From the Baytown Sun

Tee-ball coach runs for player who can’t

(from the Baytown Sun, Published November 6, 2007, by Dave Rogers)

John Hunt decided to get in shape and then he decided to become an advocate for getting in shape. “One of the things I’m taking an interest in is getting kids fit,” said the Mont Belvieu home builder who has run three marathons in the past 12 months. What he never counted on was one of the kids close to him becoming sick.

Six-year-old Dylan Garcia played with Hunt’s sun Carson on a tee-ball team that Hunt coached at the Baytown North Little League last spring. In the summer, Dylan was diagnosed with a type of cancer called medulloblastoma, a tumor that forms at the lower back of the brain, the cerebellum, that controls movement, balance and posture.

Hunt is heading up an effort to raise money to help Dylan’s family pay the incidental costs not covered by their health insurance. And he has tied it to his running in the Texas Children’s Hospital Kids’ Fun Run, the Aramco Half Marathon and the Chevron Houston Marathon, all events held in Houston the weekend of Jan. 12-13. Friends are being recruited to run in the races and sponsors are being sought to back the runners for $1 a mile.

“Dylan’s such a great kid,” Hunt said. “I had such a ball with him in tee-ball and got to know his family. The fact that he’s the same age as my son made it really hit home. “I just felt compelled to help the family.”

It was barely a month after Dylan was running the bases as a member of the Diamondbacks that doctors discovered he was seriously ill. “He started complaining about neck pain at the beginning of June, but we didn’t know what it was,” said Melissa Garcia, Dylan’s mother. “When he started walking unsteady, we had a CAT scan. It was July 3, the day he was diagnosed — a day I’ll never forget.” Since then, Dylan has become a regular visitor to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.

He has already completed radiation treatments and went this past Friday for his first of four rounds of chemotherapy. He’ll be at the hospital for about a week each month through at least February, his mother said.

“The prognosis short-term is very good, a positive prognosis,” said Hunt, 36. “It did not get into his central nervous system.”

The world changed overnight for the family of Baldemar and Melissa Garcia. “It’s one of those things you hear about, but you never think it’ll hit you,” Melissa said. “Then when it does, it’s a life-changing thing.”

The Dylan Garcia Fund has been established at Community Resource Credit Union to accept donations. Although the effort is being centered around the Houston marathon and per-mile pledges are being sought, Hunt says the fund has already received several thousand dollars of donations.

“It has amazed me,” Melissa Garcia said of Hunt’s efforts. “It amazes me that people will do stuff like this for someone they don’t even know.”

Running partners of Hunt’s have joined the effort, agreeing to run the January races to generate pledge money for Dylan.

To pledge $1 per mile ($26.20 for the marathon, $13.10 for the half-marathon, $1.86 for the fun run), or more, checks made payable to the Dylan Garcia Fund at Community Resource Credit Union can be mailed to CRCU c/o Gina, P.O. Box 3181, Baytown, Texas 77522.

Donations can also be made through an Internet paypal account (www.paypal.com) at dylangarciafund(at)yahoo.com.

For more information about the fund-raising effort, contact John or Susan Hunt at 281-797-1998.

 

---

Sam Morton
Dade's Dad
Internet Officer - BNLL Board
Manager BNLL Minor I Braves

Following posts  are all correspondence with Dylan's mother.

 

==============================
September 24, 2007
==============================

Great news!  Dylan has completed his radiation treatments!  He graduated
last Monday, 9/17, with a graduation party at M.D.Anderson, complete with
pizza, cakes, cookies, gifts, and lots of hoopla, fan fare, and well
wishes!  At his doctor's appointment last Thursday, his counts were higher
than they had been in a long time.  He was able to make physical therapy,
which he had missed for several weeks, but it was not as much fun this
time, they wanted to do an assessment on him to clearly see the areas he
needs the most help with.  While he did still play (and work), he was very
tired after his long therapy session.

