing that God has a divine plan for Blaise and that He is working through her. He is the Divine Physician and He could heal her with one word. That is obviously not in the plan yet; however, and we continue to be touched, humbled, and amazed by all the special people we've met because of her condition. As things unfold, we continue to receive special graces from her and the people around us. Heartbreaking as it is sometimes, we're so blessed to be on this journey with her. Thanks so much for all of your prayers, help, and love.

Sincerely,
Lisa, Pat, Damien, Regan, and Blaise

Margo Jones

Back in September you posted a prayer request for my good friend Margo Jones who was diagnosed with Leukemia. Sadly I write to tell you that she passed away last night. She leaves behind her husband (Mark) and her 13 year old daughter Samantha. Would appreciate a posting for prayer and Gods peace for her family and friends. Thanks!

Beth Berry

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith..
2 Timothy 4:7

Kevin Landeck

The real reason I am writing though is to inform you about
a former room mate of mine. Our second year at HCC we
lived in the new (at the time) South Hall. My room mates
were Joe Catanzarite, Gary Gray and Kevin Landeck. This
past Friday, Feb 2 Kevin was killed in Iraq by a road
side bomb. I am not sure he actually graduated from HCC
but he was there for 2 years and is a part of the HCC
family. I thought that you and the school should know
about this and keep his family in your prayers. If you do
not remember him he was a tall kid with red hair and very
sarcastic. He hung around with us and Brian and Tony
Gallo. His family lives in Wheaten, Ill. As I said
before it was great to see you. Hope all is well.

Vince DeDario
LaSalle Academy
SBCSC

IT Department - Kevin Falls

Please keep Kevin Falls and his family in your prayers. His mother has become very ill after complications from a recent surgery. He is currently in Massachusetts with his family.

Taylor Story

MY NIECES NAME IS TAYLOR STORY AND SHE IS ONLY 13 ..SHE HAS VERY LOW BLOOD PRESSURE AND HEART RATE AND IS CURRENTLY IN THE VANDERBILT CHILDRENS HOSPITAL IN NASHVILLE TN PLEASE ALL PRAY IN AGREEMENT WITH ME THAT GOD WILL REACH DOWN AND HEAL HER COMPLETELY IN JESUS NAME AMEN. Ron

Pray for Geno who has cancer

He's pictured here with his wife Paula before he began losing his hair. Geno is a former CSC seminarian and a friend of Fr. Kevin. His website is funny - looks like he has a great attitude.

Cherry Adora

Dear Lord,
Thank you for being with me during Christmas. Thank you for giving me a little peace in this very difficult time in my life. Vincent did not come home and I am not sure if he will still come home. Despite of this, you gave me the strength to go on with the holidays without feeling so much sadness and emptiness. Lord, I would still like to pray that someday I will still end up with Vincent. You know how much I love him. I hope someday you will hear my prayer.

Mr. Tomaski

Please pray for my friends father-in-law, Mr. Tomaski. He was just diagnosed with secondary liver cancer. They are awaiting, more news and information from test results.

Submitted by: Brion (Davis) Thompson

Sue Praytor

My cousin, Sue Praytor, has been diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma and will learn more next week regarding treatment options and procedures. Thank you very much!

Submitted by: Dan Hubert

Dan Hubert's father

Pray for my father who is having bone lesion reviewed next week to determine whether it is malignant or benign. Let's pray with God's grace that it is benign and can be simply removed.

Rick Adams

Rick Adams, my brother, has lost ground after a couple of infections. One nearly took his life over the Thanksgiving weekend. This week he will be going to a nursing home because he isn’t well enough for physical therapy. He doesn’t have any use now of his right side and is still not talking. Thank you for your continued prayers. It is hard on everyone especially his two sons who are shouldering all of this. Pat

Jodie Sweet's Grandfather

Please Keep Jodie and her whole family in your prayer as her grandfather just passed away.

The correct time for Jodie’s grandfather’s wake and funeral are as follows:
Monday, December 4, 2006
Wake: 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m.
Halbritter’s Funeral Home, Niles, MI

Another Update on Pat Adam's Brother...

Rick Adams has lost ground after a couple of infections. One nearly took his life over the Thanksgiving weekend. This week he will be going to a nursing home because he isn’t well enough for physical therapy. He doesn’t have any use now of his right side and is still not talking. Thank you for your continued prayers. It is hard on everyone especially his two sons who are shouldering all of this. Pleasse continue to keep them in your prayers.

