Friday, October 31, 2008

Pray for Bree

First, we want to thank all of you for your prayers and concerns. This has been a very busy week and we know people have wanted to know what is going on. I think we have shed as many tears hearing about all of those who love our baby Bree as we have from the shocking and devastating news about her diagnosis. We will do our best to give you a recap of what has gone on this week. In our attempt to explain all of this we will probably set medical journals back a few decades :) as we have tried to absorb a lot of info that we really don’t understand yet. This is a long post so if you plan on reading it, get comfortable.

A few weeks ago we noticed little bruises under each of Bree’s eyes. We thought maybe our boys had gotten too rough with her. The bruises went away but then came back so on Monday we decided to take her to our pediatrician. Our pediatrician checked out Bree, made a few calls and sent us to the ER that night (thank you Dr. Carroll!). The ER doctor was very impressed that the pediatrician would be able to pick up on enough symptoms to send us to the ER since she was in perfect health. The ER doctor felt that her Kidney was enlarged and thought it could be a Wilmes Tumor, which means they basically would remove the kidney and thus taking care of the problem. Our hearts sank as the CAT scan results showed that it was neuroblastoma cancer. Neuroblastoma is a cancerous tumor that begins in the nerve tissue and that will then metastasize throughout the body. The CAT scan found the tumor around her kidney, some lymph nodes, bone marrow and her spine. They admitted us to the pediatric oncology department Monday night. Tuesday morning they did a two hour surgery that included a biopsy of the tumor, a bone marrow biopsy and a Broviac IV placement (a permanent IV inserted in her chest for at least the next six months). The surgeon also found that the tumor had grown around her pancreas and some nodes into the liver that had not shown up on the CAT scan. Later that day we were informed that even though we found out early about her diagnosis that she was already at Stage 4 of 4 and that due to the large size and location of the tumor that they would not be able to operate but that it would have to be treated with chemotherapy and radiation.

On Wednesday they did a bone scan and found that the cancer had also spread into the orbital bone around her eyes which is why the bruising occurred under her eyes. On Wednesday they also showed us multiple images of the tumor. It was awful to see how this monster was living and growing inside of her. We couldn’t believe that despite the size of this tumor how happy and healthy Bree has been. If you know Bree she truly is the easiest, happiest, sweetest baby you will ever see. I know all parents feel the same way about their babies but I dare you to prove me wrong :). Even in the hospital she has been such a trooper.

Nationwide about 650 infants a year get this type of cancer. There are many different categories but an easy one for us to remember is if the cancer is in the low, intermediate or high risk category. Low risk wasn’t an option for us since it had already spread to other parts of her body so we hoped for the cancer to be in the intermediate risk range. This would give us an idea of survival rates and how aggressively they would have to apply chemo. We have been hoping and praying that she would be in the intermediate range. We know that many of you specifically prayed and fasted for that very purpose. We were told that we would find out if it was high risk or intermediate risk on Friday.

We were so very touched when we heard that our ward and our previous ward were going to fast for our sweet girl on Thursday. We were reduced to tears upon learning that our stake and so many others would be doing the same. We have heard that people all over the world are praying for our Bree, that people of various faiths and languages have been petitioning the Lord on our behalf. At times we have wept as much out of appreciation for your love and support as we have over this terrible disease. On Thursday we finally received news that raised our spirits. From the bone marrow biopsy the doctors believe that the cancer would fall into the intermediate range and they decided to treat the cancer that way. This was fabulous news since the high risk category was so awful. It was Bree’s first victory in this new journey. Thursday we felt very encouraged and sometimes almost forgot about the reality of her condition. Bree still has cancer. She still has to be on Chemo for at least 8 cycles over the next 6 months, the side effects of chemo are extremely scary and we can only hope and pray that it will work but I suppose that this will be our new way of life…celebrating even the smallest of victories when we can.

We know that it is not a coincidence that we received an answer to our very specific prayer a day earlier than planned which happened to be the very day that so many people were fasting and praying for us. We are so grateful to our Heavenly Father for giving us this blessing and for your help in obtaining it.

There still are more tests that they will be doing to better understand the extent of the cancer and tumors but in a nutshell we now have a plan to start treating this cancer. Bree will be starting chemo today (friday). We would love for your continued prayers that she will be healthy through this process, that she won’t suffer any significant side effects and that the treatment will work.

