Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Mysterious Illness

Cassandra began experiencing severe headaches on her way home from Atlanta, Georgia, where she had spent a few days during March break with her mom, dad and brother Daniel. A few days later her family, friends and classmates realized that she was going through periods where they couldn't understand what she was saying. After being brought to the hospital, her condition deteriorated further.

Now, three weeks later, although her condition has been improving relative to her worst days early on, she continues to experience good and bad days.

Numerous tests have been undertaken, many of them multiple times. A vast spectrum of doctors have been involved and all are baffled. The latest theory is that Cassandra may have caught a virus from an insect bite. Blood samples have been sent to both Winnipeg (the Canadian center for infectious diseases) as well as to Atlanta ( the center for American infectious disease research), ironically enough. Results, unfortunately, may not be available for several weeks.

Pray that the Lord will help the doctors clearly diagnose Cassandra's illness and further pray that a remedy would then be available to bring her back to full health. At times like this we are all reminded of man's weakness and limitations but we can take comfort in the knowledge that the Lord knows and controls all things.

Wilfred and Joanne speak of the day to day strength that the Lord is providing them. They know that their family, their church family and countless others from far and wide are praying for them. They are greatly encouraged by this. Please continue to petition the Lord - He is merciful, His compassions fail not, great is His faithfulness.

Periodic updates will be provided on this blog. While the Lamans are greatly appreciative of the calls they are getting at home, it is becoming difficult to return the many messages on their answering machine when they arrive home each evening. It is hoped that this blog will provide a means to keep everyone informed. Please note that if Cassandra's condition doesn't change significantly from one day to the next, then there will be fewer updates.

Rick Postma
Brantford Free Reformed Church

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Wilfred & Joanne,
Thanks for creating this "Blogspot"
We have been and will continue to pray For Cassandra and you.
May THE LORD make everything well.
With christian love,

Dennis & Kay

Anonymous said...

Dear Wilfred and Joanne,

We received this email.
Thank you!
We pray for Cassandra. For strength and health. And for God's nearness.

We pray for you both and your family as well. May God sustain you in this trial.
May He comfort you day by day!

Love, John Emmy and boys Muller
The Netherlands

Anonymous said...

Dear Wilfred & Joanne and children,
It is our hope and prayer that the Lord will heal Cassandra for He "is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Eph. 3:20). We are also remembering you as parents and Cassie's siblings in prayer, as you go through this difficult time.

In Christian love,
Herman & Wendy,
Leona, Nathan, Joshua & Jessica
den Hollander

Anonymous said...

Dear Wilfred and Joanne,

Cassandra and your family are in our prayers. Our love and concern for her well-being have been in our thoughts. It's reassuring to know that our impossibilities often can be God's possibilites.

"Mindful of our human frailty, is the God in whom we trust."

Send Cassandra our love,
Duane, Mary, Selah, & Judah

Anonymous said...

Dear Wilfred, Joanne and family,
We continue to pray for Cassie and your entire family. As parents it is hard to see our children get sick, we can not imagine what you are going through our hearts go out to you.

We are also very thankful that God has been giving you strenght to deal with this situation and my He continue to be you Help!

Praying for you,

Mike, Lynda, Jaden, Mariah, Chad, Chase and Preston Hamstra

Rick and Diane,
Thanks for updatng and creating this blog! mh

Anonymous said...

sorry for the spelling mistakes :-)
I should have proof read!!
mh

Gloria Cofer said...

Wilfred, Joanne and family,

This blog is a wonderful communication for those of us who want to let you know of our concern for Cassie. I hope it is also a source of comfort and strength for all of you at this very trying time.

My prayers are with Cassie and all of you.

Gloria Cofer

Anonymous said...

Dear Wilfred and Joanne and children,

We heard from my parents what happened with your daughter and we found this website. It must be very difficult for you what has happenend but we also read that you're strenghtened by God, The Almighty. We will also start our prayer for Cassie and all of you. We hope to meet you in August when we hope to visit Canada.

Love from Holland, Lennart, Jesse, Cor and Aline Bergshoeff - Kooijman