Kaitlin O'Mara Update

I just wanted to give a brief update on Kaitlin
O'Mara. It will be a year in January since she was in
a car accident that killed her twin sister and left
her in a coma, and then a very long stay at Mary Free
Bed, Rehabilitation Center in Grand Rapids.

Kaitlin is back to school, her senior year. She is
running again. Kaitlin ran a 22:59 5K at her sisters
memorial race in August, her times have only continued
to improve! (As a reminder, she wasn't even walking
without assistance until last Feb/March .) She was
voted Homecoming Queen in October.

Although there is so much to be excited about in
Kailtin's recovery, I ask that you keep her and her
family in your prayers. This will be the first holiday
season without Kayla. Her presence will certainly be
missed by her family and friends. Also, keep her
family in your thoughts this January as they enter the
first anniversary of Kayla's passing into eternal
life.
Thank you,
Brion Thompson

Update: Pat Adam's brother Rick

My brother Rick is slowing beginning to use his right side. He is up with a walker and starting to feed himself. The good news is that even though he still isn’t talking, that area of the brain wasn’t affected. So once the swelling goes down, he should regain his speech. Thanks for all your prayers – it is helping greatly. Pat

Al Garner

I am asking for a prayer that I may be cured of low grade lymphoma leukema
Thank You

Eric

Prayer Request:

Please pray for Eric-Pray for peace of mind, heart, and soul- Pray that Faith will overcome fear- Pray that Hope will over come despair- Pray that understanding will replace confusion- Pray for wisdom to follow Jesus-trust Jesus-love Jesus...
Thank You, Alfred

Linda Stewart's sister

While I'm not anything to do with Holy Cross, nor is my sister I happened upon this web site. I would so appreciate you're praying for her.

She has Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. She's been fighting it for a year. She's 50. She's back in the hospital since last night due to intense pain in her mouth and swelling of her face. Although she was in remission for 11 months, she is not OUT of it. She needs a stem cell transplant if she can get back into remission. She's a quiet, gentle person. All she ever did was work and go home. She lives such a simple life with her husband.

Please pray that she doesn't suffer too much. I want to ask for a miracle, but I know that your guidelines for prayer request is to ask that "God's will be done". So, I ask for a simple prayer that she is able to handle whatever God's will is for her. She has been very strong and very positive. However, she is really suffering tonite.

Thank you so much. Linda Stewart

Cherry Marie

Please guide me as I go through a tough time. Please give me hope on the things to come. Lord, please hear my prayer regarding my relationship with Vincent. You know how much I love him. You also know the desires of my heart. Please hear my prayer.

Danny O'Brien's grand-uncle

Dear Holy Cross Family,
My grandma's brother, who she is very close too, is suffering from throat cancer and he is not doing very well right now. Please keep him in your prayers and especially my grandmother who is going through a tough time.
Thank you very much,
Danny O'Brien

Patricia Adam's Brother

Let us keep in prayer Pat Adam's brother, Rick, who is 54. He suffered a stroke last night, affecting his right side and his speech abilities.

Repose of the soul of Bill Turner

Please include our dear friend, Bill, his wife Barbara and family, in the prayers at H.C.C. and Notre Dame. Thank you, John Foley

William Turner
Family-Placed Death NoticeMR. WILLIAM L. "BILL" TURNER Mr. William L. "Bill" Turner, Age 73, died suddenly on October 26, 2006. A devout Catholic, Bill took the most delight in his family, friends, faith and Notre Dame football. Survived by his beloved wife of fifty years, Barbara and five children, Bill Jr., Barbara Hunter, (Mark), Terry Rubin (Dr. Richard), Kevin (Enid), and Carol Gregoire (Bill). Bill took great pleasure in spending time with his 6 grandchildren, Daniel, Steven, Natalie, Matthew, Katherine and Joshua. Also surviving is his brother, the Rev. George F. Turner, of Little Rock Arkansas. For over 40 years, Bill was a member of Our Lady of the Assumption Church. A vigil service with rosary will be held there on Sunday Oct. 29th from 7 until 9 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held there on Monday, Oct. 30th at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Our Lady of the Assumption Saint Vincent de Paul Society, of which Bill was a longtime member. The parish address is 1350 Hearst Drive, Atlanta, GA 30319. Arrangements by H. M. Patterson & Son Oglethorpe Hill Chapel, 4550 Peachtree Rd., NE, Atlanta, GA 30319, 404-261-3510

