A Get Together this Saturday, April 29

Hey Class of 1981!

You may think we're crazy but we're having a get together to raise a little mula for Mike and Joni Brown. Last minute, we know, but the cause is a good one. You can read Joni's cancer journal by following the link in the thread below.

If you live in Enid, near Enid or 1000 miles from Enid you are cordially invited to drop by and say hi to Joni and Mike plus a motley crew of 1981 Enid High graduates and a few great friends. We will be getting together at Gerald and Leslie Blevins digs at 1309 Wabash in Enid. Drop by at 7pm and stay til 10pm.

You only need to bring three things for this grand occasion. YOU, a cash donation and a bottle of your most favoritest wine for a fun wine tasting thingy-ma-jig. Appetizers, conversation and memories will be provided.

Help us out and stop by if you can. If you can't and would like to send a donation for the Brown family, please call me at 580.977.9947 and I'll let you know how you can help.

We look forward to seeing a fun, rag-tag group of Enid graduates. Think of this as your 25 year reunion! I'll try to take some pictures and post them here.

Joni's Story

Here is the latest news on Joni (Billinger) Brown. Thanks for the email and link Joni. You're on our prayer list. Here's Joni's story...

"In January of this year I found a lump under my right arm. After removal of the lump, PET scans, MRIs, bone scans...the medical diagnosis indicated I have Stage IV bone cancer that has metastized from breast cancer 7 years ago. Although my trusted physcians have said there is no medical cure for this...we know GOD is bigger than everything...including this Cancer. I have already had 7 radiation treatments for pain in my lumbar and sacram and only have 3 to go. I grow stronger each day and know that is because of prayer, God's grace and mercy, and faithfulness."

Joni is keeping a journal of her experience. Joni's Journal.

An Update from Pat Bandy

Hello all,
I am once again sorry for the lateness of this update. Time has gotten away from me once again. Remember, no news is good news! Carson is doing very well. She underwent a spinal tap Monday morning. Everything went well and the spinal fluid appeared normal. Her blood counts are down a little and she has been sick but she is still in school and doing very well.

Here is a picture of her at the hockey game. She dropped the puck at a Tulsa Oilers hockey game. We all had a great time. She gave a speech, the night before, at the Children's Miracle Network banquet. She did great. I was very proud!

Her hair is growing back but her eye is still bad. Her vision is getting worse in her left eye. She will have cataract surgery in the future but her optometrist is in no hurry and is not concerned. Well I am! She will be on chemo for another year at least. We are not sure when it will end because she had to stop taking chemo at certain times due to complications and that has thrown off my time line.

She has had the normal chemo stuff. She is sick to her stomach a lot and has a few mouth sores and some leg pain. This stuff is a breeze compared to what she has been through. She handles it in stride and doesn't complain. I am amazed by her every day. She inspires me to be a better person.

I thank our Lord every day for this experience he has given me. This has changed me and Carson and everyone close to her. I wish every one of you could meet her and perhaps some day you will. All I ask is to continue to pray for her and pray for her vision. She has overcome this and will continue on! Praise God!

Thank you all.

Pat Bandy