Dylan is now in the recovery stage of his treatments.  Basically, his is on
a 6 week break, to rebuild his body, before starting chemotherapy.  He was
able to hang out with some of the folks at BOP this weekend at their safety
picnic.  Dylan had a great time playing and eating!

As mentioned before, Dylan slept through most of his radiation treatments
and doctor visits, so we expect he won't remember much from his radiation
treatments, the biggest change for Dylan now is that now he can eat what
ever he wants, when ever he wants.  Before he would put anything in his
mouth, he was accustomed to asking if he could eat it, he knew he couldn't
have anything to eat or drink 8 hours before his radiation treatments
because of the medication to sedate him. This is a big relief for both him
and his parents!

Praises
+  Dylan's radiation treatments are finished... history!!!  They have ended
that chapter in his life and begun a new one!
+  Dylan did not require any additional blood transfusions during radiation
beyond the initial one
+  Dylan can eat and drink what ever he wants, when ever he want, and is
ready is just enjoy the next 6 weeks

Additional Prayer Requests:
+  That Dylan's appetite would continue to increase
+  God's continued healing, blessings, favor, comfort and peace for Dylan
and his parents during this time of rest
+  That Dylan (through God) would continue to exceed the doctor's
expectations
+  God's continued wisdom and patience for the doctors and staff at Texas
Children's and M.D. Anderson
+  God's continued super natural strength, wisdom, peace and comfort for

---

Sam Morton
Dade's Dad
Internet Officer - BNLL Board
Manager BNLL Minor I Braves

==============================
November 1, 2007
==============================

Well, it is hard to believe that Dylan's "resting" period is over... those
six weeks flew by.  His six weeks were filled with birthday parties, a
couple of Sunshine Kid events, physical therapy sessions, visits to his
classroom, and as many visits to Casa Ole he could get in -- that's his
favorite restaurant!  Both last week and this week Dylan has been filled
with daily testing and multiple doctor visits in preparation for the
chemotherapy.  Everything has come back in the normal range, even his
kidney test, while the numbers are lower than they like to see, it is still
in the normal range.

Dylan will be admitted to the hospital tomorrow to begin his chemotherapy
treatments.  They expect to be at Texas Children's between 5 to 7 days.
Melissa has the challenge of trying to prepare for being out of the house
and packing for a week while still having enough clothes and lunch food for
Devin as well.  The way chemo is setup for Dylan is that he will be in the
hospital for a week then home for three weeks for a total of four sessions
(November, December, January, and February).  During this time they
anticipate his counts will be extremely low and he should have as little
contact with people as possible and stay home as much as possible.

Friends of Baldemar and Melissa, John and Susan Hunt (from work, school,
and baseball), have graciously offered to sponsor a fundraiser for Dylan.
John, his children, and some of his friends will be participating in the
Chevron Houston Marathon on January 13 and will be raising money in Dylan's
honor to help offset some of the financial burden.  I have included the
attachment should you wish to participate.
 [attachment "Dylan Garcia.doc" deleted by Isimba G
Rodriguez/Baytown/ExxonMobil]

Praises
+  Dylan's tests have all come back favorable
+  His "resting" period filled with family, friends, and fun
+  Continued wonderful support from family, friends, co-workers, and the
community

Prayer Requests:
+  God's blessings, healing, favor, comfort and peace for Dylan and his
parents during chemotherapy treatments
+  That God will be with Dylan during his treatments, that side-effects
will be minimal, and that God would super-naturally strengthen Dylan's body
+  That Dylan (through God) would continue to exceed the doctor's
expectations
+  God's continued wisdom and patience for the doctors and staff at Texas
Children's
+  God's continued super natural strength, wisdom, peace and comfort for
Dylan's parents (Baldemar Jr. and Melissa) and his big brother Devin
+  That God would continue to reveal Himself to the family in a mighty way
and continue to shower them with financial blessings

