At the Banquet Table

Hello to our incredible family and friends,

Our sweet Louie went to be with Jesus today, the same Jesus Louie spent his life pointing people toward. As he battled cancer, he remained steadfast and focused on what mattered most to him, that others would come to know Jesus in a deep and personal way. I do not think Louie could have imagined how great an impact his life, his joy, his suffering, and his passing would have on people. We probably will not fully grasp the reach of that impact until we are in heaven ourselves, but the glimpses we were privileged to see here on earth were breathtaking and faith building.

This is a time of mixed emotions. There is joy and happiness knowing that Louie has been made whole, that he is seated at the banquet table with our Lord and Savior, enjoying the freedom of his new body, eating lots of incredible food, and playing his drums in a heavenly worship band, praising the name above all names. Louie wanted everyone to “Remember! It’s a Celebration!” And he is right, we are celebrating, knowing that he has graduated to heaven and is being embraced by our Savior and by loved ones who have been waiting for him. At the same time, we are sad in his absence, and we will miss him deeply, his contagious smile, his steady faith, his kindness and gentleness, and the way he made every person feel seen and valued.

Louie was truly a light to all who knew him. He was the best husband in the entire world, not an exaggeration. He was a dad by choice, and an incredible one. He was a papa who loved his grandkids, prayed for them, and left a beautiful legacy of faith for them to follow. He was a son who loved and cared deeply for his parents. He was a wonderful, kindhearted brother to siblings who loved him so dearly. He was an uncle who loved his nieces and nephews like they were his own. He was a friend to anyone he met, he could genuinely make a friend out of anyone. He was a fisher of men, casting his line and bringing people closer to Jesus, even in the midst of his own suffering.

These last few weeks at home with Louie have truly been a beautiful blessing. God knew that Louie and Marianne needed to be at home, surrounded by family and friends, enjoying the little joys in life.

Marianne wanted me to share a few things that brought them extra joy in the past few days.

Louie’s hospice nurse, Xavier, helped make one of Louie’s requests happen. Louie was, kind of jokingly, asking for a soda by pretending to crack open an invisible one and drink it. Xavier made it happen, and Louie was able to have some Squirt, which brought him the biggest smile.

Louie and Marianne’s niece and nephew, Lizzy and Tyler, came to help for a shift and decided to stay longer than planned. Lizzy is in school to become a PA, and Tyler is in ministry. They rearranged their schedules to be there for family in a time of need. Their presence and help were such a blessing to Marianne. They went above and beyond in every way, and Marianne has been blown away by their selfless love.

Louie and Marianne’s precious nephew Jordan came to visit, which was a blessing on its own. To make it even sweeter, Marianne spent time talking with Jordan about Jesus and seeing where his heart was. Jordan told Marianne that he was ready to accept Jesus into his heart, and she was able to walk him through that beautiful decision. When Louie heard that Jordan had accepted Jesus, he was overjoyed. They shared Jordan’s decision with the rest of the family at the house, and a celebration broke out. How beautiful of God to allow Louie and Marianne to be part of the best decision Jordan will ever make in his life. God is so, so good.

Some amazing friends offered to finish what Louie had started. He had beautifully renovated their entire house, leaving only the master bathroom floors and laundry room floors unfinished. A crew showed up and completed the flooring. This was above and beyond and made Louie feel so good, knowing that the house was complete.

There are so many other stories, honestly probably too many to share. That is how kind our God is to us. Even as we walk through hard times, He is there, showing us how much He cares for His children. We are thankful for His goodness and grace.

Marianne has been blown away by the incredible support their village has shown during this time. There was someone with Marianne and Louie around the clock from the moment they arrived home from the hospital. So many sweet moments happened that they will never forget, from family hangouts watching TV while cuddled up on the bed, to beautiful worship services surrounding Louie’s bed, to mighty prayers from family and friends while Louie praised with his hands lifted high, to the incredible acts of service from those who showed up to help ease their burdens. God used every person who came to show Marianne that she is supported and deeply loved, and it brought Louie such joy to spend quality time with those he loved.

To every person who came to visit, every person who prayed, every person who showed up during this season, we want to say thank you. Thank you for being the hands that held Marianne and Louie steady in this time. Your love and generosity were a beautiful display of the love of God. In this season of grieving the loss of Louie, please keep Marianne in your prayers and continue showering her with your love and support.

