Team Jack--We've got your back!

Team Jack--We've got your back!

I wanted to write what was on my heart tonight.  If you haven't already heard of "Team Jack," he is an inspiration to us all.  He was diagnosed with brain cancer, and throughout his recovery process, has been in the hearts of all Husker fans.  Rex Burkhead is #22 for the huskers and is Jack's idol.  Jack reached out to Rex, and the two of them became wonderful friends.  Husker Nation has started a movement called "Team Jack." Through this, funds are raised to help pediatric brain cancer research.  For more on the story click the following link.  

http://btn.com/2012/10/13/watch-courageous-team-jack-profile/

Something that has been weighing heavily on my heart and mind as well is a child named Cole.  His movement is called "Team MiraCole."  I will copy his story as stated in his facebook page. He is battling pediatric brain cancer as well for the 4th time in 26 months, and he is only 3 1/2.  

"Cole was diagnosed on July 9th 2010 with a stage 3 Anaplastic Ependymoma brain tumor. This is a very rare type of tumor, mostly found in kids around the brain and spinal cord. Cole battled through a 9 1/2 hour surgery following diagnosis and had to have a trach and g button (feeding tube) put in, and 7 weeks of radiation. Cole spent the next year of his life cancer free and re-learning how to talk

, eat, walk and fine motor skills. July of 2011 Cole was diagnosed with another tumor, this one was located by his carotid artery. He battled through 3 months of Chemo and went to Memphis to have surgery to remove the tumor. When they surgeon went to remove he found what looked like a calcified pebble, the chemo had hardened the tumor and due to the risk of cutting the coratid artery they left it alone and sent us home. 3 months later Cole began to lose the ability to use the left side of his body. The tumor had regrown around the old tumor. We went back to Memphis right away and they were able to remove the new and hardened tumor. This was a very difficult surgery with extreme risks ( but then again all of his surgeries were ). Cole then went to St. Judes for 7 weeks of radiation. Before leaving they did an MRI and Cole was cancer free. Aug 24th we had another MRI in Omaha and it showed regrowth at the same location of the last tumor. This means that the radiation treatments are no longer effective. There is no cure for this type of cancer. All that can be done is remove it, radiate it. There is no Chemo that will defeat it.
We are currently at home enjoying our time together. We are getting hospice set up so that Cole will be as comfortable and pain free as possible. We ask that everyone else please pray for comfort and peace for our MiraCole, and our family."  

The last post from his family is as follows: "Long day today....Cole slept so good through the night he didn't get his Tylenol and ibuprofen so he woke up a little cranky and had a headache. We got his meds back going and he was feeling better after a short bit.

This afternoon while Cole was with his nurse we went to a funeral home and started making his arrangements. This was not easy to do, but much easier to do it today than when he leaves us, want to be with loved ones at that time."

These kids NEED our prayers.  I wish I could do something more for these kids.  I feel like prayer is a VERY powerful thing.  And if any of you have an extra prayer, please give it up for these kids and all children suffering from pediatric brain cancer.  I hope all of you can find time to do so...

Have a beautiful night and pray for these beautiful children.

With Love and HUGE hugs,

Cassie