08/26/2008

8/26: Please pray for my Mom, Theresa Bean, She has Multiple Myeloma with acute renal failure and pneumonia. We need her kidneys to kick back in and return to baseline. Please, I'm begging all of you for your prayers. Thank you, -- Marian Reilly

8/25: Fellow Cursillistas, please keep Lu's brother Francis Vega and his family in your prayers this week as he undergoes surgery on Friday to remove a cancerous growth from his leg. With God's strength and wisdom, we will be there for each other as I know you will be there for us. De Colores! -- Susan Pfeiffer-Vega

8/25: Dear Friends and Family, I thank God for your love and prayers! We are still waiting on news about the bone marrow match (kind of hoping it won't be necessary given God's grace and power), but I wanted to tell you some good news that just shows that all your prayers must be working!!! I'll let you know if there are any other changes but she's feeling pretty good right now and I know is really appreciative of all your prayers and concern. Love, Gloria Chou

PS Quick update -- We just found out today that the "perfect match" donor is not healthy enough to be a donor for my mom so they'll have to go back and follow up with the partial match donors and assess suitability.  My mom is actually kind of happy about this outcome because it will give her more time to let her body continue to heal naturally and, with more of God's intervention, supernaturally ;-)  Hopefully, the medically harsh alternative won't be necessary!  Thanks again for all your prayers and support!!!

8/19: A few weeks ago I asked that you ask our Cursillo to include my daughter Christine in their prayers.  I am happy to report that she is doing better, even though she isn’t at 100% yet.  We still don’t know the cause of the muscle twitches that she is having, but the doctors’ educated guess is that she is having an autoimmune response to an infection that we20never found.  The good news is that the twitches are much less severe and less frequent.  Tomorrow, Christine heads back to VCU to take one class in the fall semester to start easing back into a normal life.  Since she is not at 100% yet, there is some risk that she may be trying to do too much too soon and will regress.  I am hoping that being on her own again will get her back into a normal life sooner and accelerate her healing.  So, besides giving you an update on Christine’s situation, I would also like to ask for prayers again, this time not only for Christine’s healing, but that going back to school now helps with her healing process instead of causing her to regress.  Thanks. De Colores, -- Tony Pomilla

8/18: Please pray for the repose of the soul of Melanie, a local young woman who committed suicide late last week. Please pray also for her parents and older sister as they struggle to make sense and deal with this tragedy. -- Jack Finnerty

8/18: I would like to request prayer for my brother Aaron Patrick Fields. He has been experiencing seizures for over five years. His medical team do not know nor have they been able to properly diagnose its cause. However, through the stripes of Jesus, I declare Aaron healed now in the spirit, and his body will line up with the Word of God and manifest healing in the natural. I thank God in advance for this miracle. Thank you prayer warriors! -- Hank Fields

8/11: Please pray for my daughter Elizabeth White.  She is receiving a Bone Marrow Transplant today to help in her fight with Cancer. -- Tom White

8/7: Please pray for Catie Morales,  now at the Fair Oaks hospital scheduled for gall bladder surgery Friday morning.  This came up all of sudden for the Morales family.  Please pray for Catie for a quick recovery.--  Dave Lopez

8/5: Dear friends – my periodontal surgery of July 15, and recuperation, were completely successful. Thanks be to God, and your prayers on my behalf! –- Peter N Roth

8/2: Friends, Bill Burgess has been in the hospital since Wed last with moisture in his lungs and will probably be in for a couple more days (~Tues). Please keep Bill in your prayers. He has been retaining water and is on diuretics again. You can visit him at the Virginia Medical Center/Arlington Hospital Rm 643. I just heard yesterday that Msgr Mahler is back home and was given a clean bill of health!!! -- Mark Clemente

7/27: Please pray for Dominick Ricci who has been diagnosed with lung cancer -- Joan Curley

7/25: Please pray for my son Luis Cuellar, Jr as he is having Cancer surgery on Monday. Thank you for your prayers -- Nancy & Luis Cuellar

