Prayer/Healing Service

Dear Friends of Charley:
(from Madeline, Charley’s teacher)

On Tuesday, May 22, I met Charley, along with his parents and grandparents, at a healing service at Calvary Monastery in Shrewsbury. Fr. Ralph DiOrio led the prayer/healing service. This was the second time that Charley had been to one of these services. The first time was March 27, about 2 months ago. At that first time, Charley was so weak, that he slept most of the time in his dad’s arms. He was in a wheelchair, wearing surgical gloves and a mask. After his first meeting with Father DiOrio, Charley’s picture was placed on Fr.DiOrio’s website asking people to, “….pray for little Charley.”

Last Tuesday, Charley looked so wonderful! No wheelchair, no mask or gloves! As he walked into the monastery, he spotted a huge crucifix fixed against the wall. Charley slowly and deliberately walked straight toward it and touched Jesus’ feet and the nail, then he said to his mom, “This is Our Lord, Jesus.”

We all were brought right to the front pew, where Charley would be right in front of Fr. DiOrio. Charley was asked to ring the chimes to let the congregation know that the service was going to start. He slowly walked down the aisle shaking the bells. Father spoke to the whole group and affirmed that it was no accident that we were there. “You are meant to be here, it is no accident that you are here. You are meant to be here!” He said this so many times. Father stood right in front of and beside Charley and Nehemiah so often, looking and smiling at him as he spoke to the congregation. Charley even reached out to touch his robes. After prayers and a sermon, Father blessed and anointed Charley, laying on hands and praying especially for him. Father also blessed, anointed and prayed for Deborah and Nehemiah, and for Charley’s grandparents and me. After Charley was anointed, he and his parents went to a side cubicle where two other healing ministers prayed especially for Charley and for his parents. These ministers always know the right words to use when they ask God for intercession and help.

Charley’s name has been placed in Fr. DiOrio’s ministry chapel in Worcester. His picture is there also. There he is prayed for every day by Father and by the members of his healing ministry.

(From dad Nehemiah):

I’m deeply touched by the Fr. Ralph DiOrio Ministry. Receptionists and his coworkers warmly welcome us at the front entrance and the chapel. During the first time there, Charley was so weak and sleepy that I held him in my arms for almost 2 hours. This was a blessing moment I had a “privilege” holding my son for such a long time. Charley was quiet and comfortable while the congregation listened to the preacher with a fervent heart. Charley waked up until Father DiOrio prayed for him. Last Tuesday, Charley was full of energy so that he didn't even need a wheelchair. He was amazed by the gorgeous interior design of the chapel. I enjoyed translating some key messages to him. For several occasions, I held him on my knees and thankful of intimacy with Charley under the merciful God. Before Father DiDrio prayed for Charley, he was pleased to say “I remember you” and then, poured a bottle of sanctified oil upon Charley’s head.

“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective”. (James 5: 16, Bible).

Please look at his blog where there are more recent pictures. http://helpcharley.blogspot.com/

Bone Marrow Test - Preliminary Result Inconclusive

To Charley's Friends,

After a long wait, Charley's parents were notified that Thursday's bone marrow aspirate test has not shown any immediate conclusive results. They will have to wait at least several days to hear if it is possible to get any confirmative result from the bone biopsy, or cytogenetic analysis. If not, the doctors will perform another once Charley's counts reach a higher level.

Let's pray that this is a case of "No news is good news!"
In the meantime, as you can see from the most recent pictures, Charley's glow is back. He is the best he has been in months. He is spending more time in the playroom, and continues to enjoy visiting his friend, Charlie, a couple doors down. This week, he enjoyed visiting Amos, a volunteer dog. Charley's smiles are more frequent and his humor has returned! We all missed this side of Charley while he was going through tougher times and are grateful for all of these answers to our prayers. Keep up the praying!

Prayer Requests:
* That Charley will continue to feel more comfortable.
* That Charley's counts will continue to increase so that doctors are able to get results from Charley's bone marrow tests.
* That the tests results will point in the direction of healing.
* That the Lord will continue to embrace Charley and his family as they continue to wait.