In this past week we have experienced a range of emotions from anger, fear, shock, sorrow, comfort, hope and peace. Our boys are doing well and have been kept busy by wonderful family and friends. We know that many of you are hurting too as you love Bree and don’t like seeing her have to go through this. We pray for you as you have prayed for us. We know that Bree is in the hands of the Lord and that he is precious to her. We also are aware that other families are going through their own trials and we hope they too are being loved and supported as we have been. Thank you for your concern for our family. We feel fortunate to have so many people behind us as we start this new path. We are sustained at this time with our faith in God and your kindness towards our little family. We will do our best to update our blog on her progress, post some sweet pictures of her and keep everyone updated on any new developments.

We love you all!
Love, Justin and Kari
Here are a few pictures of the journey thus far:
This was before her surgery (biopsy).
Before her bone scan
Getting ready for bed with Mommy
Being sweet with Daddy
Happy on Halloween even in the hospital!



83 comments:

Summertime Designs said...

Justin and Kari, I have been crying every day for you and sweet Bree. You have been in our family's as well as my personal prayers. It is so sweet to see pictures of her smiling, even while so much is happening to her. You are such fantastic parents and I am grateful to know that her cancer is at an intermediate stage. We will continue to pray for her, as well as you and your sons. We love you!

PHATT Devil said...

We send our love...your strength and testimony is inspiring to us all.

The Johnson Family said...

Justin and Kari, my heart is so so sad for you and all that you and your family are going through. You have been in our thoughts and prayers and will continue to be. Bree is so very lucky to have you as parents. Your faith is testimony building...it truly touches me. I know you have a huge support of family but if there is anything we can do to help with your boys or anything at all please let us know.

Blake Schwendiman said...

Please, please, please let us know if we can do anything for you. Love, Blake & Holly!

The Scotts said...

We love you guys and are praying for you. Love Jared & Shanon

the bates motel said...

my eyes are filled w/ tears. thanks for always being so great! we love you guys and pray for bree!

brownymama said...

Every time I think the well of tears is dry.... I love you guys and I love Bree to death. So glad you are posting on the blog as I know so many want to know how she's doing. It's so Bree... smiles even during all of this. Love you! We plan on coming again Sunday. Let me know if that's not good timing.

Alisa Larson said...

Kari and Justin - We love you so much!! And we love Bree so much!! I hate that you are hurting and worrying over your precious little girl. I wish I could take that from you. I wish I could take any pain that Bree has. Please let us help you in whatever you need. Besides prayer, it's the only thing we can do, and we WANT to help do something! We love your family and I just know Bree is going to overcome this trial....strengthening all of us during the journey. Love you.

Alisa Larson said...

ps - I LOVED holding Bree yesterday! She was so happy and kept smiling her sweet little smile. Let me know when you need a hospital break and I'll be there to hold that sweet girl in a heartbeat! Give her a big smooch from her Aunt Alisa (aka: Smoocher) :-)

Annie and Clayton Evans said...

Thank you so much for posting the latest updates on sweet Bree. She is such a special girl and anyone can feel the amazing spirit she has...even through pictures!! We will continue to pray for your family and please know that if you ever need anything..we will do it!!

A. Kuhni said...

Hearing that your sweet baby has cancer breaks my heart. Baby Bree and the rest of your family will be in my prayers. I wish you the very best as you begin along the path to Bree's recovery.

Anonymous said...

Your in our prayers! We send our love and hope to your family and Bree. Your faith is an example to us all.

Lana said...

Okay, the first picture you have posted where you clearly have tears in your eyes just BROKE my heart. I have been thinking about you guys constantly and feeling helpless! I want you to know that we want to help however we can. We can watch the boys if you have to be with her at appointments, we can make dinners, I'm great at cleaning other people's houses--it's way more fun than cleaning my own!! Just know, if you're in a bind, please call us.

Nuestra Familia said...

Bree has the best parents to love her and help her, she will win this fight. She is a beautiful fighter. We LOVE you and pray for you always!

Crys said...