Dr. Patrick and Liara Holly

Dr. Patrick and Liara Holly are some friends of ours in Ft. Wayne. They are expecting a baby but Liara's membranes ruptured last week at 24 weeks and she's been in the hospital on bedrest and meds ever since. She's now at 25 weeks and they at least want to get her to 27 weeks and then as far along after that as possible. Every day the baby remains inside increases the chance of survival by 4%. Dr. Holly is one of the only Indiana physicians trained by Dr. Hilgers at the Pope Paul VI Institute out in Nebraska. They are a great Catholic couple assisting dozens of couples dealing with infertility to go about it by the Church's teachings. My prayer is that the blessings they have given so many others would extend back to them in the safety and health of this baby.

Submitted by: Jenny Dibley

A Holy Cross College student

was hit by a car this weekend. She is recovering. Please pray for her.

Aunt Marlene Update

Update: I just wanted to say God Bless you all for praying for my Aunt Marlene these last two days. We found out today her ct scan showed her very aggressive lung cancer is totally gone!!! Actually it is a miracle. The oncologist said this would never be cured, just possibly put into remission with a lot of prayers and luck. Well after all the 40 radiation treatments and 8 weeks of very aggressive chemo, it is Gone! We are not quite sure what that means in the long run, and either are they, but they are calling it a Cure for now!! Unheard of. Usually if they can get rid of the cancer in the lymph nodes of each lung, they can sometimes go in and surgically remove the tumor, and if so they call that a Cure! That is what they considered their best shot, and a long shot at that. But the tumor has disappeared on its own and only scar tissue is left. Very highly unusual in her type and stage of cancer.

I know how it happened and so do all of you who remembered her in your prayers these last couple of days. God decided she was still needed here for her loving and needful family.

I ask you to pray for awhile longer, since her esophagus is still causing problems from the radiation and it is 80% charred. Her weight is dangerously low because she obviously cannot swallow. They have scoped her and can see it is starting to heal, but will take some time. Please pray for the strength for her to get through the end of this painful ordeal, and for my uncle and their handicapped daughter to remain at a status quo with their health issues, so we can all, in the family, concentrate on keeping her out of the hospital with a feeding tube again. In a month, she will go back in for a few more chemo treatments for assurance that everything is gone for good. Needless to say, this was a day of joy and thanksgiving for our family!!

God bless you all for praying for her, and please pray to keep all of us healthy so we can continue our vigil care for all three of them in the months to come. There are only 5 of us who share caring for all three of them 24-7 right now.

You are all remembered in our daily prayers.
God Bless You, Teena Weisman

Aunt Marlene

Please pray for my Aunt Marlene who is suffering from stage 3b lung cancer. (She is a non smoker). She has gone through 8 weeks of chemo and 40 radiation treatments which burned her esophagus to the point she had to be hospitalized and a feeding tube put in until it healed and she could swallow again. She is 70 yrs young and was full of vitality until this happened. She is a fighter and has been all her life.

She is home and slowly recuperating from her ordeal. A ct scan was run a few days ago and we will know the results at the end of this week on Friday October 20th. Please ask God to give her strength and the healing of remission, and if it be his will a complete cure of her cancer.

She cares for her husband who has dementia and she keeps at home, and her 52 yr. old handicapped daughter who is in a wheelchair. She has been the main caregiver in her family her entire life. Her children, and the rest of her extended family are all pitching in to care for all three of them 24-7 right now. We do not want anyone having to go to a nursing home, if possible. Please pray for her full recovery, and God's blessings on this devout Catholic family!!

God bless you all,
Teena Weisman

Chuck Raven update

Just wanted you to know that Chuck went up to Chicago for a check up at the Rehabilitation Institute. His doctor there said he was doing really well, but he needs to walk a little more for exercise (don't we all!) and that he will see him in 6 months! This is really great news. He goes back to the Neurologist that first treated him here in Chicago next month. He had to have an MRI done on his back, he seems to be having more pain there then before. But he is doing fine. He is going to take his first solo drive today, just a few blocks to the pharmacy and back.

