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Tuesday, May 31, 2005 9:48 AM CDT

Good Friends:
We heard from Nick over the weekend.
He is planning a trip to visit in July.
When I know the times he will be here, I will list those here.
He is stable, and feeling well.

Wednesday, March 2, 2005 3:54 PM CST

Nick is doing very well.

He has just celebrated Chinese New Year -- which included a nice school break. Nick had hoped to come to the us to visit during the school break, but was not able to come. He still hopes to visit this summer.

Nick told us that he is taking 6 glevac pills and day, and that his leukemia is under control. When the time arrives for the bone marrow transplant, we understand that a match has been found.

We are so thankful that Nick has done so well, now more than a year since his diagnosis on Feb 22, 2004. When we read the journal entries from that time -- we praise God that Nick has survived, and that he has done so well over the past year. All of our Rotary friends are to be commended for their ability to "rise to the occasion" during those difficult days. We remember every one of you with fondness. God Bless, Bill Hess

Wednesday, July 28, 2004 9:50 AM CDT

Dear Friends:
I understand that many of you are still looking here for information. Let me update you.
Nick is doing well in Taiwan. They will be moving back into their home in about 3 weeks. That will be good for him, because he is a little unsettled with his computer and telephone until he gets home.
Nick's email address is nick761987@hotmail.com
He has hit golf balls and done a little swimming.
He is taking 5 glevac pills a day, so his white cell count is low. He must be careful of infections.
Nick has informed us that they are searching for a bone marrow match. Keep this in your prayers.
Thank you for caring.
God Bless, Bill Hess

Monday, June 7, 2004 3:16 PM CDT

Nick and his mother have safely arrived in Taiwan. They are both feeling well. Currently, they are staying with Nick's Uncle. Nick has called three times and has said that he is bored, his email doesn't work, and they are not in a good location for walking.
His Uncle Chuck will go with him to the appointment with the doctor on Wednesday, June 9. We will keep you informed when we hear any more news.

Wednesday, June 2, 2004 1:21 PM CDT

Nick and Shu Ling left at 12:30 pm today from Philadelphia international Airport on their long journey home. They will first fly to Detroit, then on to Osaka, Japan, and finally to Taiwan.
The final few days were very emotional. Nick received a good report on his final visit to CHOP on Friday. He also picked up his final allotment of medications. We thank all those at CHOP for their excellent care of Nick throughout this ordeal.
Over the Memorial Day Weekend Nick did everything we could fit into the schedule: golfing, lessons with Doug Hendricks, final shopping, lots of eating, a visit to Mom mom and Pop pop's, and church.
BJ and Adrienne, and Daniel were there to see Nick and Shu Ling off this morning. All of your calls, thoughts, and prayers were most appreciated.
We will keep you informed at this sight as to Nick's continuing status in Taiwan. God Bless You All, Bill Hess

Friday, May 7, 2004 9:48 AM CDT

To All of Nick's Friends:

Nick is doing well. The medicine has done a good job of maintaining the white cell count. Nick hit golf balls the other evening as far as ever!

The decision has been made that Nick is to return to Taiwan for his continuing treatment and bone marrow transplant.
We have been assured that the care and procedure in Taiwan is just as good as it is in the USA. He and his mother have plane reservations for June 2.

Continue to pray that a perfect match can be found for Nick's bone marrow transplant. In many ways, it will be much more comfortable for Nick and his whole family to be together in Taiwan as they face this challenge.

We cannot thank all of you enough for your prayers, thoughts, and generosity in assisting Nick and his mother through these past few months. February 22 seems like years ago! When we consider how far Nick has come, and reflect upon the many, many ways you have helped Nick and his mother, we thank God for all of you. May God bless you all, and may Nick find a full and complete healing of his leukemia.