Hello- My cousin is Amy Johnson. She sent me to your blog. I know exactly how you feel and all that you are going through right now. I will never forget the bruises my sweet baby girl developed too. My daughter was diagnosed with high risk stage IV NB at 20 months. I will be keeping up with your blog. It is a lot right now, but nbhope.org is a fantastic resource for you. You are welcome to read any of my stuff too. All of my links are on my blog: meandmyzacks.blogspot.com. I will be thinking of you and praying for your sweet little Bree. It IS amazing how perfect they seem and ironically how ravaged they are on the inside. Feel free to contact me if you would like some support. This will be a very long road, but I have traveled it for a long time and know a lot of tricks as well as some of the best NB specialists in the country. I am glad for the intermediate category. Most babies pull through amazingly. Hoping for the best. Crys Aigner, mother to NB angel Alexa.

Anonymous said...

It breaks my heart that your family has to go through this. Please know that you are in our prayers and that we are available to help with ANYTHING you need. We love you all so much!

Aimee's Family Journal said...

What the!?? She was so healthy and perfect! We will keep you in our prayers. I know that you are the perfect person to care for sweet Bree. I hope the Lord will keep you strong and healthy through this! We will have faith for you!

Linz said...

Oh dear Kari....my heart is with you! There will be prayers everyday and all day for your family and sweet Bree! The London temple prayer roll already has her name! Much love-Lindsay

Nanabanana said...

Oh Kari I cannot believe the tears that flow & the lump that comes to your throat when I see your pictures. Thank you for sharing this with everyone; The run of emotions for you and Bree & Justin & the rest of your family is unbelievable. The love that is felt for all of you actually hurts. I don't know if that makes any sense at all but it reinforces to me the goodness of people and it is so unbelieveably emotional. It feels like a piece of heaven right here with us all. Anyway, much love and prayers for all of you and may you have the peace that you need. Love, Dennise & Allen (Tim's Mom & Dad)

dustin and amy said...

I can hardly type through the tears and have not been able to get your sweet family off my mind. My cousin has been through what you guys are facing and I know from her that it is hard. She made a comment for you, I hope that the information she has will help you. We pray for you daily. Please know that we are willing to help in any way we can. We love you guys!

Church Fam said...

I found your blog though family (Driggs, Winsors) and just wanted to tell you our prayers are with your sweet beautiful family. I have shed tears of a mother. We will continue to follow Bree's progress.

Anna said...

Miracles happen as evidenced by Bree falling into the intermediate range. I'm praying for more miracles for your family during this heart-wrenching time. The Lord's hand is in all things because he sent Bree to 2 of the most loving and capable parents around. These pictures are really touching and sweet.

Sommer said...

A very touching post... we will be thinking of all five of you in our prayers. Miss Breezy is very loved!

Ashleigh and Zebb said...

oh Kari, I had no idea...seeing as how fasting isn't really an option for me these days, I'll definitely be keeping you in my prayers!! Your little family has been through so much already, and I have a good feeling that Bree will be pulling through this! let me know if there is ANYTHING i can do, take care of the boys or anything for you and justin, i'm here for you!!

Anonymous said...

Justin and Kari,
I just found out today about Bree and your family! Please know that we will be praying for you as well and if you need ANYTHING, please let me know! Love, Kym McMullin (Jeremy's mom)

Grandma and Grandpa cook said...

Kari and Justin, You guys are amazing. In Justin's email to the family today he mentioned that you guys are praying for all those praying for you, that we may all feel comforted. You both are an amazing example of strength and faith in the Lord. We love little Breezy and feel she will beat this thing and be a strength to all of us in the years to come. We are so grateful that she has been blessed to be in the intermediate risk stage. Count our blessings, name them one by one. And this is only the beginning of miracles. We send our love and are grateful that you can share your feelings on your blog.

Castle Family said...

I cannot even comprehend what you're going through. I have been a wreck this week as I can't get you and Bree off my mind. I am so glad that we ran into you yesterday at Rachael's. YOU made ME feel better! You are so amazing and I just know that you will get through this! We will continue to pray for you. Love you guys!

Jill said...

We are so happy to hear some good news...You and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers all week. You and Justin are a great example to me and I know that even though you are the one struggling through this, I will be the one learing from you. Our family will continue to pray for Sweet Bree. please let me know if I can help you in any way.

Greg said...

Our hearts are breaking right now. The stories are so touching. Thank you for sharing this difficult trial. You are in our thoughts an prayers. Your daughter is just an angel.

