Prayer Request.

Saturday evening Dad and Mom took Silas to the Emergency Room because of severe, unexplained bruising on his legs and feet and unusual swelling in both his knees. The Doctor at the hospital could not diagnose him, but gave him medication to help with the swelling and the pain.

Because Silas has neurofibromatosis (NF1), he has a check-up every year just before his birthday to make sure the disease is not manifesting. This year there was a mix-up and his appointment was not scheduled until this week. We are so grateful that God orchestrated the timing so perfectly, so that only two days after Silas became ill he was able to see a specialist!!

During his exam yesterday Silas was diagnosed with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura. The disease is contracted when there is a break-down in your immune system.

This disease causes blood vessels to swell and then collapse, causing the bruising and bleeding under the skin. This can cuase intense pain which at times makes is so that he cannot walk. He seems to have the most pain in the afternoon and evening.

This disease usually run it's course in 4-6 weeks, and thankfully is not contagious. We are praying for Silas' swift recovery to good health!

Above you can see the bruising and swelling on his legs. ^^^

But through it all Silas still maintains a cheerful attitude and blesses us with his priceless grin!

Specific Prayer Requests;

1. This disease can spread to major organs (kidneys and the colon in particular) and cause bleeding in the organs and potentially cause damage to those organs. It can also cause bleeding in the brain and lungs. Please pray that there will be no damage to his organs and there will be no bleeding in his brain or lungs.

2. Silas has held up under the pressure of the pain very well so far. Pray for him to be able to withstand the pain, that we would be creative in giving him profitable distractions to keep his mind more pleasantly engaged!

3. Silas' pain increases tremendously during the late afternoon and throughout the evening. During those hours please pray especially for him to have grace to endure the pain!

A huge thank-you from our family for lifting Silas up in prayer!!

We are so grateful!