National Institutes of Health

Remembering Todd's major surgery and last months of struggle battling cancer, I am thanking God for NIH (National Institutes of Health) and all the many, many incredible nurses, doctors, surgeons, and specialists there. I can still see so many of their faces and even hear some voices from the time we spent there. What a remarkable place! If you've never heard of NIH, it is a government-funded research hospital for cancer patients, where they conduct clinical studies and provide special care for these special patients. We were introduced to world reknown scientists and doctors there. We talked with some of the best surgeons in the world, all because Todd's doctor pushed so hard to get him into one of these studies, and of course because of God's direction and intervention in allowing us these privileges. We know it was God who led us there, and we often thanked Him for this awesome experience.

It's difficult to stay for any extended period at NIH. All the patients are battling cancer. Many of the clinical trials have unexpected and expected side-effects that can be devastating to endure. Many survive. Many don't. If you are there for any length of time, you begin to see familiar faces, make new friends, and form a unique bond with patients and visitors alike. During one of Todd's stays at NIH, he had a roommate, Charlie, who left an impression that I will not soon forget. Charlie was 17 years old, had a great smile, loved his family and girlfriend, and knew the pain of cancer. He was going through a clinical trial, the same one Todd was going to take, and literally fighting for his life. It was difficult to watch. It was difficult to hear the moans. They eventually stopped the trial prematurely, against Charlie's wishes. Charlie was a fighter. Yet we never once heard him complain or even question. He had a contagious laugh, and he was always encouraging everyone around him. Always hopeful, always cheerful...Charlie was by far the best room mate Todd ever had (in any hospital). For many, cancer cannot be stopped, and Charlie passed away in October of 2005.

NIH opened our eyes to a whole different world. Cancer sucks. I hate it. But tonight I am thankful for NIH and for the many who work there caring for these cancer patients. Tonight I am again thanking God for the National Institutes of Health and for Charlie.