Thank you all for praying for Chuck and of course, myself and our family. We really appreciate it, there is power in prayer. Let us remember to continue to pray for Gary, Sue's husband, Sue, and for Robert and his family. I am sure there are many others here that need prayer that have an unspoken request, let us hold them up in prayer. God bless you all!!!

Sherry Raven
Administrative Secretary
Holy Cross College

Fr. Bob Kramer, CSC

Also include in your prayer list Holy Cross Father Bob Kramer, who is now at Holy Cross House. He is an old friend and classmate of mine.
Shalom,
John Foley

Mary Katherine Foley

My sister, Mary Katherine Foley (Lexington, KY), just learned that she is suffering from Lymphoma. She has been very active in her cathedral parish and a friend of the Holy Cross community. Please remember her in your prayers.
Shalom,
John Foley
Pocasset, MA

Richard Ginther

For Richard Ginther (my best friends father). He had cancer 16 years ago and has been cancer free since. He recently had some tests done and found out there is a large mass in his abdomen. He has a biopsy on Tuesday and goes to the cardiologist on Wed. to find out how he's doing since he had his heart attack in February. Please also pray for the entire Ginther family. They have had a lot suffering recently - starting with the death of Adam, Aaron, and Allen on 8-14-04; Joanie Cassella (Mrs. Ginther's best friend) died back in June, and now Mr. Ginther may have cancer.

Submitted by: Katie Robertson

Shane Heirman's father

Shane Heirman's grandfather, Bill Sexton, just called. Shane and he are on their way to the northside of Chicago to the hospital. Shane's father is in critical condition. They will keep us posted. Please pray for Shane's father and the family.

A bad accident

My friend, Lisa, and her husband currently have 2 foster children. Their 15 year old son was playing with the 1 yr old (Trey) this morning and accidently dropped him on the cement. They are at the hospital right now. There is a fracture and bad bruising on his head/face. Please pray for Trey's total healing as well as for Jeff and Lisa and their son. Of course he feels horrible. Thank you!!!!!

Submitted by: Patti Pope

Dan Manion

Please post on the blog a prayer request for my brother-in-law, Dan Manion. Dan is in the hospital having suffered a stroke on Monday. From what I understand, he has regained all mobility, but there remains a clogged artery in the brain which is of concern. Please keep Dan, my sister Ann and their four children in your prayers.

(Later...)

I just heard that Dan has been released from the hospital and will be recuperating now at home. The clogged artery in the brain is inoperable and remains a concern, but will be treated with blood thinners. So all said, I believe the worst of the situation is behind.
Thanks, Mike (Murphy)

Ginther Family

I have a prayer request if you wouldn't mind putting it up. I'd like the Ginther Family to be prayed for because this is the 2 year anniversary of Aaron, Adam, and Allen's death. They were tragically killed in a car accident and I know this is hard for the family.

Also for their sister Amy because she's had a hard time dealing with it when people ask her how her parents are doing. It hurts her because while it's true her parents lost all 3 sons, she lost 3 brothers.

Submitted by: Katie Robertson

Domenic Magnacca

If I may trouble you, can you please post a prayer request for my dad to the blogsite? He had to go back in the hospital for a few days to correct an irregular heartbeat. In addition, he was potentially diagnosed with a degenerative neurological disease (with symptoms similar to Parkinson's); it can be controlled to a degree with medication, but it already has and will continue to create many challenges for him.

Thanks!
BWD
(Dave Magnacca)

Tim Fagan's Dad

I am writing to ask you to say a prayer for comfort for my Dad, Chris "CBF" Fagan, as he finishes his battle with cancer over the coming days and weeks. Last year, CBF was diagnosed with prostate cancer of the bone, essentially cancerous prostate cells that metastasized in his bones following the removal of his prostate in 1999. A year of chemo and radiation wasn't successful, and about 3 weeks ago Dad had his entire left knee and 14 inches of his diseased femur taken out and replaced with an artificial joint and bones. Unfortunately, it has proven to be too little too late as the folks at the Cleveland Clinic have now determined that there is nothing else they can do to prolong his life. Cancer has spread to many other areas of his skeletal and nervous systems. He has lost a lot of weight and now has delirium (which actually makes for some hilarious conversations... :-)

CBF is getting discharged tomorrow to the house for hospice care, and the Docs tell us to think in terms of weeks. Having seen his precipitous deterioration over the past month, however, and spending this past weekend with him, I think his seeing his 69th birthday (September 1) would require a miracle. (By the way, CBF joked that watching another ND game like his last -- the Fiesta Bowl in which he attended -- may indeed put him over the edge and send him to his grave :-) And we're not looking for miracles at this point....just a peaceful, comfortable, and dignified ending to his wonderful life. Please join my family in saying a prayer for that outcome....