7/25: Dear Friends and Family, The latest is that they've found a "perfect match" in the bone marrow donor registry! Now they have to contact the person and see if he/she is still willing to donate and coordinate timing, etc. If everything is a go, my mom will undergo chemo and then a bone marrow transplant. That takes about a month after which she needs to be monitored weekly over the next 2 years. The New York doctor, who is a myleofibrosis expert says the success/cure rate is 85%. That is so much better than the original 20-30% chance of cure that the other doctors had told us. So, please continue to keep my mom in your prayers! I'll let you know of any new developments. Love, -- Gloria Chou

7/24: Please pray for the repose of the soul of Rob White, husband of Pat White, who died Thursday afternoon, July 24th as a result of a massive heart attack he suffered Tuesday. Please pray also for Pat and their two children, Rebecca and Jonathan, as they begin to cope with the sudden loss of their husband and father.-- Jack Finnerty

7/24: Please offer prayers for my brother-in-law Tommy Jackson who is having brain surgery today to drain blood from two locations in his brain. This surgery is being performed as I type this request for prayers. Thank you very much -- Harry Hardin

7/23: Please pray for my daughter-in-law Bobbi Tiso who is having surgery tomorrow. Thank you -- Kathy Tiso

7/23: Thank you for your prayers for my sister and her family. She did have a very mild heart attack with minimal damage but they found her left artery completely blocked and put a stent in to open it. She is progressing satisfactorily. -- Harry Hardin

7/23: Please pray for Rob White who suffered a serious heart attack Tuesday. He is under sedation at Fairfax INOVA. His wife, Pat, will know his condition better tomorrow morning after more of the test results are in and the doctor has had a chance to evaluate them. -- Jack Finnerty

7/21: Please pray for support and healing for my sister Ann who has been taken to the hospital with chest pains. They are running tests to find the cause of the pain. Also keep our family in your prayers -- Harry Hardin

7/21: Please pray for support and blessings for Denny Bergo who is in the hospital in Fredericksburg and for his wife Anne -- Harry Hardin

7/19: Dear Brothers and Sisters,  Just a reminder that there will be a funeral/memorial mass for Mike Saylor at St John Bosco at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 22nd.  Please make every effort to be present for the sake of Mike and his family. -- Jerry John

7/19: I have a prayer request for my dear friend, Brenda.  We have been friends since 2nd grade.  Previously she had breast cancer and then her thyroid removed.  On Monday Bren is having open heart surgery for a tumor in her heart.  Bren has always had more difficulty with anesthesia than with recovery from the actual operations and even chemo.  This operation is expected to take 8 hours.  She and her family are very faith-filled Anglicans.  Her husband and one of her sons and his wife have done theological studies and Bren teaches Sunday school.  Please help us to pray for all the Williamson family, that God's Will be done and that they feel God's Peace and Love. -- Sandy Goody

7/17: Please pray for Kate McCook the 22 year old daughter of a good friend who has been diagnosed with cancer and is facing 6 months of chemo therapy. Also, pray for the Moran Family whose husband and father passed away. Thank you -- Rita Willis

7/14: Dear Friends, Our brother and fellow Cursillista, Mike Saylor, passed away on July 11th of a heart attack following a stroke. Arrangements are still unclear, but please keep him and his family in your prayers. Also keep Howard Muir, Susan’s husband, in your prayers as he has returned to the hospital following his cancer surgery. Peace and De Colores, -- Jerry John

7/12: Please keep my oldest brother, James, in San Diego, CA, in your prayers for his quick recovery from quadruple bypass surgery this morning.  Thanks. De Colores, -- Tom Goodwin

7/12: Prayers for my father, Andrew R. Kurta, (86 yrs old) who has been in the hospital, first, with walking pneumonia, low oxygen levels and then it was determined he needed a pacemaker and defibrillator. After surgery in Alleghany General in Pittsburgh, he went home in a much weakened state and suffered a mild stroke. All of this has taken its toll on him physically. Because of these complications, he is depressed and feels he will never be able to return to his home in Uniontown, PA. We are hoping he will get his appetite back and regularity of his intestinal issues so he can have the strength to do his therapy. We pray that each day he can make some progress towards his recovery and that his guardian angels and the Holy Spirit will guide him at this time. Up until now, he has always been a “happy” guy with strong faith and a “go with the flow” attitude. Thank you and Blessings -- Andi and Bill Baker

