My sister-in-law Amy (my wife’s sister and Brian’s wife) has been diagnosed with ocular cancer. It’s a small patch of light brown tumor in her baby blue iris, tugging slightly at her pupil.
Doctors at Vanderbilt here in Nashville have referred her to one of two specialists in the world who deal best with this kind of cancer. Vanderbilt expects that appointment with the Wills Eye Institute in Philadelphia to be in four to six weeks, but we’re praying there’s an opening sooner. We’re waiting to hear.
Out of respect for Amy and the rest of our family, including the kids, I’m being very careful not to over share. Without getting into specifics, obviously when a cancer diagnosis is given to a wife, the mother of six children, an integral servant in a church family, a dearly loved neighbor and daughter and sister and friend, it frightens and confounds the many many people connected to her. It arouses confusion, doubt, anger and worry. All of these responses are expected and fully human and unavoidable to a great extent.
But most of us connected to Amy in some way are also followers of Jesus who said he came to “give sight to the blind.” He has authority over what sees, is seen and unseen. To those of us who believe this, Jesus says we’re to pray with intensity and perseverance like a nagging widow or a man in need waking a sleeping friend. And we know that God fashions difficulty of every kind into tools that will mature us, increase our hope and holiness and His fame.
These basic truths aren’t mere static theology for us right now. They’re not words on a page. They’re the instructions and promises we cling to and remind God and ourselves of. These are the things we know for certain in this time of uncertainty and waiting.
While we wait for greater certainty regarding the kind of cancer Amy has, the treatment options and the prognosis, it’s more than a little comforting to have certainty of God’s presence and power and confidence in the effectiveness of our prayers.
Please pray with us – daily, with intensity, perseverance and faith.
Here’s a picture of Amy and Brian and their kids so you know who it is you’re praying for and with.
Thank you.
.
We will continue to pray diligently for this beautiful woman and family!
Thank you Shaun.
That is one incredibly beautiful momma and family.
I will be praying for Amy, her immediate family, her extended family, and her faith family.
Praying:) What beautiful children!
We will be praying for Amy and her family to find the strength within their faith for this difficult journey they are on right now. Fondly, Roberta
I instantly thought of Becky when I saw Brian’s first tweet, pretty sure the connection between you and Brian was your wives. When that was confirmed, I thought of me and my sister–SHE was diagnosed with breast cancer 13 years ago…and we had already lost our mother to breast cancer (when we were in grade school) and our grandmother (when my mom was a baby!), so diagnosis was frightening.
She’s my S.I.S.T.E.R. and in that context I thought about Becky and Amy. Thankfully, Lora has celebrated 12 years cancer-free and throughout her treatment we were reminded that HOPE gives life…sustains…and makes real the Gospel.
Shaun, as I’ve found to be so consistent with you, your words here mark how I hope we’d response if we found ourselves in your family’s circumstance; it’s understanding that God is at work in and through this, and he desires his babies to seek him.
I am praying, and these scriptures help me remember how….
Thank you for sharing and calling us to be prayer warriors with you. I will be praying daily.
My grandmother had this kind of cancer (ocular melanoma), and lost sight in that eye and lost her sense of smell, but is doing great at 85. I will be praying!
I am sorry to hear this and I will be praying.
Praying for Amy. Complete healing, every cancer cell gone, in Jesus’ name! So many scriptures are coming to mind but I’m sure you’re already standing on them. Keep believing and God will perform!
Praying on.
Praying here.
praying for them…
Shaun. You know I will pray.
Mary, also a momma of many
Praying!
Praying in Ohio
Thank you to everyone who’s vowing to pray for Amy and our family!!
Praying in Ireland
I’m so sorry. Praying for Amy.
We prayed for Amy by name last night at the dinner table, like we will do every night until she is healed. God is able to more than we can think or even ask.
will be remembering you all in my prayers and believing God to touch and heal completely in Jesus name… you are such a beautiful family.. God Bless xx
Praying!!