Margo Jones

I have an super big prayer request. One of my best friends Margo Jones was just diagnosed this morning with A.M.L leukemia. She is at Memorial and will begin the intense 7 day Cemo today! She is married (husband is Mark( and they have a 10 year old daughter names Samantha. I am headed up to memorial now to pray with them. Please also pray for me and for His Spirit to move thru me in however he wants me to serve! Thanks

Submitted by Beth Berry

From a person unknown

lord, please guide vincent in his journey. may he find the purpose for the things that are coming his way. please help him surpass all the trials that mya come his way while he is in the US. lord, also please give me hope in the midst of all the confusion... lord, i am praying that you will still will that vincent and I will spend our lives together

Mr. Przybylo

Please pray for the Przybylo family in Poland (fr. Lukasz's family). I received a letter from Mrs. Przybylo today asking for prayers. Mr. Przybylo is in the hospital needing heart surgery today or tomorrow. They are also out of money and so Mrs. Przybylo will be leaving in 2 weeks for Germany to work (probably as 'house help') for 6 weeks to get enough money to pay their bills. The doctors told Mr. Przybylo that he is too late for surgery to really help his heart (he should have had it months ago), but they will try anyway. When I was there in March he was having heart problems, but he also had fallen and broken his leg so he could not complete the tests (when you run and they monitor your heart) for his heart. Unfortunately waiting has worsened the problem.

These people are so generous even in their poverty...
thank you for your prayers.

Chuck Raven

First this: Chuck's surgery went fairly well on Wednesday. He had an abscess on his colon so they took care of that and he lost a little more blood than usual and so he was given some. He is quite sore but got up yesterday and walked down the hall and back and then this morning before I came to work he and I walked down the hall and back and down the other way and back. He is still on a liquid diet and until things start moving they will not give him any food. And he has to eat regular food before he gets to come home.

Then this: Please continue to pray for Chuck, he is back in the hospital and possibly is going in this morning for emergency surgery if the doctors cannot relieve his pain.
Sherry said they think he might have a blockage in his bowel, not certain. They are continuing to do tests. Thank you for upholding them in prayer at this very trying time in their lives.

Blaise Voita

Please pray for Blaise Voita in Arizona. She was born with a very rare defect in her lymphatic system. The doctors have not been able to treat her condition very effectively and she is in need of a miracle. She has a central IV catheter on one side of her chest and a port on the other, in which we insert a needle every five days to drain the excess fluid from her body. This has wreaked havoc with her immune system, so she is always sick. We pray for God's will everyday. We pray specifically, that she will be able to eat, so that the IV can be removed; for a fully developed lymphatic system; and for a cure for her swelling/lymphedema.

Luke Wyss

My friend Catherine's 5 year old son Luke is in the hospital. His kidneys and/or liver are not functioning properly. He was admitted on July 4th and then released on the 5th with medications. He is retaining water in a big way. The meds are not working and so now he has been readmitted. They have not discovered the source of the problem yet. Thank you for your prayers.

Submitted by: Ruth Beier

Sujatha

We are leading our 4th year of marriage life having successfully completed the first 3 years of marriage. We are yet to be blessed with a child. I request the lord to shower his blessings on us.

Thanks
Sujatha

Regina Doman

Please pray for Regina Doman, author of several Catholic young adult and children’s books, including “Angel in the Waters", and the mother of six kids.

She had a tragic day, accidentally backing up her car over her 4-year-old son, Joshua in the church parking lot. She had put him in the vehicle, and he had climbed out, behind it, unbeknownst to her. He was critically injured and died July 8. Every parent's worst nightmare. Thank you. Theresa Thomas

A Man's Grandmother in Arizona

Submitted by: Shannon McGrath

She is fighting cancer.

Braden Waverly

Husband of Alice (Lohrer) Waverly, a friend of Robert Kloska from their days at Notre Dame. Braden just recently underwent heart surgery at the Cleveland Clinic.

For Carolyn Henry's friend Peggy

She has cancer.