---

Sam Morton
Dade's Dad
Internet Officer - BNLL Board
Manager BNLL Minor I Braves

==============================
November 5, 2007
==============================

Praise God!  Dylan has had a great weekend!  There was some uncertainty as
to whether Dylan would be admitted on Friday because of his low counts on
Thursday during his pre-admitting tests.  However, Friday his numbers came
in strong and he was able to be admitted as planned.  As we were being
walked from the waiting area to his room, they told us Dylan was going to
the "Presidential suite", they do such a great job of pumping up the kids!
As we walked into his room it was amazing!  A baseball bat (big barrel foam
bat), a cloth baseball mitt, a baseball t-shirt, and baseball pajamas were
all on his bed awaiting him, and oh, a very nice sports quilt and matching
sheet set complete with all the pillows.  Various toys were also scattered
around the room (Bob the Builder construction set, Playdough set, baseball
diamond placemat, and baseball plate).  It was so much fun going around the
room discovering all the neat things placed by the His Grace Foundation
(www.hisgracefoundation.org).  They also delivered a huge basket filled
with toys, colors, stuffed animals, snacks, and a parking pass for their
entire stay.  What a neat organization, they did a great job of making the
transition to the hospital stay a fun and exciting one!  They are a small,
local organization that tends to the needs of the families on the 8th floor
at Texas Children's.  Dylan enjoyed batting while Melissa and I took turns
being pitchers and outfielders (for about 2 hours!).

Saturday morning began with the long chemo session, 6 hours.  Dylan was
sick to his stomach for most of that time, a very normal (and expected)
side effect of the chemo.  Baldemar commented on what a difference 24 hours
made, Dylan was so full of life and excitement the day before and now he
didn't have much energy and had been sick most of the day.  However, at
about 10 p.m. Saturday, Dylan woke up full of energy again, back to his
perky little self (Praise God!).  Sunday's chemo session was only 1 hour
long and he only got sick once during that treatment.  Within a few hours
he was up in bed again playing baseball with Dylan batting and Melissa and
Grandma taking turns as pitchers and outfielders!  Truly amazing!!!!  Today
will be a repeat of yesterday, a one hour treatment.  Tomorrow will be a
day of rest, and Wednesday he will receive his own plasma back into his
body.  They hope to be going home on Thursday.

Praises
+  Dylan was admitted as planned
+  The His Grace Foundation and their warm reception and parking pass
+  Dylan seems to be bouncing back so quickly after the chemo treatments

Prayer Requests:
+  Dylan's appetite would increase
+  God's continued blessings, healing, favor, comfort and peace for Dylan
and his parents during chemotherapy treatments
+  God be with Dylan during his treatments, that side-effects will be
minimal, and that God would super-naturally strengthen Dylan's body
+  That Dylan (through God) would continue to exceed the doctor's
expectations
+  God's continued wisdom and patience for the doctors and staff at Texas
Children's
+  God's continued super natural strength, wisdom, peace and comfort for
Dylan's parents (Baldemar Jr. and Melissa) and his big brother Devin
+  That God would continue to reveal Himself to the family in a mighty way
and continue to shower them with financial blessings

---

Sam Morton
Dade's Dad
Internet Officer - BNLL Board
Manager BNLL Minor I Braves

==============================
November 6, 2007
==============================

Please continue to pray for Dylan, he did not have a very good day
yesterday.  The folks from physical therapy came by his room and he did not
want to "play" with them, or anybody else for that matter.  He also has not
eaten since Friday evening, he has totally lost his appetite.  The good
news is that today is his day of rest.  Let's pray that God would restore
him on this day of rest.