In Love, Bill and Beverly Hess

Tuesday, April 20, 2004 5:08 PM CDT

Dear Friends:
On Monday, April 19, we were informed that Nick's sister is not a match for the bone marrow transplant. This was very sad news for all of us, and of course, to Nick and Shu Ling this information came with a lot of emotion. We all had a good cry.
Monday night, John, B.J. and Bill had a special meeting to discuss the various options. There will be a meeting with the physicians as soon as possible. We want to begin the search for the bone marrow as soon as possible. We should know more about this shortly.
Now for the GOOD NEWS. Nick is feeling great. His white cell count is 14,000 -- which is pretty good. He is able to attend East High School for half days. On Saturday, April 17, he participated with the exchange students in the big day at Swathmore, and Nick was a great singer!
He also attended a Phillies game with BJ - and the Phillies won.
Special thanks to all of you for providing transportation, for inviting Nick and Shu Ling to special functions, and for your prayers.

Friday, April 2, 2004 1:07 PM CST

Dear Friends:
Nick is doing very well!
Every Monday he visits CHOP for his blood tests.
His white cell count has been up and down, so they regulate that by determining how many pills he has to take.
He has returned to school. The nurse at East High School has been great. Nick does get tired, so he can then go to the nurses' office and rest. We pick him up at noon, which is about as long as Nick can make it. He is still quite weak. We pray that he does not catch a cold or flu.
Nick is a bit unstable walking, so they have someone walk with him between classes, and he gets out of class early to avoid the crowds. Going to school for half a day has been good for Nick.
His sister has been tested to see if she is a bone marrow match. The results will be back in about two weeks. PRAY that she is a match! If she is, then we can begin to make plans for the bone marrow transplant (perhaps in June.) We also need to figure out how to extend the visas for both Su Ling and Nick. Thankfully, BJ is working on that. Thank you all for the cards, gifts, good food, and the transportation help. Nick was diagnosed six weeks ago. These have been difficult weeks, but with everyone's help and kindness, we are all doing very well!
Blesings to All, Bill Hess (Host Dad)

Friday, March 19, 2004 2:06 PM CST

Hello friends. I took Nick and Su ling to CHOP today for his appointment at the clinic. He has been there three times this week. His white cell count is still too low and his platelet count is also too low. He is not able to return to school or be in large crowds. He was hoping to travel with the Rotary group tonight to Wilmington, but that is out of the question. His next appointment is on Monday at CHOP. We are hoping that he can return to school and also begin some physical therapy. Until then, he has to stay home and watch all of the basketball games!

We are still awaiting word from Taiwan as to whether Nick's sister is a bone marrow match. Please keep that in your prayers. Although you are invited to visit, please be advised that if you are ill, it is better to call (610-431-4694). Thank you all. Bill Hess, Host Dad

Wednesday, March 17, 2004 4:07 PM CST

Here is the latest news on Nick.
He has been to the clinic at CHOP on Monday and again today.
On Monday he had to receive some platelets. They are trying to adjust his mediction. His white cell count is too low, making it dangerous for him to be around a lot of people.
We had hoped he would have gone back to school on Tuesday, or on Thurdsay, but he is not allowed to return to school.
He has to go back to the clinic on Friday -- that means three visits back to CHOP in the first week! We thank Adrienne for arranging the transportation.
Obviously, the next few months will be challenging for all of us -- and especially for Nick. With everyone helping out -- we are confident that we can take much better care of Nick here than if he were back in Taiwan.
Thanks to all of you for the food, the cards, the visits, and all the many ways you have displayed your love and concern for Nick -- Bill Hess, Host Dad

Wednesday, March 10, 2004 8:32 PM CST

Nick is back home in West Chester!
CHOP was very good to Nick -- we believe they saved his life -- but it was great to say goodbye and leave the oncology unit behind.
Nick had a great dinner, exercised by walking up and down steps, then went straight to bed.
Every Monday he will return to CHOP for blood tests and physical therapy. Friends and Rotarians will be asked to help out with transportation.
Nick is having difficulty walking, so pray for his strength to return, so he can return to school. We are thinking tonight that we might wait until Tuesday before sending him to school. Steps are very hard for him.
His mother has settled in as well, and will be staying here until his bone marrow transplant (hopefully in June).
Please feel free to call (610-431-4694) or come to visit (700 Bicking Drive, West Chester, PA 19382).
God Bless all of you for your prayers, visits, cards, messages, and support.

