Hello Friends, wow, I have failed you all on updates.  One reason for the radio silence is that I have not known what to tell you.  Bennett's treatment journey is complete for now and we think everything is good, but her doctors have been hesitant to say definitively she is in the clear due to her genetic mutation.  If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Bennett. 

Also, we want you to know that your gifts keep on giving!  After her treatments Bennett gave her supplies to a young mom with cancer in Missouri who had to start treatments rapidly without time to prepare.  She is so grateful and it has made a huge difference in her comfort through a terrible time.  

So, to close out this chapter Bennett wanted to write the note below.  From the Rolan and Sumner families we love you all so much and are so grateful for each one of you!  

To our precious friends and family. 
A little over a year ago our world fell to pieces. As life around us continued to move forward, a single doctor’s appointment stopped us in our tracks.

Together, Blake and I prayed with more questions than answers. How would we care for the kids? How would we get through the treatments, the appointments, the surgeries, and the sick weeks?

And what would be waiting for us on the other side?

I’m writing this note in the waiting room of the cancer center - waiting for routine bloodwork.

Reflecting on the past year, I’m amazed at how God answered all of our concerns.

And His answer was you!

When we needed help, you were there. When we were terrified, you prayed. When we felt discouraged, you offered hope. And now that we are finally able to move forward, you are celebrating with us!

Words cannot express our gratitude and love for every single one of you. Every gift, every text message, every note, and every prayer gave our family the courage to fix our eyes on Christ as we stepped in faith.

You have taught our family the meaning of compassion and grace - we are forever changed.

As next steps my oncologists in Illinois and Nashville will continue to work together to monitor my health. I’ll continue to be monitored through blood work and have regular appointments.

I’ll be taking three medications over the course of 10 years and am grateful for ongoing research that involves my specific genetic mutation.

The hair I lost is finally coming in - it is thick and super curly! The kids say I look like a baby bird… ‘but a pretty one.’  🙂

There are still days when we worry and wonder what the future holds. But your support reminds us that we will never walk alone. We have sensed God’s presence during chemo, radiation, and in recovery rooms. We have felt His peace and perfect comfort.

That is our prayer for you. As you have prayed for us, know that we are praying for you and your families. We pray for peace, comfort, wisdom, and love. And most of all we tell God ‘thank you!’ We praise Him for His goodness and thank Him for each of you.

Love,

Bennett