"Big Brothers"

James has three big brothers that absolutely adore him. But, now he will have almost 40 more, as the UNC Baseball Team adopts him. We are really looking forward to what is ahead.

Already, James has received emails from the bullpen catcher, Chase Jones. Chase also battled a brain tumor. http://chasejnews.blogspot.com So, he carries a special understanding of what James has and is going through.

Chase Jones


Chase and his parents


With brother, Jake


Coach Mike Fox has also been trying to get a hold of James, but we keep missing his calls. Sorry, Coach.





I look forward to them making a difference for James. I know James will make a difference in their lives, too.....he has certainly made a difference in mine.

The American's Creed

I never thought I'd be so glad to hear the American's Creed. I'm proud to be an American, but it isn't for that reason. The other day, while starting James' history lessons, we came to the point that we were to start learning the American's Creed. Although James would have done this last year in Mrs. Hady's class, remember, he just went through major brain surgery this last summer where he lost almost all short-term memory. On top of that, James has always had trouble memorizing...an after effect of hydrocephalus (extra fluid in his brain that caused pressure) when he was first diagnosed.

So, in light of all of this, I wondered how hard it would be to get this memorized this year. The first day, I said, "James, let's read the American's Creed." He said, "I can say it to you." And proceeded to say, by memory, the entire thing - almost word perfect.

I was thankful to hear the American's Creed that day. Not because I am thankful to be an American (which I am), but because I am thankful that God has given me my James back.

"O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." Psalm 34:8

Friends of Jaclyn

Soon after we moved to Charlotte, we were contacted by Dennis Murphy of "Friends of Jaclyn". www.friendsofjaclyn.org



"The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation is inspired by Jaclyn Murphy, an 11 year old, who was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumor, in March 2004. Jaclyn's strength and courage, relentless spirit, and joy for life are an inspiration to those who know her."



Jaclyn's father, Denis, works very hard to connect pediatric brain tumor patients with college sports teams, who will adopt them and make a difference in their lives. "It is our hope that through Jaclyn's example, we can help to improve the lives of other children and families dealing with pediatric cancer."

We just found out that James will be adopted by the North Carolina Men's Baseball Team.




James is very excited. In Chicago, James enjoyed going to the White Sox games, for whom he became an avid fan because of Dr. Goldman. We look forward to going to some of the games there in Chapel Hill, especially since James' cousin, Raechel, attends UNC in Chapel Hill.

Thank you, Denis, for doing this for the kids. You are making a difference.

"And of some have compassion, making a difference:" Jude 1:22