I am attaching a link to an article in the Baytown Sun regarding John Hunt
and others that are running in Dylan's honor at the Houston Marathon.  It's
a great article and really shows a lot of compassion.
http://www.baytownsun.com/story.lasso?ewcd=21dc6fff2068a639

Praises
+  Dylan is on his day of rest
+  The physical therapy team is very understanding of Dylan's condition
+  The wonderful people that continue to pray for Dylan and continue to
concern themselves for him

Prayer Requests:
+  Dylan's appetite would increase
+  God's continued blessings, healing, favor, comfort and peace for Dylan
and his parents during chemotherapy treatments
+  God be with Dylan during his treatments, that side-effects will be
minimal, and that God would super-naturally strengthen Dylan's body
+  That Dylan (through God) would continue to exceed the doctor's
expectations
+  God's continued wisdom and patience for the doctors and staff at Texas
Children's
+  God's continued super natural strength, wisdom, peace and comfort for
Dylan's parents (Baldemar Jr. and Melissa) and his big brother Devin
+  That God would continue to reveal Himself to the family in a mighty way
and continue to shower them with financial blessings

---

Sam Morton
Dade's Dad
Internet Officer - BNLL Board
Manager BNLL Minor I Braves

==============================
November 7, 2007
==============================

Great news!  Dylan was feeling better yesterday!  He still is not eating,
and he didn't get out of bed for physical therapy, but his mom and dad
could see an improvement.  He was also running a fever yesterday for most
of the day.  They will determine later this morning if they will be giving
him his stem cells back since this procedure will normally cause a fever
anyway.  Should he receive his stem cells today, provided he is not running
a fever, he could be coming home as early as tonight or tomorrow.

Praises
+  Dylan is on his way to recovery and healing!!!
+  The physical therapy team is very understanding of Dylan's condition
+  The wonderful people that continue to pray for Dylan and continue to
concern themselves for him

Prayer Requests:
+  Dylan's fever would subside so he can receive his stem cells today and
go home today
+  Dylan's appetite would increase
+  God's continued blessings, healing, favor, comfort and peace for Dylan
and his parents during chemotherapy treatments
+  God be with Dylan during his treatments, that side-effects will be
minimal, and that God would super-naturally strengthen Dylan's body
+  That Dylan (through God) would continue to exceed the doctor's
expectations
+  God's continued wisdom and patience for the doctors and staff at Texas
Children's
+  God's continued super natural strength, wisdom, peace and comfort for
Dylan's parents (Baldemar Jr. and Melissa) and his big brother Devin
+  That God would continue to reveal Himself to the family in a mighty way
and continue to shower them with financial blessings

---

Sam Morton
Dade's Dad
Internet Officer - BNLL Board
Manager BNLL Minor I Braves

==============================
November 8, 2007
==============================

What an awesome God we serve!  Dylan had a marvelous day yesterday!  He did
not have a fever so he was able to receive his stem cells.  They hooked him
up to several monitors (heart, blood pressure, etc) and he did great, his
body did not have any reactions at all.  Usually if a patient has a
reaction, it is to the preservatives in the stem cells and not the stem
cells themselves.  Dylan did so good, in fact, that he was released from
the hospital late yesterday!  They made it home about 7 p.m. last night.
They are all very glad to be home!  TCH is a great place, but there is no
place like home!  They will be going back to TCH for lab work to check his
numbers and his progress.  Thanks for all the prayers... God answered them
in a mighty way!

Praises
+  Dylan is home
+  Dylan is no longer running a fever
+  Dylan is on his way to recovery and healing!!!
+  The wonderful people that continue to pray for Dylan and continue to
concern themselves for him

Prayer Requests:
+  Dylan's appetite would increase
+  God's continued blessings, healing, favor, comfort and peace for Dylan
and his parents during chemotherapy treatments
+  God be with Dylan during his treatments, that side-effects will be
minimal, and that God would super-naturally strengthen Dylan's body
+  That Dylan (through God) would continue to exceed the doctor's
expectations
+  God's continued wisdom and patience for the doctors and staff at Texas
Children's
+  God's continued super natural strength, wisdom, peace and comfort for
Dylan's parents (Baldemar Jr. and Melissa) and his big brother Devin
+  That God would continue to reveal Himself to the family in a mighty way
and continue to shower them with financial blessings

