I've hesitated to post this and I definitely don't want to be a wet blanket in the midst of the great news on Shoop, but I would appreciate your prayers. Our family received word over the holiday break that our 14 year old daughter has been diagnosed with a very rare genetic disorder. So rare, in fact, that there are only 65 known cases in the entire world. More specifically, she has a mutation in her COL4A-1 gene that leaves her vulnerable to strokes and intracranial bleeds from weak and fragile small vessels. There's much more to it, but you can google it to get more info if you wish. She will have to have several lifestyle modifications to protect her small vessels in her eyes and more importantly her brain, including giving up cheerleading and some other activities. Any jarring or hits to the head can have severe, life threatening consequences. It's going to be a long road ahead, but our faith in Christ sustains us, and I ask that you pray for her protection and for my wife and I as we learn how to help her manage a new life with this diagnosis. Thank you VN - you guys are the best.