Wednesday, March 10, 2004 12:45 AM CST

Today is discharge day!!!!!! At 3pm today Nick will be leaving CHOP and returning to his host family's home in West Chester.
More will be posted after he settles in!

This is a big day for everyone involved with Nick!

-John Lotz
D7450 YEP Chairman

Monday, March 8, 2004 8:56 PM CST

Well, we heard whisper's over the weekend, but after a meeting today with the doctors, it is official - Nick will be discharged on Wednesday!!!!!

He will be returning to the home of Bill and Beverly Hess. He will remain on the chemotherapy drugs and will also have to take antibiotics a couple times a week but should be able to resume many of his "normal" activities.

The Hesses have graciously offered to also make room for Su-Ling so that she can stay with Nick here in the US at least for the short term.

While the doctors are somewhat vague about exact timing, they have offered up that if everything goes according to plans, that Nick could possibly receive a bone marrow transplant as early as June. There are many things that need to happen just right for that to be the case. Nick's sister will be tested soon and if she is not a match the donor registries will be searched. Hopefully a match will be found.

Once a transplant is performed, it will take a few months for Nick to recover. It is anticipated that he will be able to stay in the US throughout the process.

More info will follow in the next day or two, but I suggest that if you aren't visiting him on Tuesday, that you wait until he is settled back at the Hesses. I know Nick will be excited to get out of the hospital and back to school!! Yes, he will be expected to go back to WC East as much as possible.

Volunteers will be needed to help transport Nick to CHOP every Monday to visit with the Oncology Doctors. This weekly visit will ensure that Nick progresses well. Anyone interested in helping can contact Adrienne Masak of the Youth Exchange Committee at adimasak@hotmail.com who will be coordinatinig the Monday transportation.

God is smiling down on Nick and everyone who has been involved with his care and nurturing through this process.

-John Lotz
D7450 YEP Chair

Monday, March 8, 2004 8:32 AM CST

Hi all -
Nick continues doing well. Many visitors came by over the weekend including Martin, Dana, and Ann-Claire (a few of the other youth exchange students). Also many other friends and Rotarians have stopped by.

I stopped in with my wife and 2 sons on Sunday afternoon. Nick was in good spirits and was up and about. He played some Tony Hawk ProSkater3 with my 8 year old son, JD. Nick had previously beaten BJ Barrett at a game of Madden Football.

The hospital room looks a bit like a grocery store! Thanks to everyone who has been bringing food and snacks. I will say that Nick and his mom, Su-Ling, probably have enough fruit to last them a few weeks. If you really want to get on Nick's good side, bring him some cheesecake. Dawn Hess brought some yesterday, and even though Nick just got done eating some fruit, he jumped at having some cheesecake.

The great news is that possibly (emphasis on possibly) late this week Nick might be able to get out of the hospital!!! We are hopeful and awaiting a meeting with the doctors to find out what the near future will bring. Nick would continue the chemotherapy drugs on an outpatient basis and might even (emphasis on might) be able to return to attending class at East High School.

Keep in mind, that being released from the hospital won't mean that Nick is cured! He will still have a long journey that ultimately will include a bone marrow transplant.

We are overjoyed at how well Nick is doing. All thanks to God's blessings, the great staff at CHOP, the support of Rotarians, friends, and family.

-John Lotz
D7450 YEP Chairman

Friday, March 5, 2004 2:40 PM CST

So, we gave a call to Nick's room to see how he is doing. His mother answers and says "He's not here!" With some trepedation we inquired as to where he was... no not another battery of tests.

Apparently he has been able to get out of bed and go for a walk!!!!! The nurses are going to have their hands full now.

He also has been able to sit at the computer in the hall so hopefully he has been able to read the many entries in the guestbook.

He still has a ways to go but with the great care of the entire CHOP staff, the support of Rotarians and Friends, and God's blessings, Nick continues to improve.