Ray Synder's wife

She is battling cancer. Ray owns the Portage Sunoco by Martins.

Kaitlin O'Mara Update

I know I have done so many times, but I want to thank everyone,again, for all the prayers over the last few months. (As a quick reminder my husbands twin 16-year-old cousins were in a car accident in late Jan. claiming the life of one and putting the other in a coma for about 2 weeks.) Kaitlin spent over a month at Mary Free Bed rehabilitation center in Grand Rapids. She went home a month ago and will continue with out-patient therapy. Kaitlin is a amazing young women. She is swimming again (she is a competative swimmer) and also running. She ran with a friend for three miles at a 10 minute pace. (I would just like to remind everyone that Kaitlin has only been walking for about 2 1/2 months.) Keep Kaitlin and her family in your prayers. There can never be too many! Thank you!

Domenic Magnacca

He will be having open heart surgery next week. For his healing and recovery.

A great Chuck Raven Update

Yesterday was Chuck's follow-up appointment in Chicago at the Rehabilitation Institute. Dr. Kim was quite surprised on how well Chuck is doing and I quote "You have come a long way. A lot further then we thought you ever would." He was able to see most of the Therapists and Nurses that worked with him. We spent about 3 hours there. It was a long day, but great to see everyone's surprised looks! He still has about a year they say until they are sure what will come back and what will not, but we are positive that he will be able to function at least at 90% of what he did before the accident. Thank you once again for keeping Chuck in your thoughts and prayers. Without you praying for him I don't think he would have come as far as he has!

Al Neimier

Al requests prayers for a special intention.

Frank Vollers

Submitted by Dorene:

Liz Vollers Father's Leukemia has returned and they have one final treatment they can do for him, however the Leukemia has to be reduced down Before the treatment can be administered. Please pray for the family and for a healing for her Father.

Update: Mary Patrice Hope Kauffman

Click on each image for a close-up.

Chuck Raven Update

From Sherry:

I went to see Chuck yesterday afternoon and he is doing quite well. He is eating on his on most of the time, and they are trying to help him learn how to get dressed where it will be easier for him to do it himself. They are allowing him to come home for a few hours this Saturday. I think Doug was right, Chuck wants to supervise the renovations to the Bathroom. They are then going to release him on Thursday, March 16. He will be doing Outpatient Therapy for awhile. He will be wearing his back brace for a short time. He is still unsteady on his feet and cannot walk with the walker without someone there to help, but he can scoot around quite well with his wheelchair! Thank you all for praying for him. He still has a long way to go, but he has come a long way already!

Prayers Answered!

Update: Mary Patrice Hope Kauffman was born at 3:26 PM. Incredibly, she was 1 pound, 12 ounces. One of the doctors couldn't believe the spirit of peace in which she was born. He was also shocked that a baby that small could have her lungs developed enough to cry. Mary is doing superb and is a 9 on that one ten point scale after 5 minutes. Bridget still needs prayers for the next 12 hours. After that the doctors will give her super blood thiners which takes her risk down substantially. Praise God. The power of prayer!!!!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST !!!!!

Bridget (McCarthy) Kauffman has been experiencing a very difficult pregnancy. Bridget has developed blood clots in her legs and the baby has the umbilical cord around the neck. Also, the baby is just past 26 weeks. Today the doctors are going to take the baby. This is dangerous for Bridget and the baby. This is the time to pray for both of them.

Chuck Raven

They have moved Chuck's release date to the 16th of March because they feel that the is improving and they can help him to get a little better. Chuck agreed but is not a happy camper. He had a very rough weekend dealing with everything. Please continue to pray for him. Thank you.

Kaitlin O'Mara Update

Submitted by: Brion

I just saw Kaitlin today, she is doing AMAZING! Sheis following people with her eyes and head. If her sister places her ring in Kaitlin's hand, she puts iton her thumb. She put my hand to her face when I told her she looked beautiful. She is moving to a rehab. center tomorrow, so we are only expecting good things!

Update on Chuck Raven

Just wanted you to know that I went up to see Chuck yesterday and there have been minor improvements. He is a little stronger on his legs and walking, a little more balance (does not need two people to walk with him now, just one), can balance himself on the side of the bed, learning to feed himself, and getting in and out of a wheelchair to a walker is getting easier. I was there for his last rehab session and he is really doing better. You can see the concentration in his face when he is doing something.

