Please pray for our friend, Hank Zavaleta. Hank is a brain buddy of ours who was diagnosed with GBM in 2003 and is exceptional not only as a seven-year GBM survivor (off the charts), but also as a champion of faith, courage, and action. He meaningfully inspires the people around him – fellow firefighters, church family, and brain tumor patients and professionals. He and his wife Cris have invested precious time and energy to help Cranium Crusaders raise I think $150,000 to $200,000 for brain cancer research at UCLA. Click here for their website. We’ve also witnessed Hank in action at UCLA’s brain tumor conferences and the upbeat way he brings hope for other brain tumor patients and their families. Hank is just an incredible guy we feel privileged to know.
Hank’s story was featured several years ago on the UCLA Neurosurgery website. Click here.
Sadly, an MRI in September revealed a new area of tumor growth after years of treatment with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, a clinical trial cancer vaccine, and a clean MRI in July. Another brain surgery at UCLA last Monday went well in spite of some visual side effects. Then Hank & Cris learned a post-op MRI shows even more new tumor growth in an area behind his left ear. Dr Liau and UCLA’s brain tumor board will explore options that include more surgery, Avastin, or vaccine, but Hank will need to heal for a few months before having new treatment. This is obviously heavy news for a battle-tested family who’s been thrown into crisis mode again and is trusting God for the days ahead. Please join Susan and me in praying for healing and peace for Hank, Cris and their daughters.
Here’s a CarePages message from Hank on Saturday that includes a powerful word of advice from a brother who’s had his priorities sharply focused:
although i struggle with writing 4 now, please know that i feel all of ur love 4 us.
please keep us in prayer.....live....love.....and forgive,
hank
Thanks for praying.
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