This week, I wanted to do something just a little bit different and not feature an organization….but feature a couple who could use our prayers, Aaron and Nancy Irby.  Nancy just happens to be my best friend.:)  She and Aaron live in Ohio with their little girl, Rebekah; their dog, Shadow; and their cat, Kage.  Today, instead of featuring an organization or group, I’m choosing to hopefully shine a little light for Nancy and Aaron….A little under 9 years ago, Nancy and I graduated from Practical Bible College (now Davis College) together.  She was about to get married, and Dan and I were already married, getting ready for a new adventure.  Aaron and Nancy had met there.  A few years later, Rebekah came along….and fast forward to them moving to Ohio, where they’ve been ever since.  They’re both active in their church; Nancy teaches in the Awana program, and Aaron helps with the Kun Tao program there.  Aaron was a healthy, active guy….until this last Christmas.

Christmas 2009 was a bit different for the Irby family, as Aaron had been sick for a few weeks.  Not only was he having fevers, but he was having terrible chest pain and a cough and just downright tired and fatigued to the point that he was miserable.  He ended up scheduling a dr’s appointment, and that’s when they found a tumor on his lung.  After days/weeks of waiting (because of the holiday schedules), after a biopsy, and finally after a surgical biopsy because of inconclusive results, he was finally diagnosed with stage 2 Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.  His case is very hopeful, and the doctors are optimistic that Aaron will be cured.  He is currently undergoing chemotherapy.

Through everything they’re going through, they have both remained optimistic themselves and feel that no matter what, God is ultimately in control and that it’s going to be ok.  I’ve been amazed at the attitude that Nancy’s had through this whole time.  She doesn’t complain at all….she and Aaron both have found ways to smile and laugh through this difficult time.  I write all of this to just ask you to pray for Aaron and Nancy….and even Rebekah, as this kind of disease and all the hospital visits/dr’s appointments can have a toll on children, as they don’t always quite understand what’s going on.  This family needs our prayers.

So, this is the start of an official “Praying for Aaron” campaign.:)  I am adding a button with code, so that you can help spread the word and that prayers can be lifted up all over the world.

<a href=”http://www.realheartprints.com/2010/04/syl-aaron-irby/” mce_href=”http://www.realheartprints.com/2010/04/syl-aaron-irby/” target=”_blank”><img alt=”Praying for Aaron” src=”http://www.realheartprints.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/prayforaaron.jpg” mce_src=”http://www.realheartprints.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/prayforaaron.jpg”/></a>

I’m also putting a Paypal Donate button here….so that if you feel led to contribute toward their medical bills, you can.

This Paypal Donate button will remain on my blog, in case you want to spread the word. Remember to shine your light!