---

Sam Morton
Dade's Dad
Internet Officer - BNLL Board
Manager BNLL Minor I Braves

==============================
November 14, 2007
==============================

Great news!  Dylan gained some weight!  He went from 19.1 kilograms to
19.7.  Not that he is eating a lot, he is still getting sick to his stomach
a bit, but he started receiving "nutrition" last Friday.  He takes a couple
of bags every night through his port.  It takes about 12 hours to complete
and the doctors are very pleased with the results.  He was already so thin,
they were a little concerned about his weight.

His white blood cell count was at zero today so he is receiving platelets
as I write this email.  Tomorrow after therapy he will receive a blood
transfusion.  He is doing amazingly well and still exceeding the doctor's
expectations.  Best of all, he has a great attitude.  Melissa says he just
carries his nutrition bags around when he needs to move around like it is
no big deal, and never complains.  What a trooper!

Praises
+  Dylan gained some weight!
+  Dylan is receiving his mom's platelets and his aunt's blood (new meaning
to blood relatives!)
+  Dylan's great attitude

Prayer Requests:
+  Dylan is having to receive daily injections to increase his white blood
cells, it is a very traumatic ordeal because Dylan is deathly afraid of
needles, please pray for peace for Dylan and his parents (it is painful to
watch them go through this daily), it is the worst part of their day
+  Dylan's appetite would continue to increase
+  God's continued blessings, healing, favor, comfort and peace for Dylan
and his parents during chemotherapy treatments
+  God be with Dylan during his treatments, that side-effects will be
minimal, and that God would super-naturally strengthen Dylan's body
+  That Dylan (through God) would continue to exceed the doctor's
expectations
+  God's continued wisdom and patience for the doctors and staff at Texas
Children's
+  God's continued super natural strength, wisdom, peace and comfort for
Dylan's parents (Baldemar Jr. and Melissa) and his big brother Devin
+  That God would continue to reveal Himself to the family in a mighty way
and continue to shower them with financial blessings

---

Sam Morton
Dade's Dad
Internet Officer - BNLL Board
Manager BNLL Minor I Braves

==============================
November 21, 2007
==============================

Great news!  I think God is really showing off!  Dylan's numbers yesterday
were higher than they have been in a long time, even before he started
chemo.  Best of all, he no longer has to take the dreaded shots until after
his next round of chemo.  His daddy just donated platelets last week
because the doctors fully anticipated Dylan would need both platelets and
blood this week to bring his numbers up.  Family donors have been on
standby waiting for the call to donate at  the Blood Center, only to see
Dylan exceed the doctors expectations again, through God's miraculous'
healing hand.  As if that wasn't enough good news, they don't have to go
back to Texas Children's until next Tuesday.  Considering they are usually
there 4 or 5 times a week, this is a huge blessing for them.  Needless to
say, the emotions at the Garcia house yesterday were through the roof!  The
family will not only be able to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday in
peace, but with a lot to be thankful for and very grateful hearts.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families, and please continue to keep
Dylan in your prayers... God is definitely answering them in a mighty big
way!

Praises
+  Dylan's numbers are way up (higher than the doctors expected)!
+  Dylan no longer has to receive the daily injections
+  A full week to rest from doctor visits

Prayer Requests:
+  Dylan's appetite would continue to increase
+  God's continued blessings, healing, favor, comfort and peace for Dylan
and his parents during chemotherapy treatments
+  God be with Dylan during his treatments, that side-effects will be
minimal, and that God would super-naturally strengthen Dylan's body
+  That Dylan (through God) would continue to exceed the doctor's
expectations
+  God's continued wisdom and patience for the doctors and staff at Texas
Children's
+  God's continued super natural strength, wisdom, peace and comfort for
Dylan's parents (Baldemar Jr. and Melissa) and his big brother Devin
+  That God would continue to reveal Himself to the family in a mighty way
and continue to shower them with financial blessings

