We learned yesterday that Zach, has a rare eye condition in his left eye called retinoblastoma. This cancerous tumor on his eye has caused his retina to detach which is how we first became aware of the problem–the symptom is called “no red-reflex.”
The clear and unambiguous counsel of the opthamology specialists is that the best course of action for his condition is to remove the tumor. This necessitates the removal of his entire left eye (enucleation of the eye). He will grow up with a prosthetic eye and will hopefully be free of cancer.
Due to the apparently rapid growth of this tumor, we have agreed with the Doctors’ counsel to proceed to surgery this Monday, May 23. We will have some elders gather and pray over Zach this weekend prior to the surgery.
Here are some specific ways that you can pray for us at this time:
photography by Emily Alberta
- Pray that we have clear wisdom about this course of action.
- Pray that God would heal him before and without surgery.
- Pray that as surgery is otherwise necessary, that it will be entirely successful.
- Pray that the cancer in his body will be only in the eye and not anywhere else. Further, that there would be no threat upon his life due to this tumor. We have obviously “caught it early.”
- Pray for our other children as they deal with this dramatic event. Pray that they would still feel well loved in the midst of busyness and necessary attention toward Zach!
- Pray for God’s peace for all of us. We’re doing pretty well, most moments!
- Pray for God to be glorified and for opportunities to make him known.
Thanks for standing with us in prayer.
In Christ,
Tim and Sarah
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
“Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?” (in our case, with eye cancer)
Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned or his parents, but that the works of God may be displayed in him.” John 9:2-3
Praise God for skilled physicians who can respond.
Praise God that it was in a part of the body we could see into!
Praise God that he is a gracious healer.
Praise God that all things are in his hands!
Praise God for his other good eye!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
. . . As I Follow Christ 
I’m so sorry to hear that! I’m praying for your son and family.
Oh, Tim. We will be praying for you and Zach. Praise God for your faith in Christ.
You sat w/ me when Tom was in surgery. I am there w/ you today in spirit, and many prayers. I would have been in hospital w/ you both if I had known sooner but was out of town. Much love, am praying . Verna
WE are holding you ALL up in prayer today!! Please let us know if we can help with anything. I am not far from you and can pick up your girls and bring them home from school for you if that would help. 720-252-9486.
We’ll certainly be praying, Tim!
Praying for you and your family and especially for Zach during this difficult time!
Jill and Kris Young
We will pray also that all of you get through this, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Tim , I know that you & Sarah will do the best you can for Zach & your daughters.
We have been praying much throughout the day for Zach and your whole family. May God be glorified!
Mary Lu and I will pray for your son Zach. May the lord heal and bless him during this time, and that He will guide the hands of surgeons during this operation to remove the tumor. May God’s spirit and blessing be with you Sarah and your daughters
Tim, Sarah, and all of your family,
We will faithfully pray for all of you. May you all be surrounded with our Lord’s peace, strength and wisdom. God Bless.
Love in Christ,
Nancy and Charley Barnum
praying for you and your family. that the Holy Spirit’s presants will be will be felt by all your family during this dificult time. that God will be glorified His will be done and if at all posible miraculous healing without surgery.
Tim, we will be praying for your family.
Bro Tim and family,
You will all be in my prayers. Our God is an awesome God and I’m so glad to see your faith through these troubling times. You are an encouragement to myself and others.
Terry
Dear Tim and Sarah,
A friend forwarded me your blog. My heart goes out to you both right now. My son Joshua was diagnosed with retinoblastoma on December 25, 2001. His left eye was enucleated on January 3rd, 2002. If you would like to talk to me about our journey, I would love to tell you about it. Our Joshua has a fully functioning life and is now a happy, bright, sports playing 10 year old that loves Jesus and loves to tell people how Jesus healed him of cancer. My husband and I are praying for you both to have the peace that only our great big God can give. Rest in Him!
Angela and Kevin Hosner
angela.hosner@forGodsfame.org
Thanks Angela. We’ll likely be in touch! Our son’s surgery is scheduled for tmrw at 9:30. Grace and peace.
praying for you….passed your website onto friends of mine whose baby had the same thing….he had is eye removed and has been cancer free for at least 8 years now. They are very knowledgeable and are in ministry as well. They also are familiar with Guatemala, and have adopted a son from an orphanage there. My friend Angela said she would contact you.
Lesli Richards
Altlanta Georgia
Pastor Tim and Sarah,
We will lift prayers to our mighty God for baby Zach and your entire family during this difficult time. We will pray for guidance for the surgeons and peace for all of you, as well as healing for Zach.
In Him,
John & Betsy Ormsbee
Tim, Sarah, and family
We will be praying for all of you. My God give you peace and the doctors a steady hand. God Bless
The Nagy Family
Thinking of you all during this time. Many prayers for you!
Dear Tim and Sarah,
May God’s Healing Hands touch that precious baby’s eye and Heal Him! We will be praying for you and the family! remember He knew Zack while he was in the hiding place! He knows and will answer!
God’s Blessings
Jim and Georgia Marshall
We love you!
You were there for us during our darkest hour. If you need anything, we’re here for you. Praying for all the things you’ve asked for. Pam
Pastor Tim, Sarah and girls,
Zack has been in our prayers all week as Olivia learned of his condition from Emma and Hadley. We are praying for a miracle for that beautiful little boy!
Our family is lifting you all up.
We are praying continually for you all and for all you are imploring God to accomplish. To God be the glory forever and ever!
Tim & Sarah: It is a moment in time like this that allow our faith to prevail , individualy and corporately as our church family participate for prayers of healing and support. You both have taught how to stand firm on trusting in God’s perfect Love and this opportunity to ask God to heal your son is yet another moment of trust. We wait and pray for an outcome that will not sway our trust in God and His plan.
Peace of Christ be in you this day.
Just got the news via Dr. Rose’s newsletter info. as I wasn’t in church this Sunday due to illness myself. My suffering seems so minor compared to all you’ve been dealing with lately. Little Zach is probably in surgery as I type this so I’m praying wholeheartedly for the surgeons to remove this tumor and have Zach be cancer free and live a great life. Only God knows the plans he has for this little life – to give him hope and a future. I pray for your family as well.
Brown Family,
We are praying for wisdom for the doctors, peace for your family and healing for your little one. All our love.
We are praying.
We are praying for Zack and all of you!
Praying hard for him and your family!!!!! Praying for calm hearts for you guys and fast healing for your little man!! If there is anything we can do please let us know!!
God understands the anguish a parent goes through seeing their child hurting. Mike and I are praying for a deep sense of His presence for your family…and His perfect peace which passes all understanding!
Learned about Zach from a FB post by Cindy Corwin-Lobb. I’m praying for him and your entire family . . . God bless you all.
Tim and Sarah: We heard of little Zach from our friend Angie Trypak from 242. We and our Family are holding you in our prayers and trust that the Lord is watching over your family. Thank you for your inspiring testimony of God’s love at all times and of your faith.We join together with you for Zach’s complete healing and containment of cancer to the eye only.
Love in Christ, Bill And Debbie