The Blakes said...

Lots of love and prayers are coming your way from our little family.

Kristine Thompson said...

Kari, I am so sad to hear what your sweet little girl and your family are going through. We will be praying for Bree everyday. I can only imagine what you are going through and it makes me cry. If there is anyway I can help you- Please- let me know! Seriously. She is a sweetheart! Bless you all.

Jims Blog said...

Dear Cook family
I am not sure if we have met at one of the Sharing DS functions but we want you to know that we will keep you and your little girl in our prayers.
As you are already aware the lord has ways of lifting us up in these times of trials.
We hope you feel his love and also feel the comfort of of our savior during this time.
The Hargrave family

tHe WaRnEr FaMiLy said...

Justin and Kari, we participated in the fast yesterday, and Robin and I went to the Temple. I could not stop thinking of you guys.Each of our kids fasted as well, willingly. Justin, your old Teachers quarum fasted together as well. You were a great leader to them and they love you guys very much. We are all sad with you, and pray the choicest blessings of heaven to be upon you in abundance. It is your turn to receive those as you have so often helped Heavenly Father give them to others. We are grateful to know you and feel of your tesimonies.
God bless you all, and God be with you.
Sean

The Reed Family said...

Though I feel at a loss for words, I want you to know how much I dearly love you, Baby Breezy and your family. You are such an example of strength, faith and love. I will be here for you every step of the way. Whatever you need--just name it. Bree will pull through this. We need that little angel here with us to continue making this world a better place. God is ever mindful, and there are many miracles yet to come. I am forever grateful that you are my sister... words just cannot express. We love you all so much!!!

Emily Frandsen said...

justin and kari,
we love you guys and just know that the townsend family is praying for you! your faith and love is inspiring and we hope that we can help through our faith and love and prayers as well. bree looks like she is being very strong--what a wonderful baby and a blessing she is. tell her we love her! we love you guys,
peter and emily

Kristy F. said...

You may not know who I am, but I went to school with Justin. My heart is full and I will be thinking and praying for your family as well as the good health for Bree.

MommyRohner said...

Justin and Kari,
I don't know you well, but nonetheless, I am so sorry for this trial you have to go through. I have kept tabs on your blog (through Alisa's) for awhile. I remember that we were pregnant with our first boys together, and then we both had another boy, and THEN we were both blessed with a baby girl. I recognize those similarities and I know that this could just as easily be me.
Brandon and I want you to know that we are thinking of you and praying for you and Bree and your family. We'll be keeping up with the news. Bree's sunny disposition will help both you and her to get through this.

Mandy and Brandon Rohner

Kelly said...

Justin & Kari, I cant even tell you how much We love you guys! Bree is in our prayers day and night! Our boys keep her in there daily prayers also! Keep being strong for Bree, You guys have so many people that love you and can help you guys stay strong!Heavenly Father is Truley with you right now! Love you , Kelly & Fam

Steph said...

My heart is broken for you all. I know this is so hard. I also know that Heavenly Father loves you and He will help you through it all--at your worst moments He will lift you up and make it possible for you to go on. We are praying for you constantly and hope you can feel all our love. We would do anything for you--if we can help with your boys, bring you food in the hospital (the cafeteria gets old quick), listen when you need someone to talk to (night or day, anytime)--anything--please don't ever hesitate to call us. We want to call and offer specific help, but at the same time we know you are probably overwhelmed with calls right now. So we will wait a while, and in the meantime, please call if there is anything you need. We love you so much, and we love sweet little Bree. She is such a strong and happy person--it's amazing that someone so young can have such an impact on so many people already. We are grateful that you got some good news, and hope it continues. We love you!

Jill said...

Your positive outlook and thankfulness through adversity are examples to everyone. Your sweet family is in all of our prayers. Please let us help somehow- we would love to.

Love, Mike and Jill

Chelsey said...

What can i say that hasn't already been said? I love you dearly my friend.

Chelsey said...

PS- Bree will treasure that first picture forever.

Kristen said...

Our family hasn't stopped thinking and praying for you since we heard the news. And we were touched by your words. Your wonderful spirits have always been a source of inspiration for us and many others. We know that the Lord is watching over little Bree and we pray that you will all continue to feel his love. We would love to help any way we can.

Anonymous said...

