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Finish the Fight, Run the Race, Keep the Faith <>< 
Dakota Hawkins
Febuary 7, 1991 - March 2, 2006 Dakota's journey of faith began on his second birth, October 1998 when he was washed in the blood of the Lamb. His journey of faith continued as a happy, healthy, intelligent, athletic All-American boy until we received the SHOCK of our lives. On Dec. 26, 2002 Dakota was diagnosed with AML leukemia at the tender age of 11. The real journey of faith became a race to cross the finish line.
Dakota underwent 5 months of intense chemotherapy at Arkansas' Childrens Hospital and went into remission very quickly following his induction therapy. We found out on Valentine's Day that his little brother, Riley, (photo album) was a perfect match for his brother. At that time the majority of the doctors felt like it would be best to wait for a transplant and finish the protocol he was on.
Dakota relapsed on Oct. 21, 2003 (age 12), and began another round of chemotherapy. We left for M. D. Anderson in Houston, Tx after Christmas of 2003. Dakota had a stem cell transplant on Feb. 23, 2004(age 13) using his brother's cells. Riley's cells helped prolong Dakota's life. Dakota relapsed 9 months later on Nov. 23, 2004. We returned to MDA in Houston on Dec. 4, 2004 to undergo experimental therapy, but to no avail.
God began calling us to Jerusalem on Dakota's 14th birthday. We left two weeks' later for Jerusalem to undergo a transplant that manipulates cells to fight the cancer. Dakota first received his mother's cells, but rejected them. Riley's cells were then given to Dakota again. Thankfully, we went into remission and become 100 percent donor cells from his brother. We returned home from Jerusalem to the US the end of May 2005 with a hopeful heart.
Our newest enemy became Graph vs. Host Disease (auto-immune disease where new system fights the old affecting organs, eating, skin, hair growth, etc). After months & months of travel to San Antonio and Houston Texas for photopheresis with follow-up at Arkansas' Childrens Hospital, the GVH wouldn't loosen it's grip upon Dakota's body. Dakota fought GVH courageously and vigilantly for almost a year. He remained cancer-free.
Although we prayed the prayer of faith (James 5), asked, knocked, and believed. Our prayers we're not answered for an earthly healing, but instead we we're given a heavenly healing. Dakota's journey of faith continues in each one of us who was touched by his example, contagious smile, or wise words, and made a better person by his faith........"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord , the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." 2 Tim. 4: 7,8
Heavenly Father, as we go forward, we ask for your protective hand over Riley from dangers seen and unseen, from disease, injury, and the evil one. We ask for blessings of love, health, maturity, wisdom, and character to bestowed upon him and that he will remain faithful to you to the end. We thank you Father for allowing us to have Dakota for such a short time to love, and cherish. We are forever changed by his character and now long for the eternal....For he helped us to see how to really live. In the precious name of Jesus....Amen
On March 2, 2006 at 8:50 a.m. our lives changed forever. At age 15, our Dakota went to be with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He was at peace, at his own home and in his own bed with his mama at his side.....Surely this was not an ordinary child, but a warrior for Christ, on loan to us from God. How blessed we have been to have been chosen to be his parents, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, or friend.
Journal
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 10:55 PM CDT REDEEMING THE TEARS
..............A Journey Through Grief and Loss
~An 8-month community Bible study & support for bereaved parents
~The second Monday of each month beginning April 13, 2009
~Mount Carmel Baptist Church Youth Building in Cabot, AR in the Lodge Room
~To inquire or register, call MCBC at 843-6222
~Leaders: Laura Langstaff, Kathy Hatcher, & Sharon Hawkins
Our Road Map.....
Positioning the Loss in My Life
Listening to My Heart
Realigning My Heart
Accepting My Journey
Connecting with Help: God
Connecting with Help: Community
Embracing Redemption
Small group connection at the end of each session.
Read Journal History
Links: http://ktf.faithcabot.org Keep the Faith Foundation
http://www.orgsites.com/ar/penniesfromheaven Pennies from Heaven
http://www.dashpoemmovie.com?SRC=NETDASHMOVIE The Dash
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