Monday, September 26, 2011

A Boy with a Mission-and a GREAT need

I know a boy, a very handsome boy,
who happens to be a miracle. His name is Isaac Sneed. He just got his mission call for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. My family got to be there when he read the letter that explained where he will be serving. He is going to the Romania Bucharest Mission and reports to the Mission Training Center in Salt Lake City on Dec. 14, 2011.  




Let me back up about 11 years, a time I remember well. Isaac's mom, Theresa Sneed is my best friend. Her son started complaining about his "tummy". You know, the kinds of complaints all kids have. Only his ache never went away. 




Long story short--he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer. This cancer is almost always fatal, and most children who get this kind of cancer are diagnosed by the age of 2.  By the time it is discovered, the cancer usually spreads to the point of no return. Through a miracle, his tumor was completely intact and the doctors were able to remove it. Isaac was 8.


As a result of his treatment (chemotherapy, radiation and stem cell transplant), Isaac's suffers from significant hearing loss.

So why am I writing today? Because Isaac needs hearing aids to be the best missionary he can be. Learning a new language is challenging for a normal missionary with a set of good ears, so you can imagine what Isaac's challenge will be with significant hearing loss. 


The cost of hearing aids is approximately $6500. His parents are currently without health insurance and cannot afford to purchase them. If you have a heart, and I know you do, would you please make a donation to get them for him. Every little bit helps. So far $110 has been collected in his behalf. But that's a long way from the total we need. Even small amounts add up. You can go to any Chase bank and deposit funds. The account number is: 2996079725. 


Thank you for your generosity and Christ-like love! Your donation may remain anonymous if you'd like.

8 comments:

  1. Wow, what an inspiring story. Brought tears to my eyes. Good luck, Isaac!

    ReplyDelete
  2. An amazing story and I'm glad you are helping your friend. It reminds me of my own son who just found out he has a repairable heart defect just by having a pre-mission physical. We were blown away. His surgery is in a few weeks and our friends have also been gracious and willing to help. Support like this means so much.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Has it really been 11 years? Amazing. I still remember when Isaac was diagnosed. Thanks for bringing this to our attention.

    ReplyDelete
  4. My nephew is my inspiration! Love him... He has been blessed with parents that have provided him with love and guidance. He is a role model to any child that is faced with such a unexpected obstacle. He has triumphed, and took on the battle that most of us will never even begin to understand. He will show all of us what faith and a strong will to live means... He is my hero.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Awesome story. Thanks for passing it alone. We need good heroes in our times. Many hugs and blessing we send his way. Good Bless him. Congratulations to him, for his mission call.

    Anna del C. Dye
    Author of "The Silent Warrior Trilogy"
    http://www.annadelc.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for the Heads Up, Betsy. This is a message that I would love to pass on. I assume that would be appropriate.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Linda, I would love for you to pass this one. In fact, if you want to cut and past the whole thing, please feel free. The more people that know, the more help for him!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Isaac is not just a miracle but miraculous, he britens up every room he passes and constantly livens my day. He is so full of LIFE that I constantly forget that he was ever ill. Please help this family any way you can because miracles run in his blood. The Sneed family as a whole inspire me and I'm blessed to have known them for the past 9 years.

    ReplyDelete