Take time out of your weekend and stop by to visit. But be ready to get clobbered playing PlayStation2. And if you are bearing food, you will be his favorite visitor of the day!

-John Lotz
D7450 YEP Chair

Friday, March 5, 2004 8:13 AM CST

Well, Nick continues doing well. Visitors continue through the door and help brighten his spirits. Especially welcome are those visitors who bring food! Last night Adrienne Masak from the Youth Exchange Committee brought Nick his favorite food - Cheesecake! The Doctors want Nick to bulk up a little bit so bring any type of food - chips, cheesecake, cheesesteaks, hoagies, ok, maybe not cheesesteaks and hoagies, but the point is that he can eat anything he wants. Currently Nick has loads of fruit so try not to bring any more.

They did test Nick's bone marrow type so that as he continues staying stable, the process of heading towards a transplant can begin. It may be a very long process, but once his sister is tested we will know if she is a match. If not, the doctors will rely on the donor registries. We will also be organizing a donor drive to get people to sign up as potential bone marrow donors. Nick's best chance of finding a match will be someone also of Asian decent. More info about our donor drive will follow soon!

-John Lotz
D7450 YEP Chair

Tuesday, March 2, 2004 8:21 PM CST

Well, we now have photos! Above is a picture of Nick reading one of the many cards wishing him a speedy recovery. Click on the photo gallery link below to see 3 other photos. We are limited to 3 at a time in the photo gallery so check back often as we will rotate them from time to time.

Today was a very good day and Nick is in good spirits. Tony Hawk beware!!! Nick was playing PlayStation2 and poor Tony was crashing off of the ramps and rails! He is hoping to give a few other games a try. If you have a PS2 at home and come to visit, bring one of you favorite games and play for a while. You might also want to bring a controller as the room only has one.

Today brought another spinal tap and tonight he was given some blood as his hemoglobin level was low. He also was going to have another MRI to see if there have been any changes since the last one.

Visitors are streaming through. Tonight the Chou triplets stopped by along with Dana one of our other Inbound Exchange Students. Others are invited to stop by and keep Nick in good spirits. Please check out the journal entry from 3/1 with detailed information about visiting.

There is a long road ahead but with the support of Rotarians and with God's blessings, Nick will cruise down that road to better things.

-John Lotz

Monday, March 1, 2004 12:40 AM CST

Well, this past week has been full of ups and downs. Nick is doing well and is now receiving visitors. He is back on the 3rd floor Oncology wing (Room 3S15). ALL visitors MUST keep their visits short and positive. Also if you have ANY signs of a cold, the flu, or any illness, you MUST NOT visit. Everyone MUST wash their hands upon entering Nick's room and I also suggest doing so when leaving. Handwashing is the best way to keep germs from spreading. The final "rule" for visiting is that only 2-3 people should be in his room visiting at a time and if Nick seems tired, you should excuse yourself and allow him to rest.
Nick is still quite ill but is doing well now. His white cell count is down close to 100 and he seems to have his appetite back as well as being interested in listening to his music and using his computer.
As I am writing this it appears that this humble website has been accessed over 680 times and the guestbook is loaded with entries. It proves just how many people care about and are praying for Nick.
If you have any questions regarding visiting Nick, please use the e-mail address listed below or call John Lotz at 610-656-5461(c) or BJ Barrett at 610-585-5937(c) or 610-269-9740(h).
Thanks to the many people who have put their lives on hold this past week including BJ Barrett and Bill & Beverly Hess. Also to Dan & Sherida Yeh and the Chou family for assiting with language issues. It proves that Rotary is one big family and Service Above Self means what it says!
-John Lotz
YEP Chairman, District 7450

ps- we have taken some photos of Nick, his mother, and some of those caring for him. we should have them posted in the photo section in the next day or two.

