Last Thursday, Jonathan went to the doctor in New Orleans with a pain in his chest. What he thought would be minor turned into a six hour hospital stay where doctors told him he might have a tumor. A biopsy on Monday revealed that the tumor, located under his sternum, was in fact malignant. And today around noon, Jonathan's doctors in New Orleans referred him to MD Anderson in Houston, Texas, one of the most advanced cancer treatment centers in the world, to begin aggressive treatment. During this trying time, the best way to combat the storm clouds that life affords us are with rays of love, light, encouragement, and hope from those around you. From the Rocky Mountains to Gatesville, and everywhere in between, this blog is designed to keep everyone updated on his progress, any needs he or his family might have, and an overall cohesiveness in the collective thoughts and prayers of all those who love Jonathan. Feel free to check back here anytime and leave comments of support underneath each post. Assuredly Jonathan will see your comments, and though he may not be able to respond to each one personally, please know that your notes will be seen. Perhaps most importantly your love will be felt.
Grace and peace,
Winston
I know there is a cure and a full recovery in store for Jonathan!
ReplyDeletelots of prayers for you! love you and will keep you in my thoughts! Jeremiah 29:11 "For i know the plans i have for you" Love always, Megan Mohler
ReplyDeleteJonathan - you are receiving prayers from north Dallas. I know that you've already heard from so many people, but I just wanted to let you know that even though God is sovereign and He wastes nothing, that it's still a hard thing and that it's ok to even through your hands up in honest questions to Him. We know that He works out all things for the good of those that love Him, and that ease in this life was never what we put our hope in -- but we trust in the One who holds every molecule of this universe together and who is as near to you now as he has ever been. I'm thankful for the gospel of hope in Jesus, for the gospel alive in you and we will continue to lift you up. I don't know if you remember this at all, but about 8 years ago a young man stepped out of a van onto the soil of an Estes Park guest ranch - and you were the very first person to sit down with me, show me the ropes, instill the right balance of "you're in over your head, but don't worry - it will all work out" confidence was a good ol west Texas cowboy. Looking forward to seeing how the Lord uses you and this opportunity He's given you to make more marks on eternity for His namesake. Your brother, Mike McCullough
ReplyDeleteDo you remember the conversation we had the time we drug those horses back to the ranch in the rain?... you know I love you and you know I am praying for you with the faith and expectation that prayer is not a last resort to be pulled out when we cant fix the problem, but rather a weapon to be used against the evil one as a first line of defense. I pray that Jesus would guard your mind and your heart from attacks of the devil and that he would bring healing to your body. You are my dearest and closest friend and I love you.- tanis
ReplyDeleteHey Jonathan! I know that you are going to be just fine. I have faith in you and God that everything is going to be just fine. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
ReplyDeleteJonathon, We only met a couple of times, but Erin, Ryan, Jake & Ellie think the world of you, and that's plenty good for me and Connie. You have our love, support, and prayers that are, and will be presented before the very Throne of Grace to the One who loves you perfectly. We are asking for complete recovery, and recompense for what the enemy is trying to steal. We're with you, young man...
ReplyDeleteYou will be in amazing hands Jonathan! MDAnderson has been treating my cancer for 2 years now and they are loving and have the best doctors! I'll be praying for you!!!
ReplyDeleteI work for Lufkin Memorial Hospital and we see lots of MD Andersons pt! Great work is all I hear! He's in great hands! Goodluck to him and his family! Remember to stay positive even in the darkest times!
ReplyDelete<3
Amanda Acosta
My love and prayers go out to you guys!! I know I don't know you Jonathan, but I've only heard AMAZING things about you from Ila!! I pray for strength, courage and peace during this time.
ReplyDelete-Stephanie Khoury
Jonathan keep your head up, bro! From Ninja Turtles to car wrecks we've known each other for years, and I know that between your family, friends, and MD Anderson you have all the resources to heal and move beyond this! Me and my family wish you the best, and a victorious fight!
ReplyDeleteAndy Blanchard
Jonathan, God is good and will give you and your family strength. It's ok to be fearful of treatments but know God is always there and will carry you through. You and your sweet family are in my prayers..
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
April Robertson
Oh Jonathan! Can't imagine my life without you and Ila Mae! I love y'all BOTH so much! I will pray for you and I don't say that lightly---just relax and have faith -- I have a feeling you will feel all of the prayers, love, and positive energy coming your way. I have no doubt that you have what it takes to beat this -- don't give up! You have always been strong and a fighter -- you were special in high school and have become even more so since 2000 -- hang in there, my dear, dear, sweet friend! Sending you many hugs!
ReplyDeleteHey Jonathan! Hang in there buddy! Those good folks at MD Anderson will get you well. I still have photos of you restoring my '66 Mustang for Frances to drive to G'ville High. I remember all the conversations I had with you while you were working on my old car. Your a good kid, I love you like a son. YOU WILL RECOVER!! Love you man!! Barry
ReplyDeleteJonathan! Our prayers and thoughts go out to you! Hang in there and be strong! You are in good hands!