Kari & Justin and baby Bree -
Words cannot express how Grandma Joyce and I feel for you and the ordeal you are all going through.
Please know we will continue to pray for your sweet baby "Bree."
Thank you for your obvious dedication and faith in our Heavenly Father.
Also, thanks to you and Kristin for keeping all of us informed.
May the Lord bless each of you as you continue treatment for Bree's illness.

Grandpa Ken - Hope to see you soon.

The Gerard Family said...

Words can't express how I feel right now!! I am in tears reading this post. I am so sorry that you and your precious family have to go through this. YOu are all in our prayers and I will add you to our prayer list at church and in my bible study. Stay strong, because GOD is in control and he has your little Bree so tight and comforting and he will keep her safe. YOUr strength is amazing!!

Clay's gal said...

I can't even see through the tears to type! That picture of all 3 of you just kills me!

We are fasting and praying for you!
And we want you to know that we love you! Again ANYTHING we can do just let us know!

Cliff and Courtney's Family said...

Kari....I know you don't who I am, but I am a friend of Krista Brown and I read her blog the other day. I told her to give you my email address and phone number in case you needed to talk to someone who has been through a similar circumstance.

My first child passed away from a liver disease....he went thru numerous surgeries, hospital stays, medications, IV's, feeding tubes...you name it we did it. Unfortunatley lord felt he needed him more than I did.

So as I read your story (which I hope you don't mind) my heart broke, because I can truly understand your pain, but also your hope. You have a beautiful beautiful little girl and she is so lucky to have siblings who love her and support her. And I know that she knows what is going on, and she does understands and loves you so much for seeing her thru this and being strong. She will receive all the blessings the lord has in store for her. These kids are amazingly strong (stronger than I would have ever
imagined)and also the best fighters...because they are not only fighting for themselves but also for their families and all others who love them. With sorrow will come such joy and Bree's road to RECOVERY will be filled with so much of the lords love and tender mercies.

Please feel free to contact me if you need. If not just know your family will be in our prayers and in our hearts. I wish I could be near Bree to feel the spirit and light she brings to this world...it is unlike any other.

Take care (please take care of youself too, I had a hard time remembering to eat and sleep because all my energy,thoughts and emotions were directed in one place).

Courtney Luff

goemrick said...

Hi, we are total strangers, but got forwarded your blog. We are a little mormon family, your age with three little kids. Our kids prayed for your family and little Bree tonight. We wanted to wish you all of the luck and blessings in the world. May the Lord keep you in this most trying of times.
Love,
Emily and Rick Diamond

Jaimee said...

Oh Kari, I am so sorry that Bree has to fight this awful sickness! She is so lucky to have such wonderful parents who will fight right along with her. The pics of her smiling face are too sweet and it's heartbreaking to see your tear-stained faces. I am so so sorry. You are all in my prayers and my family's prayers. Good luck and may God be with you.

Busy B Preschool said...

Hi Cook Family,
I found out about your sweet baby Bree from my friend Rachael Bates. I started to cry when I came to your blog I can't imagine how hard this is for you. My prayers are with you.

My little nephew, Lang, was diagnosed with I think the same type of cancer as your daughter when he was 9 months old. He had to go through Chemotherapy and everything, and he had to have a kidney removed. I think the whole process lasted until he was about 14 months. I remember him learning to take his first steps in the hospital.
But he made it through and now he is a healthy, happy little 5 1/2 year old. There is hope. The journey is long and hard, but I know that you have lots of love and support around you, just lean on that, and also your Heavenly Father, and you will get through this trial. If you want to check out my blog there is a picture of my cute little nephew with my son at our ward's Halloween Party. My blog is surfingbfamily.blogspot.com.

Julie Beutler

Anonymous said...

Kari and Justin, I feel like this past week has been a nightmare but I am so amazed by your strength and by Bree's innocent love. I still marvel at how much life can change from one day to the next. I am so proud of you Kari-my sweet daughter and I know today was a very trying day because you had the stomach flu and yet you still nursed your sweet Breezy and suffered with illness giving everything you have to give with the utmost unselfish love a mother can give. I love the pictures of Bree and I printed them and put them on the Fridge with stickers around the borders. Your Daddy and I had fun watching the cute boys today. They are so sweet and Gunner says some things that make us both laugh like when he had Spagettios and Grandpa wanted some and he said "No. Grandpa you're too old to eat them" We love watching them and hope they can get their sister and Mommy back soon. We are always here to help Kari. The next 6 months will be hard but we can persevere.
We love you!

