Extensive Emergency Surgery

Dear friends:

Kerry was again taken into surgery on the 27th at approximately 3:20pm to address the strepoccocus that has attacked her right eye. The surgery went on for approximately four hours and was much more extensive than was originally planned. The cornea specialist removed the center of Kerry's natural cornea and replaced it with an artificial "button" cornea; this gave the retina specialist a clear view of exactly where the little pockets of infection were located. These areas and the retina were irrigated with a saline solution and a second antibiotic injection was given. The doctors also decided to remove the temporary lens from her eye "due to the tendency of infections to cling to such appliances for safe harbor." Finally, the artificial cornea was removed and a more permanent [living] cornea from a donor was transplanted into her eye... amazing! Kerry refers to her three primary surgeons as "The Three Kings"-- Drs. Miller, McCannel and Aldave.

As for the prognosis, all we've been told is that there is no guarantee that Kerry's eyesight will return to her. As of this morning all she can see are "glimmers of light" when a bright light is directed into her eye. However, we are confident that God is working in this situation. We've been giving God the glory He richly deserves each step of the way and making sure that the doctors, nurses and staff at the Jules Stein Institute know of our faith in the One True King who is Sovereign over all of creation (no offense intended toward "The Three Kings" mentioned earlier). During these challenging times God has impressed Psalm 103:1 on Kerry's heart, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy Name."

Please continue to pray for healing and eyesight restoration. Pray that God will be glorified in this situation; certainly, that has to be the ultimate purpose of this, regardless the the outcome in terms of Kerry's vision, etc.

Again, thank you, thank you, thank you, all for your wonderful prayers, meals, taxi service to JSEI, ect. Directions from 8230 Bobbyboyar Avenue are no longer needed... just follow the tire grooves.

MGRBY