ReplyDeleteHi Jonathan,Just want you to know Im thinking about you and praying so hard for you and your sweet family! You are going to win this battle because you are such a strong person and your not one to ever give up, I know for a fact!! Please dont EVER give up!! Stay strong and positive and have faith sweetie, and just know we are all praying for you! Love always, Brooke Ortega
ReplyDeleteJonathan, or should I say "big head" - oh my how long it has been since I have spoke to you or even seen you! We had some good times in the youth group at church. You have crossed my mind several times and I have even tried looking for you on Facebook. It breaks my heart to hear that you are having to go through this terrible time in your life. I will be praying for you and your family. I know with the love of your family and friends, you'll get through this. I have heard nothing but good things about MD Anderson. Many hugs going your way and be strong, you will get through this! <3
ReplyDeleteJonathan, You do not know me but I am very good friends with your sister, Ila Mae. You are in my thoughts and prayers right now and if you are anything like your sister, you are strong enough to fight anything! Though I don't know you personally yet, I feel like I do and I am sending you my love. Phil. 4:13
ReplyDeleteLove,
Britt
Jonathan,
ReplyDeleteWe will be lifting you up in prayer and ask that God will hold you close and restore your health.
Keep your chin up and know that God doesn't make mistakes. He will use this time to work in your life spiritually, emotionally and physically. Rest in His arms, friend and don't lose faith and your beautiful smile. xxoo, Vicki and John
Your old Art teacher is praying for you! You're gonna kick this in the butt! Go Jonathan GO!!! I do love you and your wonderful family and pray for strength for you to KICK it! Our church is praying for you and I'm going to tell my mother-in-law in Ireland to pray for you too. I love you so much and am so proud of you.
ReplyDeleteJonathan, I have faith that you will make it through this, you are definitely in my thoughts & prayers everyday!
ReplyDeleteJoshua Cole
Hey Jonathan! It has been years since the last time we saw each other but know that my heart goes out to you! God Bless you and I will be praying for you and your family! Stay strong! ~~~ JK (Jennifer Knox)
ReplyDeleteJonathan,
ReplyDeleteThinking of you during this time. I just moved to New Orleans so you need to get back here ASAP!
Bishop
Hey buddy, its been a long time. Everyone here in the Jageler family is praying for you. MD Anderson is an awesome place, I worked there for awhile when I first moved to houston. I know they will take good care of you.
ReplyDeleteLuke
The strength of the mind and the frailty of the human body are never more evident than in times like these. The knowledge and truth that God does keep His healing hands on us is present. Prayer strengthens and binds us together. "Do not fear, for I am with you; I will strengthen you, surely I will help you." Isaiah 41:10 Gaines Smith
ReplyDeleteJonathan, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are praying for a miracle. Our God is an AWESOME God! The Archie's
ReplyDeleteJonathan, you will be in our thoughts and prayers everyday. It has been way too long since we've talked. MD Anderson is an amazing place with great people. If there is anything you or your family needs please let me know. I'm here for you. Brandon Kiphen
ReplyDeleteAlthough we have never met. MD Anderson saved me from a virulent cancer. Prayers are going up everyday and might for you.
ReplyDeleteJonathan, Our God is an AWESOME God! May he hold you in the palm of his hand, giving you the strenth, courage, and the faith to face this battle. You will beat this. You have so many people praying for you and for your family. You are loved. You are in a hospital where miracles happen every day. Someone told me once when I was facing cancer that someday I would look back and the whole chemotherapy thing would just be "that year when I was sick." I was treated at MD Anderson, and yes, I look back and it is so. It will be for you too. You can do it. Fight it with every molecule in your body. Fight with every ounce of strength. Visualize your body strong, fighting, healed. And we will be praying, all will be praying for your complete and miraculous recovery. God is good. Bless you, Jonathan.
ReplyDeleteGinny Moreno
Jonathan,
ReplyDeleteI think of the times in Boulder when you, and sometimes Winston too, would come for dinner, ride our horses, try to get that clunker of a truck to work at our house, the Young Life community and finally at Wind River where it spent it's last days happily bouncing on the dirt roads hauling people and stuff, spend time with Chelsea, and included us in the Wind River activities. You and Winston are quality guys. We will hold you up in prayer and healing. Get well my friend. Barb, Pam and Chelsea
Jonathan,
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for a full recovery for you. May God heal you and give you the strength you need for the days and weeks ahead.
Debbie & Clint Mettlach
We are on a similar journey as you with my husband having cancer. It is not easy but you are covered by many prayers in several states. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your GOD is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 Jerry & Linda (Hall) Nelson
ReplyDeleteHi, Jonathan, been a long time but know you are thought of and in my prayers! ~Heatherjo
ReplyDeleteJonathan my name is shauna i met your sister in clarksville tn at the county wic clinic, i shared with her that i was in remmision from cancer i shared with her my fight and my victory,she then began talking about you and even showed me a photo that the two of you had taken on Christmas then she gave me this website so that i could maybe shed some light for you i am twenty six years old and a mother of four and i was diagnosed with stage two hodgkins lymphoma i went through aggresive treatment and after seven agonizing months i was declared free of cancer i cannot say that i know exactly how you feel but i can very well relate to it and i just want you to know that the power of prayer,which it seems you have alot of! and all the love of your family is the most empowering thing to have you are not alone! please be strong and keep fighting ,know that you can and you will beat this do not ever give up and when you feel like your alone and you have to fight through your day just know that its another day that you become stronger and dont be afraid to talk about it to anyone be open find someone that you can just vent to when your having a bad day or even a support group they really help alot.Jonathan you are in mine aswell as my families prayers always keep in mind "you will win."
ReplyDelete