7/12: Thank you so much for all your prayers for little 6 year old Christian. Christian died Friday morning after battling Leukemia and complications from 8 surgeries and infections. Please hold Christian’s family in prayer while they go through This very sad and difficult time. May God continue to bless you for caring so much for others.-- Edna Ortaga

7/10: Dear friends – I will be having periodontal surgery early in the morning of this coming Tuesday (July 15), and I would appreciate your prayers for a successful outcome. Thanks! – Pete Roth

7/8: My nephew's daughter, Katie, has been taken back to Fairfax Hospital for a blood transfusion before her 2nd chemo.  If she can withstand the chemo, she will receive it for 6 months. This treatment will only put the disease into dormancy; it can reoccur at any time.  In infants as young as Katie, this is a serious and sometimes fatal disease.  Please keep your prayers going!  -- Trudy Dervan

7/8: A truly miracle recovery. Sunday night we thought we might be planning a funeral. This a.m. mom came out of her coma, opened her eyes and is talking. She knew the name of all her visitors today, is breathing on her own, she has lost 2 days and remembers nothing about going to the hosptal. They took the feeding tube out tonight. She started giving me orders already. She does have some heart damage and we have to talk to the cardiologist about that. I have always and all ways believed in the power of prayer... so many people are praying for my family we feel surrounded by god's beautiful and strong arms. Thank you all and keep praying for our choices. -- Charlene Owens

7/7: Please pray for our family. On Sat. my Mom was rushed to the hospital. She is in ICU at Doctors Hospital Sarasota, FL. in a coma, not very responsive with a massive infection. Yesterday she had a heart attack. My dad 89 is a 3 day a week dialysis patience and he is very weak, fell and broke 2 vertebrae, fell again and cracked his rib. Mom 87 has been his full time caregiver.  Thanks -- Charlene & James Owens

7/2: Prayers are requested for my 2-month-old grand-niece, Katie Harlow, who has been diagnosed with a non-malignant form of Langerhans disease.  She begins chemo treatment this evening and will continue for a number of weeks.  Her parents are exhausted and devastated.  Thanks so much for your prayers. -- Trudy Dervan

7/1: Please pray for my next-door neighbor Doris, who is having Colon cancer surgery today. Pray that the surgery will be successful and the cancer will be cured. Thank you -- Harry Hardin

6/30: A memorial Mass will be held Tuesday, July 1, at 7:30 PM at St. John Neumann for Zachary Magrum, 7-yr. old grandson of Lynn and Charlie Magrum.   Zachary died suddenly June 6 in Charlottesville. Please keep the Magrum family in your prayers. -- Joan Brown

6/29: I am actually asking for a Palanca to be sent from you.  I know this is an odd reverse request, as it should be the other way around, but God has compiled me to write to my fellow Cursillistas.  My God Son's son, Christian is in the hospital with leukemia and fighting for his life.  Christain is 6 years old and has had five surgeries in the past two weeks.  His parents and grandparents could really use your prayer support, could you please send a palanca from your team?  It would only take a moment.  I pray that you are  blessed by God and many graces are received.  I thank you in advance.  De Colores -- Edna Ortega, Hayden, Az.

6/28: Dear Friends, Again, thanks for your continued prayers for my mom! I just wanted to update you on the latest. We went to another doctor in New York and he suggested that my mom wait to start chemo until after she finds a bone marrow donor match because otherwise, the pain and difficulty of chemo might be for naught if you can't follow it up with the transplant. So, we're waiting. Unfortunately, my Aunt Agnes was not a match. I think my mom is happy for the delay as again she still feels fine overall. The delay in treatment also allowed her and my dad to make a special pilgrimage to Lourdes, France! So, we wait and pray. Please pray that we always lean on God's wisdom and directed on the right path for healing by Him. Thanks again. My family and I really appreciate your care, concern, and prayers! Love, -- Gloria Chou