Morris Mama said...

Oh, I am just so sad! I will pray and fast for you and your sweet Bree. I had no idea this was going on. Hooray for her and her first victory! I know there will be many more victories to come! Thank you for sharing your testimony. Just remember that God never tries us more than we can handle.

Bless you guys!
Alys

Melody B. said...

Oh my goodness Kari, my heart is with you. I wasn't sure if you wanted any comments left about it before you had a chance to post, so I stayed away. I am truly so sorry that Bree (You, Justin, and the boys) are having to go through this. Bree is SUCH a sweet sweet girl and we hope and pray that she will respond well to chemo and that you guys can be blessed with strength through it all. What an example Breezy is with her smile in midst of the trial. We can all learn something from this sweet angel. Whatever you need, I too am here. Love you.

Kodi said...

I can't imagine what your family must be going through, but it is obvious that you and your sweet Bree are loved very much! You will be in my prayers. Take care!

Jami Baker said...

I am not sure if you remember me, Jami Harper. We used to be in Lehi 5th Ward way back when. I found your blog through Alisa Larson and was so touched by your strength. Bree will be in our prayers and she is just the cutest thing ever. I love her rolls. It was fun reading up on your cute family and finding Kristin's blog too. I'll always remember how cute you girls were and such sweethearts. Keep your strength through these times and this too shall pass!

Annie said...

As evident in all of the comments, you have many people praying that all will be well. We learn through the scriptures that the power of prayer is great. My favorite story is in Mosiah where we learn that Alma and may others who cared deeply for Alma the Younger and the Sons of Mosiah prayed that they would return to the fold. The Lord clearly states that the reason they came back was because of the prayers of the righteous. No matter the circumstances, the Lord hears the prayers of the righteous and in many cases performs miracles.
We too will add our prayers and exercise our faith in the Lord that all will work out according to His will concerning Bree. We love you Cooks! May God's peace rest with you this evening and onward.

Dazzle Dance said...

We are with you on your new journey with Bree. Our hearts are full. You are continually in our prayers. We would love to help in any way. We send our love! We will be checking the updates to see how you are doing! What a beautiful family!

The Jacobs Family said...

Kari, I burst into tears when I read this. Please know that we will be praying for you and that we are here is you need anything. Your sweet little Bree has so many people loving her and praying for her.

Michelle said...

Justin and Kari, our love and prayers are with you and your beautiful family. We are praying for your family and are so impressed by your strength. She is a beautiful little girl and you two are wonderful parents.

Shawnie said...

Your testimony is a strength to us all. Our prayers will continue for your family. We love you guys and will do anything to help! Love, The Huff's

Colette Goodman said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Let me know if I can help in any way.

Lorri said...

Justin and Kari, Little Bree is so lucky to have you for parents. You are such a blessing and strength to her. Our famiy is praying for you daily. We are here for you if you need anything. Our Bree colors pictures for your little Bree daily.

kelli said...

Your sweet family is dear to our hearts! Know we are here for you and would be honored to help out in any way.

Tiff-N-Spence said...

Just wanted you guys to know you can count the Walters in on the Bree-brigade. She's got a good group here, and I know the Lord is listening. Keep pressing forward. We aren't going anywhere.

Unknown said...

Kari, we are praying and fasting for Bree and your sweet family, as well.

Please let us all know if you are having another fast! HUGS!

Brittany said...

Kari- It's Brittany (Chelsey's cousin). It's funny the other day I found an old video tape that we had used to record our "Thriller" music video. I must of laughed for at least an hour watching all of us make complete fools of ourselves. And then today I was checking Chelsey's blog and was so saddened to read about your dear sweet baby having cancer. You have always been such an amazing person and I know that you are an amazing mom to your wonderful kids. I will pray for Bree and your family continually. Keep celebrating the little victories and don't let the bumps in the road get you to down. I love you! (And if I can I am going to transfer the video tape to dvd and I will send you, chelsey and summer a copy)

Dotted Owl Crafts said...