---

Sam Morton
Dade's Dad
Internet Officer - BNLL Board
Manager BNLL Minor I Braves

==============================
December 7, 2007
==============================

Good morning!  Just wanted to ask for your continued prayers for Dylan.  He
will be going back into the hospital today for another round of chemo
(round 2 of 4).  Today's agenda is mostly preparing his little body for the
chemo -- they will begin to give him lots of fluids and antibiotics.
Tomorrow is the really long day with the administration of chemo taking
about 6 hours, this is also when the nausea begins to really kick-in.  The
following days, chemo treatments are not as long, about an hour each, but
he will still be trying to recover from the long Saturday treatment.   I
will keep you posted of his progress... and thanks for your continued,
faithful prayers, God is listening and they are making a huge difference in
his recovery.

Praises
+  Dylan and his family were able to enjoy the Thanksgiving holidays in
peace and comfort
+  Dylan's numbers continued to be in the "normal" range for a cancer
patient these last few weeks
+  Donations continue to come to the "Dylan Garcia" fund (Devin's school
(Crockett Elementary) has donated just over $2,500 -- amazing folks with
very big, generous hearts)

Prayer Requests:
+  God's continued blessings, healing, favor, comfort and peace for Dylan
and his parents during chemotherapy treatments
+  God be with Dylan during his treatments, that side-effects will be
minimal, and that God would super-naturally strengthen Dylan's body
+  That Dylan (through God) would continue to exceed the doctor's
expectations
+  God's continued wisdom and patience for the doctors and staff at Texas
Children's
+  God's continued super natural strength, wisdom, peace and comfort for
Dylan's parents (Baldemar Jr. and Melissa) and his big brother Devin
+  Dylan's appetite would continue to increase
+  That God would continue to reveal Himself to the family in a mighty way
and continue to shower them with financial blessings

---

Sam Morton
Dade's Dad
Internet Officer - BNLL Board
Manager BNLL Minor I Braves

==============================
December 10, 2007
==============================

Good morning!  There has been a change in plans with Dylan's treatments.
As they were checking his vitals on Friday before being admitted to the
hospital, they discovered Dylan was running a fever.  This is something
Melissa has always monitored closely because anytime his fever is over
100.5 he needs to be hospitalized and treated quickly.  Before Friday was
over, Dylan's fever had peaked at 103.  They are treating Dylan with 3
different types of antibiotics and they believe the infection is coming
from the main line in his port, however, they won't know for sure until
they get the lab results back (today or tomorrow).  Once they have the lab
report back, they will know if they are using the right type of antibiotics
to treat the infection and whether he needs to remain in the hospital to
receive the antibiotics or whether to go home and complete the antibiotic
treatment at home.  They should know in the next few days how this will
affect the timing of the chemo treatments.  He needs to have 3 days of
clean cultures in a row before they will reschedule his chemo.  On the
bright side, if Dylan were going to develop an infection, this was the
optimal time for an infection.  He is at his strongest point right now to
help his body fight the infection.  Please continue to pray...

Praises
+  Dylan is at his strongest point right now to fight this infection
+  Dylan is sleeping a lot, this helps time go by faster
+  Dylan was able to play the Wii yesterday at the hospital for about 30
minutes (he is building his strength)

Prayer Requests:
+  Favorable lab results and a schedule that would be according to God's
will
+  God's continued blessings, healing, favor, comfort and peace for Dylan
and his parents during chemotherapy treatments
+  God be with Dylan during his treatments, that side-effects will be
minimal, and that God would super-naturally strengthen Dylan's body
+  That Dylan (through God) would continue to exceed the doctor's
expectations
+  God's continued wisdom and patience for the doctors and staff at Texas
Children's
+  God's continued super natural strength, wisdom, peace and comfort for
Dylan's parents (Baldemar Jr. and Melissa) and his big brother Devin
+  Dylan's appetite would continue to increase
+  That God would continue to reveal Himself to the family in a mighty way
and continue to shower them with financial blessings

