Got this request from Fr. Mark Lichtenstein, a good friend, who is a Greek Orthodox priest in Camp Hill, Pa. (near Harrisburg) Dn. Robert :

Any prayers for this dear little boy of one of my art teachers would be appreciated.

Fr. Mark Lichtenstein (Πάτερ Μάρκος)
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
1000 Yverdon Drive
Camp Hill, PA 17011

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to give you an update, Matthew is scheduled to have his first intestinal reanastamosis (reconnection) surgery tomorrow (Monday) at around 12:30pm. He is doing well right now, he had a cough this last week but it seems to be mostly gone. He smiles at everyone who talks to him, especially his mommy.

The surgeon said she may have to separate some adhesions but is confident that there shouldn't be too many to deal with, and said she would just take her time to make sure she can save what is left of his small intestine. After this surgery, what is left of his small intestine will be completely connected, but it will not be connected with his colon until later this winter. Provided this surgery goes well and he recovers as expected, we may get to go home around the middle of September.

Please keep Matthew in your prayers tomorrow, as well as us. Waiting while your child is in surgery can be a terrifying experience. I will let you know how things went when I get the chance. Please know that you are in our prayers. God bless!

Sincerely,

Jason & Becky

Prayers for Matthew, that the surgery was successful, that his recovery be uneventful, and that God grant him many years.

I asked for an update. Thanks for your prayers. Here is what I received from Fr. Mark:

Matthew Tako Made it thru this round if surgery on the thirteenth and last I heard was recovering well. Maybe he goes home in a few weeks. He will eventually need more surgery. Thanks for asking.

Fr. Mark Lichtenstein
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
1000 Yverdon Drive
Camp Hill, PA 17011

Further update. Dn. RJB:

Subject: Update on Matthew
>
> Hello everyone,
>
> Thanks again for all of your prayers for Matthew. It seems that they are being heard. Matthew has recovered from his surgery and is his young self again, smiling at everybody, even at the nurses before they give him a shot. His is up to twelve pounds in weight which is really good. For months he was only able to tolerate 14-17ml per feeding (around half an ounce every three hours) but now that his small intestine is back together, he is up to 40ml per feeding, and is eager for more. He is doing better than the doctors expected.
>
> The ultimate goal is to get him up to 125ml per feeding, if this happens then he can come off of TPN and take all nutrition by mouth. They keep raising the amount of his feeds by 5ml per day. If we hit a wall before he reaches his goal, then they will send him home and make adjustments every week. But as long as he keeps tolerating the increases, they will keep him at CHOP until they reach the goal. Then in three to four months he will have his final surgery to reconnect his colon to his small intestine.
>
> Below is a recent photo of Matthew and our other children. Becky and I thank you for all your prayers and help. God bless you!
>
> Jason & Becky

P.S. I couldn't reproduce the picture. But, you get the overall message. Things are looking up for this poor infant and his family. Dn RJB

Prayers continue for young Matthew, that his recovery continue along this excellent course that has marked it to this point and that he be restored to the fullness of health. Prayers also for his parents, Jason and Becky, and his siblings, that they be afforded comfort and strength.

Prayers for little Matthew and family, may they be blessed with comfort and strength during this stressful time...