-Sara

Remember! It's a Celebration!

Hi family and friends,

Yesterday, we were finally able to bring Louie home, and our hearts are overflowing with gratitude! It was an eventful day getting him settled, with a few syncope episodes along the way, but we are so thankful to now be in the place he loves most—with the one he loves most. Louie wanted to be home, in his happy place, with Marianne by his side, and God graciously made that possible.

We are at peace caring for Louie here at home. It’s a learning curve as we find our rhythm and build a new system, but day one was successful, and we already feel the nearness of God in every detail. The outpouring of love has been overwhelming—family and church friends showing up with meals, gifts, hugs, and heartfelt prayers. Each act of kindness has been a reminder that we are surrounded by a village that loves deeply and walks faithfully with us.

During Louie’s time in the CCU, we were completely overwhelmed by the care he received. It was the kind of care that goes above and beyond—the “second mile” kind of care that only happens when people are serving from the heart. Every nurse, doctor, respiratory therapist, and staff member showed such kindness and compassion. Many prayed over Louie and Marianne, shared their heart and life story, and offered comforting words, hand squeezes, and hugs at just the right time.

Two days before Louie came home, Dr. Damrose, the head of Head and Neck at Fresno, came in for a visit. He has become such a special part of Louie and Marianne’s story. He and Louie are kindred spirits—gentle, humble, and full of compassion. That afternoon, he sat at the foot of Louie’s bed and began rubbing his feet, speaking words that will stay with our family forever. He shared that Louie has fought so beautifully and said he’s never had a patient like Louie or a family member like Marianne. He told us that caring for Louie has changed the way he treats patients and even how he lives his own life. As he spoke, Dr. Damrose began to cry, and he and Louie shared a long, sweet embrace. It was one of the most incredible things to witness—a moment of pure grace and the love of God tangibly present in that room. He described Louie as lionhearted—but even more, kind-hearted.

Dr. Donaldson has also been there time and again, faithfully showing up with tenderness and compassion, even giving Marianne her personal number to ensure she could always reach her. In an act of incredible kindness, she has now taken Marianne as her own patient, as a special case, so Marianne can receive any care she may need without ever having to leave Louie’s side. This gesture was far beyond what any doctor would be expected to do, and it brought such relief to know that Marianne will have someone she can rely on if ever needed. The kindness and care that each and every doctor provided will never be forgotten, what an immense blessing!

Nurse after nurse, respiratory therapist after therapist, continued to serve with deep love—bringing coffee, breakfast, and smiles, creating holy moments in hospital hallways. One night, a kind nurse came in the middle of the night to help Louie make small gifts for his family — a simple act that touched all of our hearts. One especially meaningful moment came when the entire staff, along with the hospital pastor, gathered to pray over Louie, Marianne, and the medical team. They even invited Amanda and me to join in, and it was so beautiful to see everyone united in prayer, asking God for peace, comfort, and His presence to fill that room.

Even as Amanda and I were leaving one evening, a volunteer stopped us to chat. We told her about Louie and she immediately asked us if Louie knew Jesus. We smiled, because that’s exactly the point—Louie’s greatest desire has always been for his life, even his suffering, to lead others to Christ. He has said time and again, “If only one person comes to know Jesus through this, it’s worth it.” We’ve all learned that sometimes witnessing pain makes us uncomfortable, but it’s in those moments that God invites us to lean in—to see the beauty of a Savior who suffered for our sake.

As the doctors presented all of the options, going home—with plenty of support for Marianne—was the decision that brought peace and comfort to Louie when he was asked. The damage from the previous radiation continues to progress, and Dr. Donaldson gently explained that there is nothing in medicine anywhere in the world that can fix that. The best thing we can do now is enjoy being with the ones we love most and rest. And that’s exactly what Louie wanted. To be home. To rest. To be with Marianne and surrounded by family. As Louie always says, God has the final word. We are resting and trusting in that truth.

Louie may not be able to speak, but his faith still speaks loudly. Every nurse, doctor, and visitor has seen his love for Jesus radiate through his eyes, his smile, the notes he types up and shares, and the joyful and worship filled spirit that is so apparent. Before leaving the hospital, Louie and Marianne bought cupcakes for the entire CCU and respiratory teams with a note that read:

“Remember! It’s a Celebration!”
“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” – Matthew 4:19

That verse has been Louie’s anthem. Even in the hospital, he was still “fishing”—hooking hearts for Jesus every day. People shared that they were praying and sharing Louie and Marianne's story at home with their families, others said their faith had been renewed, and others simply said they felt something different in Louie’s room—peace, joy, and the presence of God.