---

Sam Morton
Dade's Dad
Internet Officer - BNLL Board
Manager BNLL Minor I Braves

==============================
December 16, 2007
==============================

Great news!  Dylan has been able to begin his chemo.  The lab results came
back last Wednesday and one of the antibiotics they were giving him was for
the type of bacteria he had... thank you, Jesus!  With this good news they
decided to go ahead and keep him in the hospital and continue to treat him
with the antibiotic he needed.  He was able to start the hydration process
on Friday and the 6-hour chemo treatment on Saturday.  Saturday was a
"rough" day with Dylan getting sick a lot, the good news is that he also
rested a lot.  Sunday's treatment was better, he only got sick twice, and
again, slept a lot.  He is scheduled for chemo again on Monday; Tuesday he
receives his stems cells, provided he is not running a fever (which on
Sunday he was running a fever), and they are hoping to go home on
Wednesday.  This stay in the hospital is a lot longer than they ever
anticipated, please continue to keep them in your prayers.

Praises
+  Dylan was at his strongest point when he first got the infection, the
doctors and staff are so glad it was the day before his treatment,
otherwise they would have had to continue the scheduled chemo treatments
and try to fight the infection also
+  Dylan is sleeping a lot, this helps time go by faster
+  Dylan still looks great

Prayer Requests:
+  God's continued blessings, healing, favor, comfort and peace for Dylan
and his parents during chemotherapy treatments
+  God be with Dylan during his treatments, that side-effects will be
minimal, and that God would super-naturally strengthen Dylan's body
+  That Dylan (through God) would continue to exceed the doctor's
expectations
+  God's continued wisdom and patience for the doctors and staff at Texas
Children's
+  God's continued super natural strength, wisdom, peace and comfort for
Dylan's parents (Baldemar Jr. and Melissa) and his big brother Devin
+  Dylan's appetite would continue to increase
+  That God would continue to reveal Himself to the family in a mighty way
and continue to shower them with financial blessings

---

Sam Morton
Dade's Dad
Internet Officer - BNLL Board
Manager BNLL Minor I Braves

==============================
December 20, 2007
==============================

Great news!  Dylan came home last night!  He was there from Dec. 7 to the
19; 13 days is a long time!  They stopped at Grandma's to pickup Devin, he
didn't want to get down... "I just want to go home".

This round of chemo was a lot rougher than his first.  He threw up a lot
more than the previous time and his fever was higher this time than the
previous time (103.7); however, he is home!  Today will be a day of rest
and tomorrow he will have to go back to Texas Children's for blood tests to
see how his numbers are doing.  Please continue to lift him up in prayer,
this is his critical week.  Last time, it was that first week after coming
home that he required both platelets and a blood transfusion.  Let's pray
that his own body would continue to mend and heal itself.  I believe the
Christmas spirit will also help him feel better.  Have a blessed Christmas
and a Happy New Year!

Praises
+  Dylan is at home
+  Dylan has completed chemo treatment #2 (of 4; half way there!)
+  Dylan is feeling better already (just by being home)

Prayer Requests:
+  God's continued blessings, healing, favor, comfort and peace for Dylan
and his parents during chemotherapy treatments
+  That God be with Dylan during his treatments, that side-effects will be
minimal, and that God would super-naturally strengthen Dylan's body
+  That Dylan (through God) would continue to exceed the doctor's
expectations
+  God's continued wisdom and patience for the doctors and staff at Texas
Children's
+  God's continued super natural strength, wisdom, peace and comfort for
Dylan's parents (Baldemar Jr. and Melissa) and his big brother Devin
+  That Dylan's appetite would continue to increase
+  That God would continue to reveal Himself to the family in a mighty way
and continue to shower them with financial blessings