Kari and Justin, our hearts are hurting for you. We plead to the Lord on your behalf. We know His hand is in all things and pray you will feel His love through this most difficult time. Your faith and strength are amazing, an example to us all. She is a choice baby girl. We will continue to pray for miracles and safe-keeping. Love, cousins Gina and Chad

Angela Fuller said...

Justin and Kari, we want you to know that we are fasting and praying for Bree and your family. The pictures of Bree smiling just melted our hearts. She is a beautiful baby who has and will continue to touch so many people. We have been strengthened by your faith and testimonies.

Karis said...

Kari and Justin, thanks for such beautiful words. You are an example to so many people on so many levels. We are praying for Bree and for you aswell. Thanks for sharing your testimony with us!

Kathryn said...

Justin and Kari,
Lane and I (along with many others I'm sure) fasted and prayed for you and for Bree today. We are so happy that she is intermediate risk - she will beat this! She is soooo beautiful - just like her parents. We love you and our family is praying for you.

Tom & Lindsey said...

Your family and especially little Bree are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Tommy and Lindsey Bowen

Tiff-N-Spence said...

Justin & Kari,
I couldn't help but think back to when we were a bunch a stupid teenagers and we had no clue what life would hold for us. Even then I believe that the Lord was preparing us for the challenges we each would face. I remember Cory telling us that at the cabin Justin pulled his scriptures out and read. Justin you were an example to us then and you still are today. Kari you have amazing strength. First of all you put up with Justin, but I know that you carry the spirit close beside you and touch those you serve with and teach. I know that this trial must be overwhelming, but the Lord gave it to you for reasons that none us us currently understand. We still have no clue what life holds for us. But I do know that you have the faith, love, support and strength to get through it. Please know that we are fasting and praying and have no plans on stopping! We love your little family very much! - Tiff

Otter Family said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this trying time. Bree is beautiful and her spirit is full of life and ready to fight!!!

John said...

Hi, I am a friend of a friend and just wanted to say how touched I am by your strength and testimonies. I will be keeping little Bree and your sweet family in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Kari it's Dana's sister Amy. I am also in Idaho with her and have heard of your sweet little girl. I am especially sensitive to this as my little baby Grace and your Bree were born on the same day. March 12th. They are exactly the same age and I am have so many emotions running through me. I am certain of one thing. That is...regardless of the outcome here on earth at this time, this situation can only bring you and your family closer to Christ. Why He chose to allow you this special relationship with Him may still be unkown. What an honor.
This opportunity also allows everyone hearing about your family to draw near their Savior. Nothing can replace this. People's testimony are being strengthened. I thank you for sharing your story so that MY children can read this with me and we can begin fasting and praying on your family's behalf. A remarkable chance to have them focus on your little girl each day and night which creates a safe place that takes us all away from the worries of the world. Kari the arms of the peacegiver are always stretched out still.
We love you.
Amy

Wendi and Eric said...

Kari and Justin your strength is overwhelming. Your faith and gratitude is inspiring. And to see Baby Bree smiling through it all, I stare at her pictures in amazement. We are feeling blessed we will see you all in just a couple of weeks. Until then we send our love and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Justin and Kari,
We love you and are praying for you and your precious little girl.

KFairbanks said...

Justin and Kari,
You don't know me, but I follow Summer's blog and saw your story there. My heart breaks for you and your sweet girl. I pray for you all. Your strength and love are truly amazing.

Melissa Bosen said...

We love you guys!!! We are praying for HOPE and PEACE to be in your hearts at this time of uncertainty and for a full recovery for Bree.
Hang in there!!!

Brooke said...

What an amazing family. I found your blog through my cousins. I will be following your story and praying for you!

Adam Jensen said...

What a beautiful girl. You and your family are in our prayers. It is inspiring to hear your perspective and testimony. Thanks for sharing.

The Carlsons said...

you might not know me but i went to high school with justin. just wanted to post that we are praying for you, justin, your boys and especially for bree. as a mother, too, i can just imagine what you are feeling and going through right now. i pray that a miracle would happen for your little girl!!

-maria carlson (guzman)

Anonymous said...

I am Porter's cousin, I just learned about little Bree and the journey you are on. We will keep Bree and your family in your thoughts and prayers. Your special message brought me to tears. I weep for your heartaches and pray for your strength, support and triumph.