So often, we plant seeds without ever seeing the fruit. But God, in His kindness, allowed Louie and Marianne to see small glimpses of the fruit that’s been growing from the seeds they’ve faithfully sown—lives changed, hearts softened, and faith deepened. It has been a beautiful gift to witness.

I have been beyond blessed to have the opportunity to see firsthand the impact Louie and Marianne have had on every person who walked into his hospital room—and even on those Marianne sought out around the hospital, even down to the coffee shop. Everywhere they went, the light of Christ followed. People left their presence different than they arrived, touched by a love that could only come from Jesus.

Yesterday, the hospice manager came by, and she was an absolute blessing. She spent a couple of hours with Louie and Marianne, answering questions and helping them navigate this new season. By the time she left, she had tears in her eyes, deeply moved by the love she witnessed between them. Today, the hospice nurse will come for the first visit. We’ve prayed for the right fit—someone kind, gentle, and calm—and we’re trusting God to provide just that.

Louie and Marianne’s mom, Nita, offered to be here to ensure Marianne always has someone with her. Louie and Marianne’s kids, Sara and Dan, are here now, and their other son, Mike, is ready to jump in anytime. We’re working together to create a schedule for the coming weeks so that someone will be at the house around the clock with Louie and Marianne. This peace of mind has been such a gift, knowing that no matter the hour, love and support are always close by.

Now that we’re home, we’ve noticed that a lot of activity can sometimes bring on more episodes for Louie. He absolutely lights up when he sees his friends and loved ones, and those visits mean the world to him. We just need to keep visits short and peaceful so that his body can rest and recover. These short, Jesus-centered visits are so life-giving to Louie — they fill him with joy and strength — and we are deeply thankful for everyone surrounding him with such love, faith, and encouragement.

Louie and Marianne’s aunt recently sent a communication iPad for Louie, what a blessing! It will give Louie another way to connect, express love, and share those sweet, heartfelt messages with us all. Louie has also been writing love notes to Marianne on his phone, and it’s one of the sweetest things to witness — even in the midst of everything he is facing
, his love continues to pour out so beautifully.

Even in this new chapter, Louie continues to live out the message he’s always carried: that life is meant to be a celebration of God’s goodness, even when circumstances are hard. His faith, his joy, and his peace continue to draw people in and point them straight to Jesus.

Over the last 24 hours, our phones have been flooded with text messages of love, encouragement, and prayers from friends and family near and far. Each message feels like another reminder of the incredible community surrounding Louie and Marianne — a family of believers holding them up through prayer and love.

We are profoundly grateful for every prayer, every visit, every meal, every message, and every word of encouragement. Each one has been a reminder that we are not walking this road alone. Please continue to lift up Louie and Marianne in prayer — for peace, comfort, and the continued presence of God to fill their home.

Through it all, one thing remains true: God is good, and He is still at work! 

P.S. Our hospice nurse just got here and he is the perfect fit and is a drummer! Only God could orchestrate little details like that to bring Louie a smile!

-Sara

Casting a Wider Net

Happy Saturday family and friends,

We’re thrilled to share that Louie is scheduled for discharge tomorrow! Marianne and Louie are looking forward to being home and for this next chapter of their story — one focused on rest, restoration, and rejuvenation. 

Marianne and Louie continue to be overwhelmed with gratitude for the countless ways people have shown up for them, whether through visits, meals, prayers, or other simple ways you have poured out your love for them. All of these gestures have reminded them that they are never walking alone. Marianne and Louie's oldest son, Dan, arrived yesterday, and having him there is bringing such peace and comfort to both Louie and Marianne. Thank you Dan for making the trip, it means so much!

Yesterday, the oncologist shared that while Louie's cancer may not be curative, it is manageable. That means they can’t guarantee it can all be removed, but he can live with the cancer, and we know that God still holds the final word! Even if physical healing doesn’t come the way we hope, we are confident that the Lord will continue to walk with Louie and Marianne through every part of this season. Louie will begin immunotherapy soon, receiving treatments every three weeks, and for now he’s taking a much needed four week break to rest and refocus at home. Marianne and Louie are so grateful for the amazing Palliative Care team that’s already in place to help manage his pain and symptoms, this has been a huge blessing.