---

Sam Morton
Dade's Dad
Internet Officer - BNLL Board
Manager BNLL Minor I Braves

==============================
January 2, 2008
==============================

Happy New Year!  We are praying for a great year for Dylan and his family.
Poor little guy, he has had a tough time with this last round of chemo.
After coming home for Christmas he was back in the hospital again exactly
one week later with a fever (12/26).  Dylan was asleep when they moved him
to his room and when we woke up he was screaming, he didn't want to be in
the hospital, he just wanted to go home.  It didn't take him long to settle
in and he was released that Friday (12/28).  Since Christmas Dylan has
received platelets on 2 different occasions and a blood transfusion as
well.  Dylan is blessed to have so many blood relatives that are ready,
willing, and able to roll up their sleeves and donate what ever he needs,
when ever he needs.

We are very hopeful that the worst is behind him and he will continue to
get stronger and build up his body for the next round of chemo (1/18).
Also, just a reminder that the Houston Marathon is coming up on Jan. 12 and
13.  Thank you to all who have contributed to the "Dylan Garcia Fund", the
response has been extremely overwhelming.  For those who have asked, yes,
we are still taking donations and will continue to do even after the
Marathon.  I will be glad collect these from you (and Susan Hunt at BOP),
just let me know, or you can send checks to The Dylan Garcia Fund, @ any
Community Resource Credit Union location OR via your PayPal account –
ACCOUNT name - dylangarciafund@yahoo.com.  Again, many thanks to John Hunt
and his team for dedicating his time, energy, and heart to this entire
fund-raising event on Dylan's behalf (and his family).  We will be forever
grateful!

Praises
+  Dylan is at home again
+  Dylan enjoyed his Christmas at home
+  Dylan rang in the New Year at home and having a better year already

Prayer Requests:
+  God's continued blessings, healing, favor, comfort and peace for Dylan
and his parents during chemotherapy treatments
+  That God be with Dylan during his treatments, that side-effects will be
minimal, and that God would super-naturally strengthen Dylan's body
+  That Dylan (through God) would continue to exceed the doctor's
expectations
+  God's continued wisdom and patience for the doctors and staff at Texas
Children's
+  God's continued super natural strength, wisdom, peace and comfort for
Dylan's parents (Baldemar Jr. and Melissa) and his big brother Devin
+  That Dylan's appetite would continue to increase
+  That God would continue to reveal Himself to the family in a mighty way
and continue to shower them with financial blessings

---

Sam Morton
Dade's Dad
Internet Officer - BNLL Board
Manager BNLL Minor I Braves

==============================
January 8, 2008
==============================

I've just received word that Dylan is back in the hospital.  He was running
a fever this morning so they took him to Texas Children's.  They have also
determined that his blood pressure is lower than they would like.  Please
continue to pray... thanks!

Praises
+  Dylan is in great hands at Texas Children's
+  Dylan's parents quickly realized they needed to take him in for his
fever and didn't panic
+  Dylan and his family are all together for Devin's 11th birthday (even if
they are in the hospital)

Prayer Requests:
+  That the staff would quickly identify the infection and treat it
properly with the correct antibiotics
+  God's continued blessings, healing, favor, comfort and peace for Dylan
and his parents during his hospital stay
+  That God be with Dylan during his treatments, that side-effects will be
minimal, and that God would super-naturally strengthen Dylan's body
+  That Dylan (through God) would continue to exceed the doctor's
expectations
+  God's continued wisdom and patience for the doctors and staff at Texas
Children's
+  God's continued super natural strength, wisdom, peace and comfort for
Dylan's parents (Baldemar Jr. and Melissa) and his big brother Devin
+  That Dylan's appetite would continue to increase
+  That God would continue to reveal Himself to the family in a mighty way
and continue to shower them with financial blessings

---

Sam Morton
Dade's Dad
Internet Officer - BNLL Board
Manager BNLL Minor I Braves