Where we are today - battling pneumonia

In March, Dave began battling a very virulent form of pneumonia and, as this is being written, has been on a ventilator, a mechanized device that forces oxygen in and out of his lungs, for over 2 weeks. Family and friends are hopeful for a full recovery but a frequent comment is, "I've never seen him this sick."

Treatment began at a local hospital but doctors soon determined a more experienced facility was required and he was transferred by air to Ann Arbor University Hospital.

Pam has been forced to withdraw from her classes this semester, take an unpaid leave from work under the provisions of the Family Medical Leave Act, and juggle child care for their three young children so she can make the journey back and forth to Ann Arbor each day. All this is compounded by her own condition as she is almost 8 months pregnant with their fourth child.

Your prayers are solicited on behalf of this family as they once again face challenges beyond what most of us ever will.

Pastor Joe Wenturine at Harvest Time Christian Chapel in Marine City has agreed to accept donations on behalf of the family to help them through this difficult time. If you would like to make a contribution of any size, please include a note designating it for the Dave and Pam Mayhew Family and send it to:

Harvest Time Christian Chapel
205 South Main St.
Marine City, MI 48039
http://www.harvesttimechurch.com

A struggle with cancer

The Mayhews are a special family.

Early in their courtship and marriage Pamela and David Mayhew agreed their lives would be best spent improving the lives of others. With this goal in view, they attended Elim Bible College to prepare for service as missionaries. Julia, their firstborn, joined the family while her parents were juggling classes, home and community responsibilities, as well as employment.

While still at college, David was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma, which he in his typical cheerful demeanor accepted as another challenge to be met with courage and faith.

Eventually the couple returned home to serve in their local community in Marine City, Michigan as opposed to the foreign mission field. Their lives have touched many others as they endeavor to always be a part of the solution rather than the problem. Dave's children fondly recall their daddy's stint as a volunteer fireman, something he unwillingly gave up due to health.

In the past several years David has undergone many cancer treatments. Some reduced the tumors and slowed the growth of the disease for a while. Some just made things worse, as in one experimental treatment that destroyed his spleen and made it's removal necessary. Finally, with no other options available, this young husband and father received a bone marrow transplant from his sister.

Role reversal became necessary due to the unplanned health issues, something both Pamela and David have accepted graciously. David has cheerfully taken primary responsibility for the home front, while Pamela acquired the training and experience necessary for employment in the medical field. She is currently employed full time as a Certified Medical Assistant and is also a full time college student working toward a nursing degree.

Although David has experienced much improved health since his bone marrow transplant, he is still more susceptible to disease due to the absence of a spleen.