If you know Louie, you know that even in the pain and uncertainty, he’s still very much a fisherman, seeking the lost in the mighty name of Jesus! Marianne and Louie joked that he needs a bigger fishing pole because nurses, doctors, and staff keep coming by his room to visit. Dr. D laughed and said he’s never seen anything like it, that there are so many people rooting for Louie, and that he’s never had a patient quite like him or a family member quite like Marianne. It’s no surprise to us that know them! It is the light of Christ in them that draws people in. His love shines through their words, their warmth, and their unwavering faith, and people can’t help but be drawn to that kind of light.

As I was praying and seeking the Lord while at church on Sunday, I felt God confirming what Marianne shared in her most recent Facebook update — that God surely is casting a wider net. For months I have been asking for a miracle, for restoration, and for complete healing in Louie's body. But today, I felt the Holy Spirit whisper that there are still people in our lives who haven’t yet been reached, who are still holding onto hurt, anger, or pride, or who simply don’t know the incredible peace of surrendering to God. God so kindly showed me that He is continuing to use Louie and Marianne's strength, faith, and perseverance as a living testimony — pointing people to the love and grace that only Jesus can give.

So now, I’m still praying for that miracle, but I’m also praying that hearts would be softened and eyes opened to the beauty that comes from living a life centered on Jesus. Praying that every person that comes into contact with my parents will be overwhelmed by the love of Christ and experience true life change, from the inside out. That those who know Jesus, but are holding onto something out of their control, will let Jesus lead and guide them into His presence. That those weighed down by bitterness, hurt or unforgiveness, would surrender to the Lord and watch Him work.

Watching Louie and Marianne walk through this with such grace has influenced not just me, but future generations of our family. Their faith has become a legacy, one that reminds us that even when the road is hard, God’s presence is near, His purposes are greater, and His love never fails.

Louie and Marianne's three children, our spouses, and their six grandchildren are all a part of that legacy. Each of us will be forever changed because of Louie and Marianne's faith, love, and testimony. The way they continue to trust God, even in the face of hardship, is shaping who we are and who we will become, a family rooted in faith and unwavering hope. I pray that God will remind them of the role they are playing and the eternal impact they are making on those around them. I pray that they will be encouraged, filled with peace, and take heart as they walk through these trials.

While the medical path may not promise a cure, we remain anchored in hope. Marianne and Louie know that our Great God has the final say. His presence carries them, strengthens them, and continues to bring remarkable people into their lives right when they need them most. God is good and always will be.

Even in the waiting, we know He’s still working. Like Louie said after dreaming he was healed in the middle of the night, “We know a Guy.” And we do. Our help comes from the Lord.

Thank you all for your continued prayers, love, and encouragement. Marianne and Louie feel them deeply. Please keep lifting them up as they rest, recover, and continue to trust in the One who holds them up.

Sara

God is in Control!

 Hi friends and family,

As we step into this important week, our hearts are full of gratitude. We are so thankful for your continued prayers, for the nearness of God, and for the countless ways you’ve surrounded Louie and Marianne with love. They feel the weight of what’s ahead, but also the peace of knowing the Lord is already in every detail.

This Tuesday morning, Louie will undergo a major surgery in Santa Clara. He and Marianne will head up on Monday to get settled and prepare. The surgery will last about 8–12 hours, and here is what the incredible team of doctors will be doing:

• Neck surgery to remove the cancerous lymph node and any other lymph nodes that may be affected

• Removal of the tumor and damaged bone behind his ear, then replacing it with healthy tissue from another part of his body

• Rebuilding the area around his head, ear, and neck with a tissue “flap” for coverage and healing

• Removal of the eardrum and ear canal (but this will not affect the nerve)

We are praying specifically that the cancer hasn’t spread beyond the contained area it seems to be in and that the bone damage from past radiation is minimal. Please also join us in praying that Louie will have as few side effects as possible and that his hearing can be preserved.

We praise God that the most recent CT scan showed no spread into the skull and that all signs continue to point to this cancer being curable.

In the days leading up to surgery, family and friends have gathered to pray over Louie and Marianne, and even the elders from their church came to lay hands and pray. God has been near in so many tangible ways.

