Last night was an emotional roller coaster. After laying the girls down for the night we soon discovered that Natalie was beginning to get a little warm. Within a small handful of hours we were only a degree away from having to go to the emergency room. A fever is a serious condition for anyone with Leukemia. They are a potential sign of something bigger - and they only seem to show up at night! I tell you there is no feeling like living a full day only to have to stay up the whole night dreading traveling to the "germ infested" emergency room. About 3am my dad got up to go to the restroom and I asked him to pray for Natalie. Wouldn't you believe (I am not exaggerating) that within 10 minutes any sign of a fever was gone!

I think sometimes my faith is so small. It is so easy to think about yourself in times of stress and trouble. But God was after something else. Perhaps He wanted my dad to know that his voice is heard. I don't know either way, but I am thankful that God wanted to use him in that way.

Even upon writing this, my feelings of stress are surfacing. It is in my experience that once Natalie gets a mild fever, it will come back for a few days following. Wouldn't you believe it that even after experiencing last night that I am beginning to get afraid of another crazy night again. I feel so stripped of myself when I am brought this low. I would ask for your prayers that we would be able to shoulder this load.

I was telling a good friend of mine today that this battle seems to be so much more spiritual that I would have expected. Sometimes, Dana or I don't have anything left to give and only to find out we still have a mountain climb. In a vacuum, fighting cancer seems pretty straight forward but it takes you to your limits, and beyond. Life ever-rushing demand can be brutally relentless. Your prayers are our sustaining bond. Both Dana and I are thankful for your intercessions. MUCH LOVE TO YOU ALL...


There are so many great things that have come from this season of our lives. Perhaps the highlight has been that lives have been changed. There is something about a hard illness that causes people to look hard into their lives. One example is my Father. He has been mad a God for many years. I wouldn't say he deny's Him but he finally made peace with God about a month ago.

My dad (pictured left) will grow in God's goodness in his own time and own pace. My dad has been hurt by church before and he has always said "you don't have to go to church to believe in God." He is right, 100% right. However, he has been struggling with anger towards God for a long time now, especially since Natalie (his granddaughter, my daughter) was diagnosed with Leukemia.

Well, the other day my friend and pastor Andy Lewis felt that God had told him to come over and chat with my dad. Both of us were able to spend some quality time with him out in his workshop. When it was time to leave Andy told my dad that the reason he came over was he felt God has been asking him to pray for one person these past few months. He said that God is reaching out to you and He is not done with you. Andy asked Dom (my dad) to carefully consider to be baptized. Well, he did but it took a whole 3 minutes of thought. His words were "I would like that a lot."

By the end of our conversation everything was set for a winter back yard baptism in the spa! Well I am happy to say that the ceremony was wonderful. And just look at the peace that is radiating from my dads eyes. I tell you, it was a sight to remember for the rest of my life.

It's been 37 years since he as left the church behind (or they left him, if you hear the real story). All of that is in the past and it's time to now pray that all of us can provide a safe place for my dad to be able to work thought those hurts. I also pray that his commitment to "follow Jesus all the days of his life" would become a living and breathing part of him. Praise God, He is good. He is the Faithful One!

DomSr Baptism WebAlbum

P.S. My dad invited his Neice to be baptized too, so it was a double baptism.

Just today a wonderful family who's affiliated with Jacobs Heart stopped buy to drop off some holiday gifts for us. It is such a nice feeling to know that others are thinking about you. Both Dana and I would like to send a special message of appreciation for everyone who's lent us your kindness this past season. Your kindness and goodness is a credit to you and your families.

This year we are thankful for many things. It is an added bonus knowing that there are still good people in the world -- and all of you reading this are among the finest we've met.

From our heart to yours we would like to extend to you our very best this holiday season.

With much love, The Orlando's


If you get a chance look into "Jacob's Heart" it is a great organization to get involved with. (http://jacobsheart.org/facts.php)



Well with much anticipation all was canceled the day before Natalie's procedure. This is the name of the game. The chemo knocks down her ANC (white cell count or immunity) then it rebounds to then deliver more chemo.

What's interesting about this scenario is that a week after her last chemo therapy her ANC did not drop. In fact it held steady and rather high (about 1500). Questioning this, I asked our doctors and they weren't concerned. Well if you can imagine our surprise the day before her treatment the doctor called with the results and her immunity was ZERO! So, everything was canceled. That hasn't happened since our hospital stay.

It may take a week or two to get back to a score of 750 (what's required to proceed). However, what is becoming a growing concern is Natalie in a house where some of us are developing colds. I was in bed all day trying to "sleep it off," and I feel much better.


Thanks for all your prayers. I have to say that I really appreciate all that you guys are doing for us. I can really feel the presence of your intercessions. I know daily this is the hands of our Good God!

Psalm 56:4 (New International Version)

4 In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me?

With all our love, The Orlando's



This is a special week for prayer for Natalie. Primarily because she is close to day 57 of her treatment. Day 57 is a substantial milestone in her treatment. If you remember back to day 29 when Natalie failed her MRD scan and was placed into the high risk category. Remember how God used it for good. You can read all about it by clicking the link below (Posting: October 8th)

Disappointed but Trusting in the LORD's Goodness

Taking place this Friday December 14th -- Day 57 chemo is exactly the same as Day 29 which contaings another (week long wait) MRD scan. I am asking everyone to pray that there is not one Leukemia cell present in her little body. She will have a bone marrow coring in her hip, and a special spinal injection to deliver a chemo to keep any disease from growing in her spine and brain.

I would also ask that you allow us to have peace that God is in control and everything will be alright -- in His hands.

The Orlando's

Natalie Orlando

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