October 9th was a very special birthday. Our sweet friend Vinny was turning 9. This may seem like something ordinary, but Vinny is
anything but ordinary.
In his 9 years he has had cleft lip and palate surgery, open-heart surgery, AND battled rhabdomyosarcoma (an incurable soft tissue cancer) for over half of his young life. He has been on hospice twice and had to be released from their service because God was not done with him yet. He has 3 documented miracles in his medical history that have brought so many to their knees before God. His cancer has relapsed 4 times and he has fought back with more surgeries, chemo, and radiation than any of us could ever imagine. He has reached the lifetime limit for many drugs and treatments. He has a national and international network of friends and supporters. He has inspired incredible acts of service and love in others and has lived his life as a true warrior.
In September, Vinny was admitted to the hospital yet again and took a turn for the worse. The doctors had exhausted their treatment options and sent him home on oxygen and palliative care, anticipating just weeks left at most. But God had another plan. On September 30th Vinny celebrated and hundreds came out to join him and thank God for his amazing life!
The weather could not have been more beautiful. After tremendous rains, the sun shone down in all its glory.
The kids dressed up in their favorite Star Wars gear...
The magician was a huge hit and kept the kids on the edge of their seats!
Big sister, Desi...
The same boy who doctors thought might not make it to the end of September spent over an hour jumping in the bounce house!!! He is truly a miracle and the toughest person I know! He and his girlfriend, Lola...
Julia and Leila (both Wilms' survivors from Brenners')- they are two peas in a pod!
Opening lots of fun surprises- LEGOs!! and money for his trip to Legoland the next week.
He was so sweet and gracious for everything he received. Such a good host!
We love you Vinny and are so blessed to celebrate this amazing day with you!!
You are a little miracle and we thank God for your life!
As I type this, 2012 is coming to a close and Vinny is at home on hospice, surrounded by loved ones. It seems God may be calling him home soon and his perfect healing may be coming. Our hearts break at the thought of not having him here with us, but we are so proud of his tremendous fight and all the lives and hearts he has touched here are on earth. Please pray for our little hero and his family and friends. You can follow his caringbridge
here and join his facebook group
here. Thanks for your love!
We have loved every moment so far. All of her teachers are amazing women and such a great influence. Julia has loved ballet, tap, and jazz. They learn the traditional dance discipline as well as worship dance. She also loves that her friend, Hailey, is in some of her classes...
I love the monthly opportunities to observe their classes...
It is an inspiring place to be with beautiful artwork and scripture and praise music and uplifting words pouring from every room.
Julia in Ms. India's ballet class...
Pretending to be falling leaves...
One of the company members performing for the girls... 
Thank you Arts Evangelica for giving Julia a place to grow artistically, emotionally, and spiritually.