-Erin

Bone Marrow Test Scheduled

Dear Charley’s Friends,

This week is an eventful week for Charley. He enjoyed the 10 hours at home on Sunday. He played with his two cats and Mrs. Figueras (Charley’s teacher) and our neighbors visited him. He played with Urvi and Gaurav in the evening. They had good time together. Tuesday we took Charley to a three-hour healing service in our hometown. Mrs. Figueras is writing about the service. It will be posted on his blog soon.

This week, Charley’s white count reached 1000 with ANC above the magic number of 500. The doctors are very happy to see his counts coming up. His platelets are still low and he needs almost daily platelet transfusion. The very important and long awaited bone marrow test is schedule at 11:00am tomorrow, Thursday, May 24.

Please pray:

* For the best results of the bone marrow test
* For the decisions following the bone marrow test
* Help with the decision of whether or not to also give Charley an NG tube (feeding tube) during the procedure

Healing Service in Shrewsbury

Charley attended a Healing Service on 5/22 in Shrewsbury! Praise the Lord for giving him this opportunity to leave the hospital for the day, to see friends and his teacher, and most of all...for leading Charley to join others in prayer in the house of the Lord.

Donor to Match Your Donations!

A friend of the Cherng family has graciously offered to match all donations to the Charley Cherng Fund, up to $10,000! The generosity of this anonymous donor will allow your donations to be doubled.

Fundraiser Kick-Off

An Urgent Appeal for the “Charley Cherng Fund”

Charley Cherng is a courageous and endearing 6-year-old who has been battling leukemia since the age of 3. Orphaned by his birth parents in China, Charley found love, hope and commitment in the loving Cherng couple, who traveled to china many times to adopt him.
One year ago, Charley came to the United States and underwent a bone marrow transplant in an attempt to save his life. Sadly, the leukemia persisted and relapsed 5 months after transplant. His parents, Deborah and Nehemiah, remain undaunted and persistent in hope. They continue to battle the cancer with conventional and innovative treatments available at leading research institutions. Charley has been hospitalized since February 16, 2007.

Charley’s potentially life-saving treatments and the required hospital stays come at a great cost to Charley physically as well as to his family financially. Both Deborah and Nehemiah have taken leaves of absence from their careers to be by Charley’s side during these extensive treatments.

To help defray the Cherng family’s unending medical expenses, along with mortgage and utility costs, The United Methodist Church in Westboro, MA established a non-profit fund for Charley. Charley’s family needs your help.

If you have had the pleasure of meeting this remarkable family, you know their steadfast love and perseverance. Please contribute whatever God leads you to donate. Join with us as we walk with the Cherng family.

Please send your tax-deductible donation to "The First United Methodist Church, 120 West Main Street, Westborough, MA 01581, USA". Checks can be made payable to "First United Methodist Church" or "FUMC". Please write "Charley Cherng Fund" on the memo line. If you have any questions, please call the First United Methodist Church directly at (508) 366-4910.

Charley’s webpage (www.helpcharley.org) is under construction and will open soon. You may also find Charley’s updates by visiting his supporting blog at //helpcharley.blogspot.com.

Thank you for joining us in prayer and support for Charley.

Leave of absence from hospital

Charley blows bubbles with fun-5/18/2007

Hello Friends,

Although Charley is still quite nauseous, as Dr. Sallan noted, this is the "best Charley has looked since the bone marrow transplant."
Charley was able to make his first trip to Toys R Us on a 6 hour leave of absence from the hospital. He was overwhelmed. At the hospital gift shop, Charley would pick up a toy, carefully look at it and put it back. The volunteer was amazed, she'd never seen a child put toys back!

Deborah and Nehemiah are waiting to have the bone marrow test which had to be postponed because of Charley's fragile bone marrow: his platelets are still low. The very good news is that his liver and spleen have stayed the same -- no enlargement over the past weeks. The medical team decided to stop the antibiotic treatment since he has had no fever for more than a week (praise the Lord!). The antibiotics may be contributing to bone marrow suppression and nausea. His pain meds are also being decreased.