6/21: Friends, Msgr Mahler's 2 June surgery went VERY well and the doctors were amazed that the tumor was isolated to the point where he will need no follow-up radiation or chemotherapy. This is great news! He will be recovering at the Little Sisters of the Poor in NE for the next 3 weeks or so ... and welcomes calls (cell 703-932-9503), cards and visitors -- but DO call ahead as he may be orchestrating doctor visits. Little Sisters of the Poor, Jeanne Jugan Residence, 4200 Harewood Rd NE, Washington, DC 20017-1554. De Colores, --
Mark Clemente

6/12: Will you please put Pequitte Scherwin’s mom on the prayer List?  Pequitte and John are out visiting her in Wisconsin and her mother just told Pequitte that she is scheduled to have a pace-maker put in on Friday June 13th.  They are glad they are there for moral support but would appreciate prayers. Thanks.--  Caryl Finnerty

6/11: Dear brothers and sisters, Please open your hearts to the Lord and ask him for mercy on our hurting Cursillistas. Howard Muir, husband of Susan Muir is having esophageal surgery for cancer tomorrow. Mike Saylor is struggling with health problems and now has a growth in his throat. Marlyn Boyce is dealing with lung problems big time, and Al Hlavin is due to have brain surgery soonest for a significant problem. May the mercy of God be upon each of them. De Colores, -- Jerry John

6/11: Friends, Millie called and passed that Msgr Mahler moved out of Arlington Hospital yesterday and he is at Little Sisters of the Poor Home Nursing Home 4200 Harewood Rd (phone 202-269-1831) in NE Washington for 2-3 wks. Doesn't want visitors right now...weak and tired from surgery. Would love cards and prayers. De Colores, -- Mark Clemente

6/11: Friends, please keep Francis Vega, Lu's youngest brother, in your prayers. Frank was diagnosed with a sarcoma (cancer) in his leg this week, and is awaiting his treatment options. Please pray the Lord gives Frank, and all the Vega family, the strength to face this new challenge! De Colores! -- Susan Pfeiffer-Vega

6/6: Please keep Lynne and Charlie Magrum in your prayers. Their 7 year old grandson, Zachary, of Charlottesville, died suddenly this morning. Please also remember Zachary's parents, Eric and Alicia Magrum, and his brother, Noah. -- Joan Brown

6/2: Update on Msgr. Frank Mahler - I was able to see Msgr. Mahler at 3:00 this afternoon for a brief moment. He was groggy, but said "It went very well." They did not have to take the kidney --thanks be to God -- and we don't know yet about the tumor they removed.  I told him we would all keep him in our prayers. -- Freddie Wall

5/29: Carole Bergmann - beautiful Carole, mother of nine, gifted guitarist and singer who has been struggling with cancer for a year, died Tuesday, May 27 at her home in Front Royal. The wake is tonight (Thursday May 29) 7:00 - 9:30Pm at St John the Baptist Church, 123 W Main St. in Front Royal where the funeral Mass will be Friday, May 30. Please keep her family in your prayers. -- Jane Duffy

5/28: Eleanor Wood's surgery went well and she is doing fine -- Joan Brown

5/28: Dear friends, Our Woodstock Cursillo people need prayers: Mark Labadie flipped an ATV on himself on Sunday. He is in Winchester Hospital struggling with heart and lungs, bruised, but no broken bones. Mike Saylor has been taken back to UVA Hospital in Charlottesville where he is dealing with serious “organ” problems. Susan Muir’s husband, Howard, has been undergoing chemo and now is scheduled to have cancer surgery on June 14th also at UVA in Charlottesville. Please keep each of our Cursillistas in your prayers. Peace, -- Jerry John

5/28: Paul Mc Graw went home to Jesus at 3:15 AM today. Paul was on the team when I made my Cursillo in 1977; and in the St. Lawrence Group reunion when he lived here in N. Va. He has had serious heart surgery; and been ill for several years. Please pray for the repose of his soul; and for his wife Gracie and all of his family. -- Andy Mastic

5/27 Tom and Rae Copeland got the news this weekend that a new heart was available for him.  He is in surgery today at Fairfax Hospital.  It is expected to last six hours. a Tony DeCristofaro