I got a pass to take him out in the wheelchair for a little while also. He has been outside a couple of times and around the block, but this time we went over to Michigan Street and I pushed him in his wheelchair for a while then we had something to eat. He was so funny, all he wanted was Taco Bell! So, that is where we went.

They say he is doing better and I do see it. Everyday there is a little bit more movement or strength! The target date is still the 8th of March for him to come home, but they say that it is possible that as long as he continues to improve they will probably keep him there until they can do no more for him. So, it is a bad thing and a good thing.

Please continue to pray for Chuck, because without your prayers and support he would not be where he is now. Thank you!!!!!

Deb Foley's niece

Submitted by: Pat Falvey

Please add Deb Foley's niece to our prayer blog. She recently had the double lung transplant is in critical condition at the hospital in Melbourne. She was put on a ventilator last Friday. The last few days have shown slight improvements.

Lilly Miller

Submitted by: Susan Baxter from Saint Mary's College

It regards Lily, who is 5 years old. Good Morning, I just wanted to let you all know that Lily's situation has worsened overnight. She began swelling again and the hives are coming back. They have now hooked her up to heart rate and respiratory monitors as she began wheezing and her face is swollen. She was looking better and when I left the Hospitalat 8 pm. last night, it looked like a sure thing that she'd be home this a.m., but that's obviously not going to be the case. This is making us very nervous as the Dr.'s do not seem to be able to ID the cause, they believe they know what her condition is...but that may not be right either. Please continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers and we will keep you all posted as we know more. Thanks, Michael p.s. please feel free to forward this as a prayer request! Thanks.

Update on Chuck Raven

From Sherry:

I went to Chicago late yesterday afternoon and saw Chuck. He is in a little bit of pain, they believe he has a Urinary Tract infection from the catheter. They took a sample and have to wait for the results, but they went ahead and started him on antibiotics last night. Hopefully, it will work fast and he will start feeling better soon.

The Rehabilitation Therapists tell me that he is anxious to get down to the Rehab room and do his regiment of exercises, and when he is in his bed he does a few of them each night. He is trying very hard to get as much back as possible as quickly as possible. He has been taking steps with assistance each day and is starting to move his arms and hands a little more each day. He still does not have control of everything, but he is very determined. His spirits were up last night, one of his friends from work went up there with me to visit.

Thank you all once again for praying for him. It is very much appreciated!!!!

Kaitlin O'Mara Update

From Brion (Davis) Thompson

I wanted to send you a update on Jason's cousin. First I wanted to thank you for posting the prayer on the HCC site. It is at a time like this Jason and I really realize how blessed we are to be part of the ND/Holy Cross family. Even though we aren't on campus, we still have that sense of love and strength that only Notre Dame and Holy Cross can provide. Kaitlin O'Mara is still in a coma. It has been two weeks since her accident, which took the life of her twin-sister Kayla and left their friend Danielle in acoma also. Kaitlin has JUST started opening her eyes a little. She sometimes responds to simple commands like, "can you open your eyes wider....can you open your mouth for the nurse" It is not constant so she is still consider in a light coma. Prayers from everyone have been what are getting her family through this. Last week we attended the funeral for her sister. Her parents are just stunned with the outpouring of support. My sister attends ND and had her listed in the intentions there. I told them about the HCC prayer blog and Kaitlin's dad got tears in his eyes. So, I want to thank everyone. Keep praying. There is along road ahead for Kaitlin and her family. Time will only tell what Kailtin's needs will be in the future. However, regardless of her medical needs the hardestwill be learning that her sister is no longer here. Peace, Brion

Robert Kloska

Please pray for the healing of Robert Kloska from cancer and for the well being of his wife and five children.

Chuck Raven

Good morning everyone! Just wanted to give you an update on Chuck. His spirits are going up and down right now, as can be expected. They have had him standing a few times every other day with support. He still needs to get his balance before trying to start walking. He is moving his hands a lot more and is making more of a fist and squeezing our hands a little stronger. The swelling is almost all gone from his spine, but there is a lot of bruising. His back, where it is broken, is not quite as sore so this is another good sign. The brace he wears whenever he is out of the bed. He is starting to set in the wheelchair a little longer everyday. Please continue to pray for Chuck as well as Gary and Br. Harold. Thank you all so very much, you are my rock with your prayers!