How Can They Hear?

As I share this story with you I sit here in sadness. My heart is broken .

Back in the summer of 2009 I was fortunate to meet Cody Whittaker. He came to our church in Arizona to tell us about a trip him and his family were taking to Haiti. This family was currently living in Asheville, NC and he knew our pastor at our church and so he came out to share with us their goals, missions, and passion for life.

Simply put - their passion was the Lord. Serving the Lord, telling others about the Lord, and leading and teaching others of the Lords love.  As my husband and I worked with our youth group that fall we provided the support we could and encouragement through cards and letters. Soon after the Whittaker family settled in Haiti, the country was rocked by a horrible earthquake.  Although Cody and Maria had two young daughters, Isabela (6) and Susana (4) they stayed the course through the aftermath of the quake until it was too dangerous and they flew their daughters out for safety.  Later when the family was back together they realized that Susana was not feeling well and eventually flew her to Miami, FL to find out devastating news that Susana was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer called neuroblastoma in early 2010.

All I could think was how this little 4 year old could have such a terrible disease. This family vowed to fight this disease and pray. This family's faith is unbelievably strong! I have followed the progress of Susana through the bright advances and the sad declines in her health. What an amazing little girl Susana is!

I knew over the last little bit she had declined in health and the tumors were back. I continued to read the words of her mom and dad asking for prayers but also lifting Jesus up knowing that the Lord is ultimately in control.

Today 2/11/11 at 12:15 p.m. "Susana finished her race".  I sit here in tears as I type this for you to read because my heart is broken for this family and their loss of an amazing, awesome little girl. I encourage you to check out this family's website at How Can They Hear to read about this amazing family and the unbelievable journey and struggles they have battled through.

I am reminded that we take so many things for granted. Kiss our children when we can; hug them a little bit longer; and praise the good we see in them.  Appreciate the time we have! Please remember this family in your prayers as they now face a life without their precious Susana.