An Update on Beth: Prayers Needed

This week we learned that Beth's blood work showed low levels of the Epstein-Barr Virus (or EBV).  This is the virus that can cause "mono". About 95% of adults carry the EB virus but their immune system keeps it from advancing or making them sick/symptomatic.  However, after a Bone Marrow Transplant the immune system has to develop and produce new "T-cells" (the specific type of white cells that work to fight infections).  T-cells take time to grow and mature in order to successfully fight infections (one of the many reasons Beth has to stay in NYC, near the hospital, and be checked 2 times a week by her doctors).

Because Beth's immune system is not fully developed, her body's ability to fight this virus is significantly reduced.  This virus can even enter certain organs (usually throat area and lymph nodes). They will be doing a "PET" scan tomorrow to check Beth's organs for any signs of infection.  The doctors are confident that they caught this very early and have several options for treatment but it still is another "battle" for Beth to fight physically ... for us to join the fight in prayer.

Prayer Requests:

• Beth's immune system is producing T-cells (Praise!); pray that these cells can successfully counteract EBV and no "treatment" is needed!


• A clear PET scan tomorrow: organs to stay healthy.


• Our friend Edwin who is post-transplant and also fighting a virus infection.

Thanks so much for your prayers!! We continue to need them and rely on them to help us in this long fight.