Help and Support for Ben Hepler

Greetings Everyone! This is from Kathy. She posts on her Caring Bridge page. This will give you the story of Ben Hepler and why he will be having surgery next week. Since you’re here, you must already know that our lives have drastically changed this summer. In late May, after a routine MRI to prepare for Benjamin’s scoliosis surgery in the next year, I got the call that a large tumor was found in Benjamin’s spinal column. As you can guess, the following days were spent seeking out and researching doctors and working to get appointments as soon as possible. We were so blessed to be seen by Dr. North, neurosurgeon at MD Anderson in Houston, and for him to agree to treat Benjamin. After another (contrast) MRI, it was confirmed that Benjamin has a tumor 5 vertebrae long in his spinal column. The doctor’s  guess is that it has been there for years, and is the original cause of his scoliosis, but as it is inside the spinal column, it did not show up on normal x-rays. Benjamin was told he would need surgery- a risky surgery- to remove the tumor as best as they can. We do not know what kind of tumor it is- they have given us 4 possibilities ranging from a Grade 1 (less aggressive and probable that radiation and chemo will not be needed) to Grade 4 (very aggressive and will need other treatment). Benjamin asked that we proceed with our previously planned trip to Colorado with a couple of weeks after to enjoy summer before the surgery and recovery journey begin. The surgeon agreed. We had a lovely trip to Colorado Springs, where God met us with his beautiful creation and calmed our anxieties. We are so thankful for that time. So now we head into surgery at MD Anderson on August 8th, knowing very little of what to expect. You all know that we are a people who believe that God is always good and has a plan. That He loves Benjamin more that even Tim and do. So we have to believe that He is in control. That all of this has a beautiful purpose. And we also truly believe in the strength and healing power of prayer. So we come to you simply asking for your prayers. If you want an idea of how to specifically pray, this is the best case scenario:

1) that the tumor is a Grade 1 tumor and can be easily removed 
 2) that Benjamin will recover completely and have full mobility and no pain after recovery so that he can go on and pursuer his dream of being an A&P Aviation Mechanic just one semester later than originally planned.  
3) That God will give wisdom and guidance to all medical personnel that work with Benjamin

4) That God would bring peace to all of our hearts as we go through this together. Though we love and believe in God’s goodness, we are also human. Therefore we are also scared and broken-hearted at the thought of what is Benjamin is about to go through . 

Thank you for being here and supporting all of us. And thank you most of all for your prayers. I will update you as I know more. We are so thankful for each and every one of you.