We are so thankful that Louie and Marianne’s son, Mike, is flying in tonight to drive them to Santa Clara, stay with Marianne during the surgery, and he will also be there for a few days while Louie is recovering. What a blessing to have him there during this time! 

We also want to praise God for Marianne’s mom and Louie's bonus mom, Nita. Even as she faces cancer herself, she continues to pour out generosity and care for her family daily. Her humble love and strength carry forward the legacy of her husband, Martin. What a testimony of faith and selfless love, we are so thankful for Nita and the many ways she shows the love of Christ!

Today at church, God gave me (Sara) a few sweet reminders of His love. During worship, the man next to me leaned over and told me that the Holy Spirit had prompted him to say, “Keep pursuing and praying for whatever it is you were talking to God about.” My prayer in that very moment was for God to heal and restore every part of Louie’s body and through every miracle His name alone would be praised. What a beautiful confirmation that He sees us and hears us!

And as if that wasn’t enough, our pastor ended his message by sharing the ASL sign for “I love you.” He shared about how his grandfather, who was deaf, influenced him more through his daily actions than words. This was especially meaningful, because many of Louie’s friends and family have been sending him photos of themselves signing “I love you.” Even when Louie has been unable to speak, it’s a way he can still communicate his love for his tribe. God’s timing was so sweet in tying all of these things together today.

Through all of this, we are reminded to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the One who heals, restores, and holds us steady. Louie and Marianne’s prayer is that we would all keep pressing in through prayer, not growing discouraged or asking “Why?” Instead, may we hold fast to the truth that the God we love and serve is still in control. They are trusting Him daily, confident that He is good and faithful, and following His lead one step at a time.

Our prayer is that every part of Louie and Marianne's story would not be for their own recognition, but that God’s holy name would be lifted high and that miracle after miracle would draw many into a saving relationship with Jesus.

“Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” – Psalm 115:1

How You Can Pray

• Peace for Louie and Marianne leading up to surgery, that there would be no worry or anxiousness

• Wisdom, precision, and steady hands for the surgical team

• That the cancer spread and bone damage would be minimal and fully contained

• For preservation of Louie’s ear and hearing

• For complete healing and a strong recovery following surgery

• For continued opportunities to share the love of Christ with every person Louie and Marianne encounter

Thank you for walking with us through this season. Your prayers, love, and encouragement mean so much! We are trusting God fully and believing He will continue to show His power and faithfulness every step of the way.

Sara

Refiner's Fire

Hi friends and family,

We wanted to give you the latest update on Louie and Marianne and to say again how much your prayers and encouragement mean! They are tired, but pressing on, holding on to the truth that God is using every step of this journey for His purpose and His glory. Nothing is wasted — every new doctor, nurse, or person that comes into their lives is another opportunity for God to show His love and goodness. Marianne and Louie are continuing to take every opportunity they have to share their faith in Jesus and point others to the only one who will never fail or change.

What’s unfolded since Louie was admitted to the hospital can be nothing other than God’s guiding hand. Because of Louie’s recent episodes, the doctors dug deeper and discovered the soft mass behind his ear. The recent biopsy revealed that it is a new cancer, likely caused by radiation back in 2013. Even though it didn’t show up clearly on earlier scans, Dr. DR had a hunch and asked a couple of his neuroradiologist friends to take another look. One of them spotted it, even though it was so subtle that it could have easily been missed. Dr. DR even joked that his friend “deserves a dinner and a cigar,” and Louie’s imaging will now be used to help treat and diagnose other patients in the future. It is pretty incredible to think that other patients in the future will be positively impacted, we are thankful that the trials Louie is walking through will be used to help others walking a similar path. We are also so thankful that Louie is not symptomatic at all and the doctors believe the new cancer is well contained and is curable. Thank you Jesus for this news and for your continued grace and goodness!

The tumor boards (both head and neck, and mastoid sarcoma) have been reviewing the case and revising the plan with this new information. What was going to be a relatively quick in-and-out lymph node surgery is now going to be more involved. On September 1st in Santa Clara, Dr. H and his team — along with an audiologist — will remove the sarcoma behind Louie’s ear and the diseased bone, carefully working to protect Louie’s nerves and hearing. They will also address the osteoradionecrosis by removing damaged bone and grafting new tissue and muscle from Louie’s arm or thigh. We are thankful for an incredible team working tirelessly to put together a plan that will address all of the issues they have identified and give Louie the ability to heal.