Today, Saturday, Charley planed a visit home for a few hours but it was canceled because this morning he had an allergic reaction to platelet transfusion with high fever, hypotension and high heart rate. After two doses of Tylenol, the symptoms were resolved in the evening. The Cherng family plans to take a leave of absent (LOA) from the hospital tomorrow to see their two cats and had an afternoon nap in their own bedroom. On next Tuesday, they will take another LOA to attend Father Ralph A. DiOrio Healing Service at Calvary Retreat Center in Shrewsbury, MA.

Please pray for:

* Healthy growth of the bone marrow.
* No new infections as the antibiotics are discontinued.
* No bleeding as his platelets are low and no more allergic reaction to transfusions.
* Good bone marrow test result.
* Return of appetite and no nausea.
* Joy and peace and hope in Jesus our savior.

Thank you all for your prayers.
In His love,
Linda

Bone Marrow Test Delayed

To Charley's Family and Friends,

Charley was originally scheduled for his bone marrow test today. However, his blood count is still low. His white cells are around 500 and his ANC is 200. The doctors want to wait until his ANC reaches 400-500 to ensure that they will get results. At the current level, the results may be inconclusive.

This test needs to be done in order to make further decisions for Charley's care. The results will show whether or not the chemo has worked. Therefore, it is best if Charley's counts increase soon.

Prayer Request:
* Please pray that Charley's counts reach a level that would allow the doctors to perform the bone marrow test.
* Pray for the protection of Charley's bone marrow in the absence of chemotherapy.
* Deborah and Nehemiah are given the strength needed to deal with the daily changes in plans.

CHARLEY ENJOYS MOTHER’S DAY

Dear Charley’s Friends,

This is Joshua, Charley’s cousin. Today, my parents, sister, and I drove up to Boston like we had many times, to visit and play with Charley. When we saw him playing with a puzzle, he looked much better than last time two weeks ago while he was in the ICU. He had much more energy, and really enjoyed making a puzzle with us. Then, we played with Legos for the rest of the day. During all of this, Charley was smiling, and looking very happy as he played with the Legos and other things with my sister and me. I'm glad he looks like he is recovering nicely, and each day I pray that God heals him completely.

It is especially important that we pray that Charley eats more, as that will build up his strength again and help him recover. Please keep in prayer for Charley’s bone marrow test scheduled on the 17th (Thursday) and achieving the complete remission after the 2nd course of chemotherapy.

Thankful for:
* Charley has not had fever since Friday.
* Charley walks more since Saturday.

I am Maria, Charley’s cousin.
Since the past two weeks Charley has recovered a lot. He has gone from being in the ICU to a regular room in the hospital. He smiles and talks much more now. We brought a 200 pieced kitty’s puzzle. My dad, brother, Charley, Stephanie and I worked on it together until we finally finished it. It was SO much fun! We also played with some Legos and built a huge Viking ship and ships of our own design. He was very active and had lots of happy energy. We love Charley very dearly and continue to pray for him every day.

PRAYER REQUSTS:
* to improve his eating and drinking quantities
* to improve his blood conditions, particularly from low platelets.

Mother's Day!

Dear Charley's friends,

Charley and I will celebrate Mother's day with Deborah for the second
year in the US. My mother-in-law and my sister Li and her family will have a
joint celebration in Charley's room this afternoon.

We had the same celebration last year at our house. Charley and I went
shopping for gifts for each "mommy"- one balloon and one rose. I believe
you would be interested in seeing Charley's pictures taken one year ago.

Happy Mother's Day!!

-Nehemiah

Extra Prayers Needed this Week

Charley ate a tomato on Thursday (5/10)


Charley played in the playroom on Saturday (5/12)


Dear Charley's Friends and Family,

I am happy to report that Charley's physical condition continues to improve. When I saw him yesterday, he was sitting up with his uncle. And today Deborah tells me that Charley took a walk down the hall! Charley was active today and was awake for about 9 hours.

