Online Newsletter
Reyes Jr. graduates from West Point
Cadet Angel Andres Reyes Jr., son of Angel and Deanna Reyes and grandson of Meliton and Louise Trujillo, graduated from the United States Military Academy (West Point) with a Bachelor of Science degree on May 27. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army within the Infantry branch. He will report to Fort Benning, Georgia, to begin Pre-Ranger School training on July 7. Upon successful completion of that training, he will begin the U.S. Army Ranger School, followed by the Basic Officer Leadership Infantry Course. Reyes is assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Infantry, Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Prayers are requested for three year old Henry Reiss "Hank" and his family...
"It’s been five months since Henry was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. In those months, he’s had 5 rounds of chemo, a successful major surgery, countless minor procedures, and 10 hospital stays. He is a tough cookie, tanking cancer like the champ he is, most of the time with a smile. He spouts off medical jargon like a nurse-in-training and communicates impressively well for a three-year-old. He has a reputation for sailing through his treatments with surefire success. In fact, our oncologist recently told us he is technically in complete remission right now. These are things to be thankful for, to be sure. We are so proud of Henry.
But we know that Henry’s fight is not over. The next step in our treatment plan is the bone marrow transplant. Our oncologist quickly followed up his “remission” comment with the fact that Henry’s cancer cells have an 80% chance of coming right back if we don’t keep fighting. The transplant procedure will happen twice – in October/early November, and again in December/early January. This step is an important part in helping Henry win his fight."
What this all means in practical terms:
Henry will be admitted for at least 3 weeks for each transplant process. His admission for the first one is scheduled for Sunday, October 15. He will have high-dose chemotherapy during the first week. The actual transplant will begin on October 23. Prayers are especially appreciated during this time because Henry will be miserable - with sores in his mouth and gastrointestinal system, a feeding tube inserted into his throat, isolation in a special wing of the hospital where only authorized personnel and visitors will be allowed to interact with him and where he won’t see his siblings for nearly a month.
Henry's mother Dawn's biggest reality check recently was the other day when one of our doctors said, “Just think, after the second transplant [in early January], you’ll be halfway through Henry’s treatment!” Wow. Sigh. Deep breaths. That’s all, eh? Please continue to pray for our boy, us, and our other children as we process and move forward into this thoroughly unexpected journey. We are leaning on your prayers as we are understandably overwhelmed.
Note: Henry's dad Dave and big sister Lucy stayed and worked at Loma Verde Camp as part of a mission group from San Antonio, TX.
for updates on Henry's condition