This weekend we were invited to a special birthday party. It was for Jonny, a little boy that goes to our church and whose Dad works with Bob. Jonny is going to be turning 8, but not for another month. The reason the party was held early is that Jonny has Aplastic Anemia and he will soon be having his third bone marrow transplant. After it takes place, he will remain in the hospital for about a month in protective isolation. His birthday will likely occur during this time. His parents decided to have a big party early for him to enjoy.
Jonny is a pretty amazing kid. He is rarely seen without a smile on his face. He's had the two transplants which have failed and now spends nearly a day at the hospital each week having blood tests and frequent transfusions, he has to take meds including steroids and deals with the side effects of that but he doesn't let it get him down. He stays positive and is just a joy to be around.
Here he is at the party with his mom.
With a friend, opening cards and gifts.
This was one of his gifts - he loves super hero's!
We had a picnic supper, including this fun fruit salad.
Blowing out his birthday candle.
This is another cute little guy from our church. He was having fun watching all the other kids.
It was a full weekend for Jonny, because the party was Saturday evening, and he was baptized on Sunday morning.
I was so glad I could be there and witness this!
Please keep Jonny and his family in your prayers as they prepare for next month. Also, if you are interested in being put on the bone marrow registry, here is the
link. It just may save someone's life.
Oh Mari...how sweet. We have a young lady in our church who also has aplastic anemia and so far it has been kept at bay with medication. Prayers going up for Jonny. Hopefully third time will be a charm.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweetheart! Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Mari. I am always amazed that kids especially have the best outlook on life even though their circumstances are not great. I will definitely keep him and his family in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteWhat a precious face!!! Lord, please touch his body with your healing hand!
ReplyDeleteA great way to make some good memories. Hope all goes well.
ReplyDeleteSad but happy....does that make sense at all?!!! Such a touching post...I don't wanna say 'tribute' 'cause that makes it sound all too 'final' if you know what I mean. I hope that this time it will be successful and he can be there for his 9th and many many more to come.
ReplyDeleteJean's comment brought tears to my eyes.
Praying this time around, it will be a success. Such a cute little boy with a sweet smile and joy in his heart. You can tell that he loves life by the look on his face, and I just hope God will always take care of him.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful, happy boy! Sending prayers up for Jonny.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful child....praying the surgery will be a success this time!
ReplyDeleteWhat a handsome young man :-) I will for sure keep him and his family in my prayers. Best wishes, Silvana
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet little guy! I will be praying for him and for his family. I love seeing him come out of the baptism pool.
ReplyDeleteHe's so precious! I'll be praying for him, Mari. I'm glad he was able to have the birthday party, and a great time. More importantly, so happy he was baptized the next morning. God bless him, his family and friends.
ReplyDeletexoxo
It is always said that the third time is a charm. I will keep this young man in my prayers, Mari. Please keep us posted as you can!!
ReplyDeletePraying for Jonny and his family. xoxo
ReplyDeleteWhat a strong amazing little guy! Looks like he had a great birthday party! Prayers sent for him and his family.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you and on your week Mari. xoxo
I loved looking at Johnny's sweet little face and pray for his healing. What a trooper!
ReplyDeleteSending Jonny my best wishes for success with this transplant. We could learn a lot from his positive attitude.
ReplyDelete