Sunday, February 29, 2004 4:37 PM CST

It is now 5:45 pm, Sunday, and I am pleased to report that Nick has had a GREAT day.
He has been moved out of ICU into a new room on the oncology floor -- 3S15.
His white cell count is 135, he does not have a headache, and right now he is eating a spagetti dinner. We had him standing up for about 1 minute, but he became very dizzy. Nevertheless, standing up was a first!
His Aunt Ann has returned to NYC. She was a great help over the weekend. BJ and Kate were here all afternoon. Good friends Ben and Erica were here and did a wonderful job translating the doctor's report to Su Ling. Bev and I (Bill Hess) are here now, and we will make sure that Su Ling gets something to eat and gets a good rest.
Nick requested that we bring his computer and CD player, so that is a sure sign that he is feeling better.
His sister and his Father are making arrangements to come to the US as soon as they can. Pray for their safe journey here.
Nick is scheduled for a spinal tap on Monday, so keep praying that they successfully get enough fluid, and that it is clear.
It is now OK for you to COME TO VISIT. Please keep your visit short, and just a few of you at a time -- but we know Nick will love it. We told him you will not be offended if he just says, "I need to sleep." So don't take it personally. Nick is still very ill, but he has improved so much from his critical moments that we are overflowing with gratitude and praise. Thank you all for your prayers.

Saturday, February 28, 2004 4:28 PM CST

It is now 5:30 pm on Saturday.
Nick has had a good day -- and it feels so good to type those words.
His white cell count was down to 107 -- and is now 159. He continues on the chemotherapy with two medications. He does not have a headache, and he is now eating solid food. The bowl of Cheerios tasted fantastic!
He is still in intensive care -- so that speaks for itself. But he has come along way from the condition he was in on Wednesday.
His mother has been able to get some sleep, and his Aunt Ann has been a big help.
Keep Nick in your prayers, and remember that it is still not a good idea to visit. If he keeps improving as he did today, then you will be able to visit soon.
Thank you for the prayers -- they are really working.

Friday, February 27, 2004 8:40 PM CST

Dear Friends:
It is now 9:45 pm on Friday night. We have received the good news that Nick's white cell count is now 221! That is so, so much better than the 570 it was just a short while ago. We are very thankful.
Nick is receiving two chemotherapy medications. At this point they are working great.
Nick is still very ill. He has a bad headache and says that his head is throbbing. We are keeping it very quiet for him. That is why it is not a good time to visit. His room is dark and quiet so he feels most comfortable.
BJ was with Nick most of the day, along with his mother. John and BJ made arrangements for Su Ling to stay at the Penn Tower Hotel. BJ as much as forced her to go to the hotel and get some sleep, and that is just what she needed. Beverly and I (Bill Hess) arrived in time to meet Nick's Aunt Ann, who arrived by train from New York City. That made Su Ling very happy. Bev brought a great dinner for both of them and they enjoyed it at the hotel.
Nick made it clear that he wanted someone to stay with him tonight -- so his two Mom's fought over who would get to stay. Su Ling had a good rest today, so she convinced Bev to go home tonight. With Ann here for the weekend, we all hope to get into a routine that is healthy for all of us.
We have been reading to Nick your guestbook messages, and he enjoyed them. Keep them coming, as well as your prayers!

Friday, February 27, 2004 9:51 AM CST

It is 11:00 am on Friday. Nick was very responsive last evening. He was talking to his mother, to the doctors, and to me (Bill Hess). When they concluded the spinal tap, the first thing Nick said was, "Can I eat?" We knew he was starting to feel better. The doctor's approved clear liquids for him. He later told his mother in very firm Endlish, "YOU MUST REST." She will not leave his side in the ICU. We all understand. When Olivia and I prayed with Nick, he said a loud, "AMEN."
They were not able to draw fluid from the spinal tap last night. They will try again this morning. Pray that the spinal fluid is still clear.
Last evening we appreciated the visit of Ben, Erica, and Olivia Chou. Nick spent a couple of days with them and their triplets about a month ago. They are from Taiwan. Erica and Nick's mom (Su Ling) really hit it off and they talked for hours. It was wonderful for Su Ling. Su Ling is trying to decide whether Nick's sister and father should come to the USA now. Nick's sister is taking the very important college entrance exams now. it is hard for them to decide what to do. Pray for them.
Nick's Aunt ANN will arrive this evening from NYC, and that will be another wonderful thing for Su Ling. BJ and John and I will try to "force" them to get a room at the Penn Tower for at least a few days for rest and refreshment. Su Ling did have a good dinner last night with Bev and Dawn -- and for that we are thankful. We will update the journal later today. Please, NO VISITORS at this time. We will let you know the moment you can visit! We know Nick will LOVE it, when it is safe. Thank you all for the wonderful messages -- we will print them today and then have Nick's Aunt translate them for Nick's mom. God Bless all of you.