This week is a going to be a big week in Charley's treatment. In the next few days, Charley will have a bone marrow test to see whether or not his last course of chemo, Clofarabine, worked. Most of his numbers indicate that the chemo has helped him. The good news is that Charley's white blood count continues to increase. It was at 310 two days ago, 370 yesterday, and 420 today. But the major concern is Charley's low platelet count. Even if the chemo shows to be effective, Dr. Sallan will not be able to continue chemo until Charley's count increases to a safer range.

Over the past few days, Charley has shown signs of allergies to the budding flowers. He has started taking antihistamines.

Finally, this is a reminder that Charley's photo album has been updated. You can click on the link on the left side of this page or go to http://picasaweb.google.com/charley.cherng?pli=1 to view the album.

Prayer Requests:
* The bone marrow test will show that the chemo has been effective in fighting the leukemia.
* Charley's platelet count will increase so that he can continue with effective treatment.
* Charley's white blood count continues to increase.
* Charley's continues to feel more energetic.
* Deborah and Nehemiah are blessed with even more strength as they look forward to a week of more decisions.

Academics!

To Charley's Friends and Family,

I am so happy to report that Charley and I had a great session for over an hour today! He practiced 1st grade addition and subtraction and learned how to do word searches. I am so proud of him! The last time we had a truly academic session must have been well over a month ago! Go Charley!

Charley was nauseous during our session and had a tough time taking his meds. But with mom's help, Charley was able to overcome his nausea. Also, Charley's blood counts increased today to over 300.

Prayer Request:
* Charley's nausea will diminish so that he can take in more of the nutrients he needs to make him stronger.

-Erin

Physical Therapy and a New Friend!

Today, Charley enjoyed some exercise with a physical therapist. He even invited his 6-North neighbor, Charlie, to join him. Charlie and Charley enjoyed playing together!

Update from Madeline; May 6, 2007

Today I spoke with Nehemiah about Charley’s condition. He told me that since Tuesday, when Charley moved into the new comfort room on the 6th floor, Charley has become steadily stronger. For the last 4 days he has been off of the BI-PAP oxygen machine (the big face mask) and the volume on the little nose oxygen has been turned down from 8 to 1.5. So his breathing is really getting better. Also, the "Do Not Intubate" order has been reversed.

He still has nausea, and he gets his main nutrition from an IV feeding tube. Dr. Rosenthal is trying to strengthen his nutrition. Charley has started eating some fruits and vegetables, such as grapes and cucumbers, and he especially likes cactus juice. He is able to keep these foods down.

He feels better, he has more energy. On his first day in the comfort room he asked if he could go downstairs to look around the lobby and gift shop. Then on Thursday the doctor gave him permission to go downstairs. He went down in a wheelchair, but he was able to examine all of the shelves, and he went in the garden section so he could interact/play with the clowns. He is feeling stronger.

His spleen is still enlarged, but it hasn’t gotten any larger in the last weeks. His liver is normal, and his lungs are getting better.

Charley’s bone marrow does see some minor improvements. His Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) is around 130. This is the measure of the real number of white blood cells that Charley has, which will fight infection. To be really effective the count should be around 500.

Deborah and Nehemiah have been actively researching information and various treatments from other cancer institutes, such as St Jude’s and the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Other types of treatments are still possibilities if the medical team believes that Charley is eligible for clinical trials.

A fund is being established by Deborah’s and Nehemiah’s Church to help with finances and expenses. Please pray for the success of this fund.

Prayer Requests:

* Please pray that Charley is able to continue to be without infection
* Please pray that Charley’s appetite comes back
* Please pray that Charley’s bone marrow continues to improve
* Please pray that Charley will be healed
* Please pray for wisdom for the medical team in making decisions for Charley healing
* Please pray for God’s help, strength, and wisdom for Deborah and Nehemiah in all that they do.

