The Adventure-2007 Update

Hello. I wanted to give you a 2007 update. God is doing some awesome things in my life. For you faithful prayer warriors, go to the last few paragraphs for new news. For you first timers, I pray you will take the time to read the following words and be encouraged. We serve a mighty Savior.

My story began on a mission’s trip to New York City in June, 2002. I was blessed by God to travel with student ministries for a week in the Big Apple. My first night the Lord impressed upon me to fast for the week. What? I am in a city with some of the best restaurants in the world, but wanting to please the Lord, I obeyed. I felt the Lord telling me he was preparing me for something. But what, I wondered. In September, 2002, I began to find out. I was diagnosed with a debilitating type of arthritis. From September until August of 2003, I was placed on several types of medication. Most of the medications made me feel worse. The doctor instructed me that the arthritis had spread through most of my body. I was told to limit my physical activities. Jogging, which I enjoy, was off limits. The doctors stated I probably should forget about jogging. At times I was unable to get out of bed in the morning and had to use a cane or crutches. At times I thought to myself, “Can things get worse?” That question was answered in August 2003, when after becoming sick from my medication I was informed that a tumor had been found close to my heart. In August, it was determined that open heart surgery was needed to remove the tumor. My wife and I were informed that the tumor was a fast-growing tumor and needed to be removed. On October 14, 2003, the surgery was performed to remove the tumor. We were informed that the tumor was cancerous, but that my prognosis for full recovery was great. Remember my trip to New York in 2002 and God encouraging me to fast? At that time God did not reveal to me the reason for my fasting. When I was diagnosed with a tumor, God revealed the reason for my fasting. It was to spiritually and physically prepare me for my battle ahead. What an awesome thing God did in both of these areas. I grew and continue to grow so much in my faith. Physically, God amazed me and everybody around me. The doctor had stated before the open heart surgery that I would probably be out of work anywhere between one and two months. I was back to work full-time in three weeks. The doctor could not believe my recovery. I was so grateful that the doctors were able to remove the tumor and there were no other signs of cancer. At the time, I did not feel God had finished the miracle. I still had a desire to jog. In the past it was time I spent enjoying all of God’s beauty and talking with Him. Most of my family and friends warned me to wait another six months before jogging or not to try at all. Let your body heal they shared. I began to hear God saying it was time to get back to living. So on June 7, 2004, with my beautiful wife looking on, I ran 2.8 miles. What a great God we serve. I decided at that point I would begin training for a half marathon scheduled for November, 2004.

On November 14, 2004, I completed the half-marathon at the Palm Beach Marathon, one year and one month after having a tumor removed. Well you would think the story would end with that victory. Not so fast my friend. Two weeks after completing the marathon I passed out at home and was placed in the hospital Thanksgiving week. Not great, but it probably saved me a few pounds. At that time I was diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease. We were informed by the doctor that I should have not been able to run a half-marathon. I informed the doctor that I could do all things through Christ. With that news I took a few months off and started training for the 2005 Palm Beach Marathon. As you can tell, my life’s challenges have been of a physical nature. Things were going well until June 2005. One night when I went out for a run, I found that my legs were not working. I had lost the ability to run. My first thought was how could and would I overcome this new challenge. The doctors put me back on some medication and hoped for the best.

On July 6, 2005, I went in for a routine checkup and was informed I was in a crisis and needed to be placed in the hospital for a week. A crisis with this neuromuscular disease meant my lungs were weak and could possibly shut down. It’s amazing that my wife and I did not even realize what poor shape I was in at the time. I had been working every day. I was tired, but did not realize I was in a crisis. I was placed on intravenous treatment for five days at 6 hours a day. The doctor informed my wife he could not explain how I was even walking. My legs were too weak he stated. He really could not believe when I informed him that I would be returning to work the day after being released from the hospital. I shared with him this is how I deal with life’s challenges and how God continues to bless my wife and me. I attended physical therapy three times a week and got stronger every day. The goal was to run the Palm Beach Marathon on December 4, 2005. To show you how awesome God is, December 4th was on my 40th birthday. How awesome is our Lord? With my family and friends in attendance, I completed the half-marathon. What was so awesome is I was able to witness to so many runners. Some of my doctors had referred to me as a genetic freak. On the day of the race my wife made team genetic freak signs. A lot of people had questions about the signs, which allowed me to share what God had done in my life. Oh, a little side note about that neuromuscular disease. I was mis-diagnosed. In September 2007, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. After so may mis-diagnosis, Laura and I had the Parkinson’s diagnosis confirmed by 6 different specialist.  The doctors feel I have probably been dealing with Parkinson’s for 5-10 years.   

In October 2007, during my men’s Bible study I came up with the bright ideal to run a half-marathon. This just weeks after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s. The guys thought I was crazy, but on December 2,2007, we all finished the half-marathon at the Marathon of the Palm Beaches. It was awesome. 

Good news! During a recent doctor’s appointment, I was informed I probably do not have diabetes. The doctor stated the years of medication and Parkinson’s may have given me symptoms of diabetes.    

God continues to open a lot of doors for me to share my story about overcoming life’s challenges. My prayer for those who have taken the time to read this is that you will embrace life’s challenges and live the life God has made just for you. Laura and I continue to be blown away by the prayers and love of so many. God bless.