Thursday, February 26, 2004 6:43 PM CST

Great Friends:
It is now 7:45 pm eastern time, and I want you to have the most up to date information. Nick is resting well after a long day. The procedures to filter his blood have lowered his white cell count from in the 500's to around 325! He is still critical and in the ICU Unit, but we are thankful for every step in the right direction. Pray that the chemotherapy helps to lower the number even more. At 8 pm they will perform another spinal tap to see if his spinal fluid is still clear. Pray that it is still clear. Nick keeps his eyes closed most of the time because when he opens them his headache seems to get worse. But he can hear what we say and he answers us. His mother is by his side and the hospital had an interpreter sitting with her much of the day. That was very helpful and so very nice of them. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is fantastic -- so we are thankful that Nick is in such a great place. They are doing EVERYTHING they can. Nick's cousin Phil has returned to Arizona. He was a HUGE help and stayed by Nick when things were tough yesterday. John and BJ have been here today keeping their loving touch on behalf of all of you Rotarians and Exchange Students. Bill, Bev and Dawn Hess are here now and Ben Chou will soon arrive to help us make sure that Nick's Mom understands everything. Pray that both Nick and his mom get a good night's rest. God Bless You, and thank you for the wonderful notes!
At this time, Nick is still unable to have visitors. We are hoping that beginning Monday evening we can allow visitors. We will keep you updated.

Thursday, February 26, 2004 5:18 AM CST

Dear Friends:
Please keep Nick in your prayers. Yesterday was a difficult day for him. He has been moved back into the Intensive Care Unit. His white blood cell count went up rapidly, he had a headache, blurry vision and a fever. In addition his leg went numb and he lost his hearing for a while.
Both a CAT scan and an MRI were performed, and they revealed an "abnormality" in his brain behind his eyes. Late last night they were conducting a procedure to filter his blood twice.
His mother and his cousin are with him, and that is the best gift he can receive right now. Please, NO VISITORS! We will let you know the moment your visit will be good for him. Pray for him, and invite everyone you know to keep him in their prayers. Please write a note to Nick here on the guestbook, and as soon as he can, i am sure he will be delighted to read your message. Thank you all for your prayers and kind support.

Wednesday, February 25, 2004 3:33 PM CST

This is our first journal entry.
Nick has been diagnosed with CML and is receiving excellent care. His chemotherapy treatments have begun. He is not feeling well -- headaches, fever, and blurry vision. His cousin Phil arrived from Arizona, and his mother has just arrived from Taiwan. We know this will lift his spirits. Visitors are welcome, but please know that if nick is not feeling well it may be best just to leave a card, or keep your visit short. Please check with his nurse before you enter his room.
We appreciate all of the prayers, cards and letters.
Keep them coming! God Bless You.

Wednesday, February 25, 2004 3:29 PM CST

Nick's Mom has arrived

Wednesday, February 25, 2004 10:32 AM CST

This page has just been created. Nick is stable and receiving his first treatment of chemotherapy. His cousin Phil has arrived from Arizona "YEA" and that has made Nick happy. His mother will arrive today (Feb 25) around 3:30 pm -- and we are sure this will really lift his spirits.
Nick has a headache, and a fever, so please be mindful that he is not feeling well. We so appreciate your prayers and your cards. God Bles You

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