Update from Linda; May 6, 2007

To Charley's Friends and Family,

What a joy to see pictures of Charley walking and smiling : )We thank God that Charley has more energy, can laugh at the clowns and enjoy the garden at Children's Hospital. We celebrate his one year with Deborah and Nehemiah as well as how God has given him the love and security of this devoted couple.

Charley is needing less oxygen support (he's off the Bi-PAP for 4 days) but is still short of breath. Though his spleen is enlarged, it has not continued to get larger but rather has been the same since 10 days ago. These symptoms will be watched carefully to understand what they may indicate.

Charley's oncologist returns from abroad on Tuesday and they hope then to know when a bone marrow test can be performed to see if his last chemotherapy was effective against the leukemia.

I spoke with Nehemiah by phone Sunday afternoon. It has been a difficult week for them as they try to plot out Charley's future treatment plans. Just over a week ago, Charley’s oncologist said that Charley’s treatment had failed because of Charley's enlarged spleen as well as an overall weakness and wanted to move to hospice care and even signed a "no intubation" advance directive. However, Charley continues to show signs of improvement that indicate that his case is not a “typical” case. His doctors are very encouraged by this. Deborah and Nehemiah are diligent researchers who have been searching the literature to find new and innovative therapies such as immunotherapy. Children Hospital Boston does not offer these alternative treatments.

My prayer for this family will come from Romans 15:5, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Pray that God would direct their steps as they search out new and innovated treatment options beyond the conventional. This road may lead them to other research institutions beyond Boston.

To that end, a fund will be established to help defray medical costs. Are you aware Deborah has now been on leave from her job for 8 months. Nehemiah also, since April 1, 2007 is not taking any salary. The demands of Charley's medical treatment do require both of them to be by his side since it is so life threatening and can change in an instant. More details of how to contribute will follow.

Thank God for Charley's energy and smiles.
Thank God for you, Charley's extended family in Christ - for your support and help.
-Linda

Pray:
* For a good outcome of the bone marrow test - that it would show no leukemic cells.
* Charley's spleen to return to normal as well as for his breathing to become stronger.
* For wisdom, unity and Holy Spirit led treatment decisions by Deborah and Nehemiah.

Happy 1-Year Anniversary, Charley!

Hello friends,

Today was a very special day. It marked the 1st anniversary of Charley's arrival in the United States! He celebrated this evening with his family. Earlier today, Charley took a trip to the garden, where he found some clowns. He also went to the hospital gift shop to pick out some toys. Praise God for helping Charley to have more energy!

-Erin

2007年，星期五，五月4号

田田在美国的生活一年庆

田田的朋友们，你们好！

今天对田田来说，是个特别的日子, 田田到美国一年了。今天早上，田田去了花园，并在那里看见一些小丑。下午，他和家人一起庆祝, 并去医院的礼品店选了一些玩具。请求万能的神给与田田精力。

-Erin

New Pictures from 6N

Dear Charley's friends,

Charley is getting stable and stronger day by day. Yesterday, the 2nd day
since he left ICU, he could walk from the bed to the sofa and he played with his cards. Today, he
enjoyed playing his V.Smile video game with teacher Le and then took a long nap.

Attached please find his photos taken right after he moved back to the
oncology floor as well as playing cards the second day.

Thank you all for walking through the valley of the shadow of death with
Charley in your hearts and endless prayers.

-Deborah & Nehemiah

Charley has moved to 6-North

Dear Friends and Family of Charley,

Yesterday evening, Charley moved to the comfort room on 6 North. This is the same room he was in before being transferred to the ICU. He was very excited and stayed up late enjoying his new room. He asked for juice and played some games. His hands are still weak from not being used much while he was in the ICU. Last night, Charley got up to go to the bathroom. This was his first time in over 3 weeks. Go Charley!

Over the past several days, Charley has been off the Bi-pap for longer intervals. Yesterday, he broke another record and was off for 15 hours!

Charley still has on and off fevers. There are no new findings in terms of infections. He does have a new rash on his legs and face. Treatment for the rash is starting today.

-Erin