In the middle of all of this, God keeps showing up in the sweetest ways. Last night, Louie was moved to a regular room and early this morning one of Louie’s ICU nurses came by just to drop off a coloring book and pencils. And when Marianne joked with the discharge planner about getting help “breaking out,” the planner teased back that she’d probably get a “permanent vacation” for that one — a little laughter right when it was needed most.

One especially meaningful encouragement came from a dear friend who attends church with Louie and Marianne. This friend recently walked through head and neck cancer herself and is now cancer free. She sent them a message of hope along with this powerful reminder from Isaiah 43:1–3:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

Louie and Marianne's steadfastness and posture of hope are a great reminder for us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. It is so easy to get caught up in the difficulties we face, the tiredness and heaviness we often feel, and the hurdles we each have to overcome. Our hope is that even in seasons of hardship, you’ll catch the sweet reminders of God’s love and grace all around you.

Take a deep breath and tell God ALL.THE.THINGS. He cares deeply, and He delights in hearing from you. Open His Word, even if it’s just for five minutes — He will meet you there. Worship is your greatest weapon, so sing and praise His name. Lean on your family, friends, and church family; God uses the people around us to lift us up when we feel weighed down. Remember, there is always hope, even when life feels dark or overwhelming. God is constant, He is good, and He will never change. We can place our full trust in Him.

Here are some specific ways you can pray for Marianne and Louie:

-That they will be discharged and get some much needed rest in the comfort of their home

-Strength and peace for Louie and Marianne as surgery approaches

-Wisdom and guidance for Dr. H and his team that will be performing the surgery

-Complete healing in Louie's body and a great recovery

-That every person who needs to hear about the love of Christ will be impacted by Louie and Marianne's story

We are believing that this is a season of refinement, and even in the fire, God is at work. Marianne and Louie are leaning on the Lord, trusting that He is their rock and their rest.

“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” – Psalm 62:1–2

Thank you for continuing to walk alongside them — keep the love and prayers coming!

Sara

God sees you!

Hello everyone!

I wanted to share the latest on Louie and Marianne, and also say how grateful we continue to be for all of you. Your prayers, love, and encouragement continue to hold them up in such a big way. And a huge thank you for all the “I love you” photos you’ve been sending—they have brought lots of smiles and joy. If you haven't sent one yet, shoot one over to either Marianne or Louie! 

On Saturday, Louie had his biopsy and praise God, the procedure went smoothly with no complications! When they opened the area behind Louie’s right ear, they found extensive osteonecrosis—bone damage from past radiation. They also removed a portion of the large soft mass to send to pathology. We’re still waiting for results, hopefully in the next day or two. While we wait on results, the surgery to remove the cancerous lymph node is on hold until we know more. In the meantime, Louie has been referred for hyperbaric treatments to help with the bone deterioration.

The past radiation has also affected Louie's vocal cords and surrounding tissue. Right now, he can only whisper, but the speech therapy team is working closely with him, and today he was able to use his speaking valve for four hours. His trach will stay in for at least six months, and Marianne is already getting trained on how to care for both the trach and the PEG tube so they’ll be ready once he’s home.

Originally they were preparing for discharge in the next couple of days, but this morning Louie lost consciousness again when his heart rate and blood pressure suddenly dropped. Thankfully, the doctors were right there and stabilized him quickly. These episodes have been identified as vasovagal syncope—basically stress and dehydration triggering his system to crash. Louie and Marianne are currently in isolation as the team also checks for a possible infection, we are praying that the team can identify the source of anything negatively affecting Louie and address the issues quickly and with ease.

As tough as all of this is, Louie keeps pushing forward. He was able to walk three laps this afternoon and is determined to keep getting stronger!

He knows this is a full-time fight now, and while he loves his job and coworkers, he has accepted that his focus has to be on healing. Even with all the setbacks, his smile and sense of humor haven’t gone anywhere, and his faith is still strong. 

And God keeps showing up in the middle of it all. This morning, during Louie’s emergency, one of the nurses stopped, placed her hands on Marianne’s shoulders, and shared the Scripture she had been reading that morning about God’s strength. Right there, in front of her coworkers, that kind nurse reminded Marianne that we can do all things because He is carrying us. Later, one of Louie’s doctors tracked Marianne down in the hospital coffee shop just to say, “I see you” and to chat for a few minutes.  And last night, Louie’s second cousin—who just happens to be a retired respiratory therapist in Fresno—came by to offer support. Over and over again, God keeps surrounding Louie and Marianne with exactly the right people at the right time.

