Andrew completed his 22nd Proton Radiation treatment in Bloomington on Friday. That will leave just 8 remaining in the series. He is hanging in there and seems to be enduring this phase pretty well. His spirit and determination in fighting this dreaded disease is remarkable. I marvel at his ability to laugh and play even though I know at times he has to be hurting.

A number of people asked me what I wanted for Christmas this year. I have already received the greatest present I could ask for, Andrew being with us this year. His infectious smile and silly laugh makes all the rest of the material things seem meaningless.

Next week will be 4 months that he was diagnosed with the brain tumor. That seems like an eternity ago. It is amazing what he has been through in that time period. I am learning all about patience and to live life for the present and not be so concerned about down the road. Very difficult for an old man like me.

This Christmas my family has so much to be thankful for. I again will thank you all for your thoughts and prayers and I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas. I appreciate your continued interest in following along on Andrew's journey.

Thanks for the update. As always, our thoughts and prayers are with you and Andrew.

Frank Daigh

Mike,

Thanks for the update. Earlene and I continue to keep you, Andrew, and your entire family in our thoughts and prayers.
We hope you and your entire family have a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year.

That is one of the best Christmas presents I could have asked for.

MP,

I've been battling my own form of cancer for a little over 5 years now. I, myself have two children who are ages 5 and 9. They are healthy thankfully, but I simply can't imagine what you and your wife are going through as parents.

It's one thing for a parent to get sick like that, but when it's your own child, that is another level of pain.

I wish you the best during this holiday and I sure hope and pray that 2008 will be a wonderful year when Andrew can get back to being a kid, and not have to endure these procedures.

Please keep sending the updates!

Thanks,
George Wilkins

Thank you for the update, Mike. May God continue to be with Andrew and the entire family. Also with Drake Besecker and the Besecker family. And with George and his family. And also with Bill Gardiner and his family. People such as yourselves that are fighting health battles either yourself or in the immediate family quite possibly understand the meaning of Christmas better than anyone else. May 2008 bring a successful resolution to all of these issues. I look forward to being on a similar thread at this time next year talking about these issues in the past tense. God bless!

All my prayers and best to you and yours Mike and Andrew and family. It is indeed a Merry Christmas when you can spend it together.

Chuck, Still pulling for you guys and Drake Besecker as well.

This makes all the BIG problems I think I have seem small. GOD.. is looking into this matter I am sure...Merry Christmas.

You and your family have a blessed Christmas, Mike, and Andrew remains in my prayers. Tom