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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Thursday, April 15, 2010

A Prayer for Makaeya

I need to step away from the usual political gossip and outright lies I tell on this blog for something far more important, a pretty little girl named Makaeya Lynn, who is nearly three years old. Her daddy is lead court officer Lance Wheeler. You might mistake him for a young prosecutor until you see the badge clipped on the outside of his jacket. He keeps the cases flowing, making sure prisoners, lawyers and litigants get to the right courtrooms.

He's been quite upset the past several days, and after what he's told me, I'm surprised he can function at all. You see, despite her bright eyes and pretty smile, Makaeya is a very sick little girl.

She has MLD, a rare disease that attacks the nervous system and worsens over time. There is no cure.

Lance and his wife realized something must be wrong when theirlittle girl didn't walk and move around like other tots her age. They sought medical help and Makaeya went through a battery of tests at Children's Hospital. Recently, someone there called Lance's wife to tell her, over the phone no less, that Makaeya his this fatal disease.

To make matters worse, this is a genetic disease. It's possible their 8-month old baby girl may have this disorder, too. So Lance, his wife and their daughters will fly out to the Mayo Clinic on May 17th for medical testing.

Below is an awareness video to tell you a little more about MLD:

Although there is no cure, there is hope. On Monday, I'll post some information about how we can help Makaeya.

In the meantime, keep Makaeya in your prayers.

14 comments:

Sanctifying Grace said...

Her and the family will be in my prayers. I'll add them to our intercessions. ~~Alex+

Anonymous said...

This is very sad news. Lance is a great guy and a very proud papa. We can only hope and pray for the best for Makaeya.

Anonymous said...

All the best for Lance's little daughter.

Anonymous said...

When I was a new lawyer lost in the courthouse Lance was often a beakon of light with a smile. I'll keep his family in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

God's grace, comfort and healing to Lance and his family.

Geoff

Anonymous said...

I worked with Jamie at DRS. They will be in my prayers. God please help this little girl.

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers as well.

Anonymous said...

Bernie, please let your readers know that there is a bone marrow drive being held today (Friday) at Lafayette College Kirby Field House from 11-1 and 4-7. It's just a simple cheek swab to see if you are a match for Makaeya. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Will bone marrow save Makaeya's life?

Bernie O'Hare said...

It will not save her life, but it will extend it and give it some quality and perhaps a cure can be found in that time.

Anonymous said...

Such sad news, I cannot imagine what Lance and his wife are going through as parents. Here is a guy who gave so much to his family and others, now he has this burden. Doesn't make much sense. Court Admin set up a fund to help them with expenses if anyone is interested.

Anonymous said...

FAITH IS BELIEVING WHAT YOU CAN'T SEE OR TOUCH. SOMETIMES GOD WANTS TO LET US KNOW THAT HE IS IN CHARGE AND WITH HIM ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. GOD CAN DO WHAT NO ONE ELSE CAN AND PRAYER IS A POWERFUL TOOL. HE HEARS AND ANSWERS OUR PRAYERS AND ULTIMATELY, WE HAVE NO CONTROL OR CHOICE ABOUT WHAT WILL HAPPEN, WE ARE ALL IN HIS HANDS. TRUST GOD, BELIVE IN HIM AND ACCEPT THE PATH HE HAS CHOSEN FOR US. GOD BLESS THE WHEELER FAMILY.

Anonymous said...

Always remember that with God you will always have the strength to over come anything. Just remember to have faith and always know that god is with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

God be w/ you