5/26 Please keep Eleanor Wood in prayer as she has knee replacement surgery Tuesday, May 27 at Mt. Vernon Hospital. Her previous replacement showed no sign of infection. a Joan Brown

5/26 Please my daughter in your prayers. My youngest, Christine, had to drop out of college in early February because of the sudden onset of a neurological disorder that has caused muscle weakness, fatigue and chronic muscle spasms with at least one severe episode daily. We have gone through tons of tests and they still don’t know what is causing it. We are now trying to see a specialist in Chorea, which describes the muscles spasms she is having, but not what is causing them. Thanks and De Colores, a Tony Pomilla

5/25 My brothers & sisters, I received a call this afternoon from my sister, Mabel Davenport, in California. She told me that her daughter, Vera, (my niece) is dying from inoperable cancer. Please keep all of us in your prayers. a Charlie Stim

5/25 My son, Jeff, is a candidate on West Virginia #1 on June 5-8 at Priestfield, WV. Since this is a groundbreaking #1 Cursillo and they don't have many local Cursillistas to draw from, they are asking for as much help as possible for palanca for the candidates and team. The full list of candidates and team can be found at: www.orlandocursillo.org/West_Virginia_Cursillo.html De Colores, a Wally Mack

5/23 Hi all, Maria and I have decided it's best to stay out here because of finances. I tried going back to school but we just can't afford it. I've just been hired by Home Depot to work in one of their warehouse's. The wage is ridiculous and I'll probably have to work the night shift. It's not the job I want but will take it until something else comes along. A couple of positions are open with Winchester Public Schools. Please pray that I'm hired for the Maintenance Technician, I'm turning my application in on Tuesday. I know the power of prayer that's why I ask. We pray all is good with you. God Bless and thanks. -- Dwain Foltz

5/21 Dear all - My health has gone down hill fast. I will be moving to NY so that my family can take care of me. I have no medical insurance and can't afford to see a doctor. My family lives in NY and they will be able to get me good doctors. My Lupus is out of control, high blood pressure is out of control. I am having symptoms of severe headaches, joint pain, lt eye droop. It is  about a matter of time before I suffer a massive stroke. I want to get well, I don't want to die. Please keep me in your prayers. God Bless Janet McMahon

5/20 A Note from Msgr Mahler I am feeling better, less tired than I have been, but more tired than I like to be. I am facing surgery to remove a tumor on the right kidney and, possibly, to remove the right kidney itself. The surgery is scheduled for Monday, June 2nd at the Virginia Medical Hospital in Arlington, Va. at 7:30 AM. I thank all for their concern, calls, prayers, cards and Masses offered. Please keep the prayers coming. Let us pray for one another. De Colores. -- Msgr. Mahler

5/20 Dear Friends, Unfortunately, my mom did not qualify for the new clinical trial at Georgetown so we are back to the traditional chemo options, which are more harsh.  Please pray that she will be brave and continue to look to God for hope, healing, and support! Thanks, -- Gloria Chou

5/20 Hi Everyone, We just heard from Roger that Kaden has been taken off the venilator and all tubes and needles have been removed.  He is doing well and this afternoon Kris will be able to  feed him. They have to wait until six hours after being removed from the venilator for him to be able to eat by mouth. Kris has been holding him all morning.  Neither Rog nor Kris have held him since before his surgery.Kris is anxiously awaiting 2:00 when she will be able to feed him for the first time since May 9th, the day after he was born and flown to Cleveland.  On Saturday, we took  Kiera and Kylie to Cleveland to see Kaden.  In spite of all the tubes and paraphanalia he looked beautiful. 