I can’t begin to tell you how your post have brought me to tears. I’ve been fighting my health for almost a year now, the most difficult part is the intense pain. Without my family around to see me crying, as I read your, “Please Pray For Amy,” I just continued to cry, but in that moment, I literally had a moment of peace, with no pain. I’ve lived a life of not knowing whether I would live or die, or exactly knowing what was wrong with me. I’ve watched my family, especially our children, see their dad go through some of the worse times; unfortunately I can’t admit I always displayed a Godly character, I allowed the pain to determine how I acted, which was far from acceptable. In that moment of peace, as I read this post, I hear God say, “Pat, you cast your care on me, you let me deal with your pain. That will free you up to pray for other people, and this is one of them.” Wow, completely out of the blue, through months of constant health issues, God instructs me to pray for Amy. I can also hear God say, “Pat, you’re dealing with pain, severe pain, that greatly affects your life, but how would feel about dealing with the threat of losing your sight?” Yes, Shaun, you are so right, stand on those things that are certain, the Word of God, and let God handle the uncertain. What a truly valuable story to tell. I am praying for you Amy!
Pat, I’m praying for you. It’s so hard to function and be in an agreeable mood with people when you’re constantly hurting. Praying for your continued courage and for relief and healing.
Me too, Patrick. Remembering you tonight.
Thinking of your whole family. Nonstop. Will pray fervently.
Praying…
Praying for Amy and family in Bristow, VA
I will pray, for both Amy and Patrick.
Absolutely in prayer.
Thanks for all of your kind words and prayers. We have been overwhelmed, but not surprised, at the amazing response to pray for Amy’s eye.
Brian, prayers of our family in Christ sustained us through our recent challenges. They buoyed us, carried us, and at times made us weep in amazement. Know that we’re before the throne as completely on Amy’s behalf. Friends here at CCC are mobilizing to pray for you guys. We love you all and are with you.
Megan & Bob
Many prayers being sent. I know your not all catholic but I will have a mass said for you Amy. Our family will continue to hold you in our prayers!!! I have had a daughter with health issues and prayers have been answered many, many times !!! GOD BLESS…..!!! HEARTS and HUGS!!!! Marie
Praying for Amy. And Brian. And her entire family. He is Jehovah Rapha – healer! Believing that tonight!
I’m a young pastor and worship leader in Denver. My wife, Abby, was diagnosed with that exact form of cancer 5 years ago, when we were 25 and finishing up seminary together. She had just given birth to our first child 3 months prior to the diagnosis. We felt very alone, because the cancer was rare, under-researched, and usually diagnosed for people 50 and up.
A mutual friend at Compassion International is trying to get Brian in contact with my wife. We’ve been down this road…and God has been gracious to us. Abby’s alive, with no recurrence of cancer to date. She still has her eye and still has some vision in it.
I hope we get a chance to connect with Brian and Amy to offer them encouragement.
In Christ,
Zac
Thanks so much for sharing this! I will be praying for all of you. I think of you all often and wonder how all of you are doing. I have such fun memories of our aerobics classes in the raquetball courts at FBC and the fun times at the house on Brandon Court when you and Becky first started dating. It’s amazing where God has taken all of us and the incredible ways He’s using you for His kingdom. God bless and take care! I’ll be praying!
love,
Mandy
Praying really hard for Amy. Hope her appointment gets moved up.
Two scriptures God has been putting on my heart concerning Amy. 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a Spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a Sound Mind.” Amy needs to be free of fear, so that the Word of God takes hold in her heart. That she responds when fear comes with, 1 Peter 2:24 (Paraphrased) “By His (Jesus’) stripes, we are healed.” Yes, it is natural for our minds to be filled with all the “what if’s,” especially with a scary word such as cancer. But, referring back to 1 Timothy 1:7, Amy needs all of us to pray that she has a sound mind, so that she can think clearly when it comes to how to respond to all the things she will be busy doing, as she WINS this battle. Obviously, with a mind filled with fear, anxiety, or depression; that will only add to the burden on her body.