Please keep praying with us for:

• Clear and hopeful pathology results

• Wisdom and unity for Louie’s care team as they make decisions

• Healing from the osteonecrosis and strength for recovery

• Protection from infection and stability in his heart rate and blood pressure

• Peace, comfort, and rest for Louie and Marianne 

We may not always understand why all of this is happening, but we do know this: God sees them, He is with them, and He’s not letting go. That same truth applies to each of you reading this update. Regardless of what you are facing, remember that the God who created you and loves you is with you every step. 

Sara

Press in

 Hi dear friends and family,

We wanted to reach out with another update on Louie, and as always, to ask you to keep praying with us. Your love, encouragement, and prayers have carried us in ways we can’t even put into words.

This past week has been full of unexpected turns to say the least! On Monday, Louie had some sudden episodes where he lost consciousness. Louie was taken by ambulance from home to the emergency room and after bring told everything looked good, they were sent home. By the grace of God, they needed gas in the car so they stopped before heading home. Louie passed out again in the car and Marianne was able to quickly get an ambulance there to help. They headed back to the hospital and Louie was admitted and the decision was made to have the PEG tube surgery to help with his nutrition.

Before the surgery, Marianne just couldn’t shake a concern she’s had since Louie’s recent respiratory event the week before. She mentioned it to the team but felt it wasn't being fully addressed and in her spirit she knew she needed to stand her ground before Louie went in for the surgery. After prayer and encouragement from myself and her Mom, she decided to reach out directly to Dr. D, Louie’s pulmonary specialist who was with him during his earlier procedure. That call turned out to be such a God thing—Dr. D not only listened, but she came in person, stayed through the whole surgery, and is now overseeing Louie’s care. We are so thankful for God's hand of protection and for the prompting of the Holy Spirit and Marianne's ability to listen and act.

During the procedure, the team discovered that Louie’s airways were extremely restricted, and he couldn’t maintain his airway on his own. They placed a tracheostomy so he could breathe safely. Louie was on a ventilator for a short time, but—praise God—he’s now breathing on his own again. He has also been fitted with a speaking valve, which is an important step in his recovery.

He’s had a CT scan already, will have another MRI later today, and tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m., he’ll go in for surgery to check on something they found when they scanned his head after he passed out and hit his head. There is a soft tissue mass behind Louie's right ear that could be related to radiation from 2013, but we will know more after the biopsies.

Right now, Louie’s care team in Fresno—pulmonary, GI, and head and neck specialists—are working closely with the Santa Clara Head and Neck Tumor Board to make sure all the right eyes are on his case. The trach will stay in place for now, and Louie will likley be in the hospital for another week.

In the middle of all of this, as always, there is evidence of God's Hand and glimmers of His goodness and love: Louie is getting stronger every day. He’s tolerating his PEG feedings well, getting vitamins, and has more energy. He’s smiling, engaging with his care team, and showing that same humor and faith we all love so much. 

Through every twist and turn, we can see God’s fingerprints. He brought the right people at the right time, revealed hidden problems and brought them to light, and has given Louie and Marianne strength for each day. We don’t take a single moment of that for granted. To say we are thankful, or as Marianne would say "thankfully and gratefully tired," is an understatement. 

We would love for you to keep praying for:

• A safe and successful surgery tomorrow morning

• Clear answers and good results from the biopsies

• Strength, comfort, and continued healing as Louie adjusts to the trach and PEG

• Peace and rest for Louie and Marianne during this extended hospital stay

Marianne and Louie's hearts are so evident as they continue to walk through this day by day. I love what Marianne shared with me...Even when it feels like God isn’t listening, keep pressing in! Pray harder. Speak His Word out loud. Worship. Get on your knees and believe. We’ve already seen so many miracles, and we know God isn’t finished. He is faithful. He loves us and He sees us, even when we feel defeated, lost, exhausted...regardless of what each day brings, God is present and will never leave us. 

Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus to us—through your prayers, your words, your texts, and your constant support. We feel every prayer. We feel the love. And we are so grateful.

With love,
Sara

P.S. Louie and Marianne would love to be flooded with 🤟🏼🤟🏼🤟🏼 photos! Feel free to text yours to one or both of them!!