Cancun and Stem Cell Therapy

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us"

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Well, we're off to Cancun tomorrow, September 16th.  We've considered doing stem cell therapy for several months.  There have been some who discouraged us and other opportunities where the timing was not right.  We seem to be at a crossroads with this disease where there are not a lot of options for the therapy that we've hoped would finally benefit Jim.  With the encouragement of a doctor in Oregon and much prayerful consideration, we are forging ahead with all the faith we can muster (along with all of yours). 
Our one week in Mexico will consist of a couple of pre-clinic visits, a one day 'procedure' where stem cells will be removed from Jim's bone marrow and re-injected into his spinal column, then a few more days to be observed and to heal.  We haven't been promised any amazing results, only that these new stem cells may stave off more muscle degeneration - even for a time!  This is our hope - our constant prayer - that Jim will have a 'leveling off' period to enjoy more (and better) days ahead.

Our oldest sons, Coby and Ben, are both leaving families and work behind to go with us.  They will offer not only strong arms but moral support (and humor) that will keep us sane.  We're so grateful for the faith, support and love of our children, our extended family and so many of you.  Happily, we will be traveling where we've been so many times before with our family and staying at a familiar resort on the beautiful blue Caribbean.  We are so grateful to be able to have this opportunity and feel that the time is right and the powers of heaven will be with us. 

The procedure will be on Wednesday, September 19th.  Our extended family will be having a fast on Jim's behalf that day.  If any of you would like to join us, we would welcome your added faith and prayers, as we always do. 

 "A bend in the road isn't the end of the road"!