I have prayed several times for Irene the past couple of weeks. I’m believing the Word (IS 53:5) for her complete healing.

Dave:

I continue to pray.  Thomas Watson, one of the puritans once said, “Prayer as it comes from the saint is weak and languid; but when the arrow of a saint’s prayer is put into the bow of Christ’s intercession, it pierces the throne of grace.”

I’m praying to that Christ on your and Irene’s behalf.

Blessings.

Irene and Dave,
You are amazing and you are loved!  It is truly an inspiration to see your pictures and read the messages of so many wishing you well and praying for your healing.  I add mine to those—prayers for constant healing, for your continued inner peace as you face this daunting process and for those who are caring for you and administering your treatment.  Thank you for your humble spirit, Irene—I learn from you and your incredible courage, joy, faith and patience.  Both of you are wrapped in care and love from many, many well wishers and faithful friends.  Thanks for your updates, Dave and for your example of courage and love.

Cheryl

Today the approval came from the insurance carrier for the stem cell transplant.  That’s a big victory because the process usually takes several weeks!!!!  The first injection to build up the bone marrow begins this evening.  This is the first of 4 daily injections. 

Irene continues to have blurred vision in both eyes.  She has 2 detached retinas from steroid treatment last week. The medical team hopes that as the steroids leave the body that the vision should self correct.  They will monitor her vision over the next several weeks.

Irene’s bed is waiting in Oncology.....

Irene’s spirits are strong .... She is ready for the road ahead .... Thank you for your support!!!!!!!!

Dave,

We continue to pray, and hold you both up in faith.

Eric

Dearest Irene and family,

Christy and I are praying that everything goes well with your treatment.  As a cancer survivor, I KNOW that GOD is good and he will take good care of you and your family.  My faith got me through my ordeal. 

From Footprints,

“God is With Us Always!… I love you and will never leave you never, ever, during your trials and testings. 

“When it seems that life is whirling out of control, we can take comfort in God’s sovereignty and power.  He has everything under control.  And he will work his will in every circumstance.”

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

It really meant a lot to Christy and I, the kindness that your family showed us at the BBQ last summer.  We wish you the very best and are praying very hard for your family to have peace and comfort that God will see you through this trying times.  If you ever need someone to talk to please feel free to call.

Shawn and I were saddened to hear that Irene is sick in the hospital.  We are praying for her everyday.  She is such a nice person.  Her and her family invited us over to their house for dinner and for JoAnna’s graduation.  She has so much compassion for others.  She is also a very good listener.  It is hard to meet people like that these days.  She is truly a special person.  I know that God will comfort and help her because she has such a loving and giving Holy Spirit.  I believe that her Spirit will get her through this trying time because it is full of God by the love and compassion that she gives to others in her daily life!

Lots and love and prayers,

Shawn and Christy Ferreria

Here’s a great email we recently received from our friend Marsha Tarr.

Martha, Kent, and I left after church Sunday to drive to San Francisco. We drove over the Golden Gate Bridge to have lunch in a small café in Sausilito. We enjoyed walking along the Bay and viewing the San Francisco skyline. We stopped tog et some taffy to take to Irene and Dave Dias at the University of San Francisco hospital, where she is in treatment for primary amyloid.

For all that Irene has endured, her spirits are soaring.  For the hour we were with her, she recounted all the blessings and provisions that God has given to her in providing them with the finest medical care and key moments when just the right doctor stopped by and got her the immediate care she needed.

Irene sings hymns while laying in her room and witnesses about God’s goodness and care to those (caregivers, family, friends) that come to see her.

The abundance of steroids caused bleeding in her eyes and both of her retinas became detached this week.  She is hoping that they will correct themselves after the steroids are reduced.  She could see us, though we were blurry to her.  She begins her stem cell harvesting and chemo treatments in the next few days, so will be going through a “journey,” as she calls it. Her hair will fall out, but that is of no concern to her.  She just keeps singing God’s praises!!!!!!!!!!!!

The scripture chorus we sang in our worship service at church this week reminded me of Irene’s outlook on life.  What a powerful testimony!!!!

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord,
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord.
Our God, You reign forever.
Our hope, our strong Deliv’rer.

CHORUS:
You are the everlasting God, the everlasting God.
You do not faint, You won’t grow weary.
You’re the defender of the weak,
You comfort those in need.
You lift us up on wings like eagles.

Remain strong and never let go of hope!! 

We continue to pray for Irene’s recovery, strength & support for you and your family, and wisdom for her medical team.

May the collective prayer power of many heal Irene.

“...If you have faith when you pray for sick people, they will get well. The Lord will heal them...” James 5:14-15 (Contemporary English Version)

Dear Irene and Dave and Family:

You are in our daily prayers, and we hope for a full recovery with many, many, many years of good health.  We think of you daily, and we are so grateful for the web site so that we can communicate with you. 

Love from all the Fresno Dias’

Irene and Family,
I am so aware of the power of GOD as I scroll through this website. His hand is upon you and we join together for YOU.  God is so present and we are trusting Him, You touched us all daily as you showed so much love and kindness to Mike, Irene.  You are a shinning light to all of us.  Its such a privlege to believe God for you.  Love, Cheryl Aubuchon

When Irene joined our family 27 years ago, we knew that our son Dave had found a lifemate and wonderful daughter for us!  Then along came Jocelyn and JoAnna and their family was complete.  Irene has been a blessing to us all and has such a loving spirit.  We love her so much and constantly pray for her healing!  She will be our miracle girl as we know God is looking out for her.  He is guiding her doctors in her treatment.
Irene has such a fantastic outlook on life and a great sense of humor. 
Our prayers, hugs and love to Irene, Dave, Jocelyn and JoAnna
Dad and Mom GrandDad and Grammy

Irene:  I pray healing prayers for you.  As a child of God:  Ask and it will be given unto you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened unto you. (Matthew 7.7) May the blessings of God be upon you as you begin your healing process.  xoxxo

Although I was upset to hear the news of Irene’s illness this morning, I’m very glad ya’ll have found good care, located all the terrific online resources, and sent out the wider “call to prayer”.  I look forward to reading updates on Irene’s progress via this website—ever so much easier than calling all of us one by one! 

I’ll just add my name to the list of your friends who’ll be praying for you, Irene, the girls, and all those who’ll be taking care of you at USCF.  God be with you all.

Susan

Irene,Dave, Jocelyn, and JoAnna,

Please know that Hugh and I will be praying for you.  Having been through a life changing health crisis for the last two years I think I know what to pray. 

I will pray God’s comfort for all of you, God’s strength when yours fails, Faith from those who love you when yours is faltering, and many prayers to lift you up when you are down.

Please know that we love you all dearly.  Jean Chalmers

You will probably never know of all the people who have been and will be blessed by your family’s awesome example of faith in the face of this great trial. We have been praying for each of you Irene, Dave, Jocelyn and JoAnna as you make your way down this path; we so appreciate your willingness to share this experience with others. We serve a Lord and Saviour Who is filled with goodness and light, and His healing hand is perfect. May His blessing be poured out richly upon each of you.

Isaiah 58:11

With much love and many prayers,

Steve and Sue Azevedo