The other verse I spoke of that God put on my heart is, 2 Chronicles 7:14 “If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, CRAVE, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” This is exactly what Shaun was speaking about, “praying with intensity and perserverance.” ” To crave and require of necessity My Face.” What is asked of us? “If My people, who are called by My name, shall HUMBLE themselves.” We, the very imperfect people we are, humbly seek the One who is perfect. God will honor that, He will honor that fact that we are humbly seeking His face, not for our need, but, in this case, for Amy, Brian, and their children. Amy, I pray that God gives His Angels charge over you, Brian, and your children. Proverbs 4:20-22 “My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings. Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of you heart. For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh.” Amy, proclaim your Victory! God is not through with you, all of us have a praise report from you, that we are waiting to REJOICE over. We can all rejoice now! The Victory is not only yours. most importantly, it is God’s! Boy is this ever doing something amazing in my heart and body. I am honored to pray for you, Amy. Let’s both have a amazing testimony to give everyone, of God’s amazing love for us!
You are blessed!
Patrick
Amy should have hope. In her Lord and with the doctors in Philadelphia God has blessed with great wisdom regarding cancers of the eye. My dear friends discovered their infant son had a rare cancer of the eye. He was treated by the same specialists and is a vibrant 8 year old today. You must remind yourselves you love God far more than you hate this situation. He is good and with Amy no matter the outcome.
Amy & Brian,
We are FBCM members and the Magnolia prayer warriors are alive and well on your behalf!
Rest in the peace and assurance only our great God can provide!
Blessings,
Chris
Shaun, my daughter just sent me your post about Amy. God is amazing at how me puts people in your life, isn’t he? Guess what? I had an ocular melanoma almost 7 years ago and I was treated at Wills. My 7 year anniversary date will be Oct. 2nd of this year. I am a 56 year old Mother of 2 girls and I have gotten along very well. I would love to correspond with Amy and talk to her and answer any and all questions that she might have to give her peace of mind. I have known 3 other people with ocular melanomas. My email address is: QuiltMom180@aol.com She can contact me there. I live in NC. I am presently on vacation at the beach and will be home tomorrow (Sat. evening). I will be happy to write her back on Sat. night. I’m sure she will be just fine, but it is such a scary diagnosis. I remember how I felt. Shaun, I also wanted you to know how much I enjoy your music.
I am praying for Amy now. I hope to hear from her. Love & blessings. Melinda
Amy and family you are in our prayers! Recently followed the same discovery in a friend’s cousin and the treatment she obtained. She is doing well and has finished her treatment. You are in wonderful hands…..His Hands! Love and God’s Grace for you.
Renee, Steve and Connor
I have known Brian since he was a little guy. I will pray for Amy, Brian and family.They are strong believers; but God wants to hear our petitions. I will pray for peace, healing, strength through this time.
send them my love
I love the way that you wrote about your sister-in-law. And I so believe in the power of prayer. I’ve seen miracles occur in our own lives, as the result of prayer. May God be with your sister and the entire family.
Sandy Williams, a friend of Cyndi and Luke
Praying for complete healing and for moved appointments and peace. May God show His hand’s mighty movements in your family in the coming days.
We are praying every waking moment for complete healing and peace to come to Amy and Brian and the kids. If their is a need we can meet Brian can call us. We love them dearly.
Wow – my grandparents commenting on a blog. That’s impressive.
Update: We have an appt at the Wills Eye Institute on Sep 7 with a tentative surgery date on the 9th. Thanks for your prayers.
Count me in.
Brian- Does the surgery remove the cancer, without affecting the eye, or will there by more work to be done after the surgery date?
Thanks to Shaun and all those who agreed to pray for me as well. I don’t want to shift the focus to myself, as this is about Amy, I just felt I had a valuable story to tell. It is so easy, in the midst of what I am dealing with, to “check out,” and forget that there are other people who are dealing with the same or worse situations.
I guess what I do “do right,” is being honest about how I have less than a agreeable attitude during some of my worse moments. Being a Christian can be tough some days, with tough decisions to make, decisions that can really show people where your heart truly is. I guess some days I probably appear as a man with a “heart of gold,” and other days, a heart of stone, with a really cranky attitude.
I’m sure Amy has dealt with overwhelming emotions.
I added a picture, an agreeable looking picture.
Later,
Patrick
Amy we are praying for you daily, countless times.
Praying for complete healing, a miracle to remove this cancer. Please use me, use my family. We are here to serve you and your family. We can cook, clean, keep kids, drive kids, shopping,anything you possibly want. Please , please , please don’t hesitate to ask. Ask away!!! So glad to know you are in the hands of God.