The doctors are very pleased with his progress.  They closed his chest cavity on Friday, two days earlier than expected.  His recovery on a whole is much faster than the doctors had anticipated. There may be some more difficult times  down the road but for now all is well and we thank God for the blessings. We have so much to be thankful for.  Thanks to all of you for all your prayers and good wishes.  With Love, Marie and Jim Kordes

5/19 I ask for prayers for the retreatants who will be attending the Retreat for People Facing Serious Illness this coming weekend May 23rd to 25th at the Dominican Retreat House.  Please grace us with your love letters addressed to Sister or Brother in Christ, your donations of healthy food items and drinks, and your presence at the Sunday morning serenade at 8:25 a.m.  The Dominican Retreat is located at 7103 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA. Your generous support is greatly appreciated. -- Rosemary Brooks

5/13: Friends, Popped in the office when I got home from our retreat and found a message from Fr. Bob Phillips, SJ, rector for the Jesuit community at Gonzaga. Fr. Bob reports that Fr. Joe McCloskey is in Sibley Hospital and is asking for our prayers. Such a request from a Jesuit who has provided Ignatian Volunteer Corps (and Cursillo) with great support for many years will certainly meet with our heartfelt and persistent prayers on Fr. Joe’s behalf. Fr. Bob expects to be able to share more information tomorrow, which info I will pass along to you. Thanks. -- James P. Kelley, Regional Director

5/9: Dear all, Sorry about the delay. E mail has been acting up. Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers. Katie's surgery on Monday went very well. She lost a little spinal fluid, but it was quickly restored. After the "normal" post surgical pain, she is doing well. We came home on Tuesday and on Wednesday, she was going about the house with her walker and the duster in her hand. Thursday, she got hungry and sent me out for food. Guess my cooking needs a little work. Pray that all continues to go well. On the sad side, my sister in law, Sally John went to be home with Jesus on Monday. Sally was always a great treasure for me. I will miss her. Please keep her and her family in your prayers too. May God bless each of you. Peace, -- Jerry John

5/8: Dear God and Friends, Please pray my daughter April does not have a infection in her medaport. Also please pray for all the others on our Cursillo prayer request line who are sick. -- Candace (Candy) Brassard

5/8: The Closing for WV Men's Cursillo #1 is the afternoon of Sunday June 8, almost certainly at Priestfield. No details about exact arrival time, where to secretly park, etc. The Closing for WV Women's Cursillo #1 is the afternoon of Sunday June 22, almost certainly at Priestfield; no more details. It will be about 1 and 1/2 hrs drive from Arlington points (i.e., our old house) to Priestfield, out WV51 about 9 miles west of Charles Town. Love & de Colores, -- Harry Taylor

5/8: Please keep Eleanor Wood in prayer as she is having a knee replacement.  She had previous surgery on this knee, and now the doctor suspects it is infected.  The surgery will take place at Mt. Vernon, Tuesday, May 13. -- Joan Brown

5/7: Dear Friends, A quick update. There is a new clinical trial starting at Georgetown University that my mom is now being tested for to see if she qualifies. We are very excited as it is much gentler treatment than chemotherapy, but since it is so new, there is now proven statistics as to how effective it is. We'll know if she qualifies by the week of May 19th so we've postponed the chemo at John Hopkins for now. Please pray that we know which way God is leading (we're hoping it is this way and that the treatment will result in remission). Thank you so much for your prayers!!! -- Gloria Chou

5/5: I’m facing surgery on May 12th for prostate cancer. Procedure will be performed at St Mary’s Hospital in Richmond. Please keep me in your prayers -- Regis Monahan

5/5: Please keep Helen Lanzisera, sister of Eleanor Wood and Dorothy Healy, in prayer as she recovers from bypass surgery -- Joan Brown

5/4: Dear GOD Thank YOU for YOUR many blessings according to YOUR DIVINE Will and DIVINE Plan YOU have for each and every one of us. Thank YOU especially for: Children making their First Holy Communion; Janet, many concerns; Paul, many concerns; Julie and her family; Cathy's co-worker's son who died in a skateboarding accident {30AP08}; Mark, Judy, Claire, and family; Pam H; George, from Trinity School; Junior, child hit & killed by police car in MD; John L; Baby Christian, having chemo a bone marrow transplant; ; Joan & Mahlon Frankhauser & family; Thank YOU So Much For YOUR PRAYERS -- Joanne Anthony Lisbeth {Jonie}
 

© 1998-2008 Arlington Cursillo
Site Design and Maintenance by P & H