December 16th

Dear Friends,

The 16th of December will mark the four-year anniversary of Travis' first seizure and our ultimately learning of the brain tumor. Travis had his most current MRI about a month ago and everything looks great. He is really doing well and at his appointment the doctor was just amazed at how he is doing. On Friday, December 9th, Travis, his father, mother, brother and sister-in-law attended a meeting at MD Anderson with Dr. Fred Lang, who performed the surgery. Dr. Lang is doing some amazing research related to brain tumors and the use of the common cold virus to attack brain tumors. It has great potential and the early results look highly encouraging. Dr. Lang had not seen Travis in four years as Travis was passed off to an oncologist after the surgery. After Dr. Lang talked to Travis, he told his dad how great Travis looked and appears to be doing. He also told him a great story. I would like to pass it along to you.
After Travis had his surgery and radiation treatment, we decided we needed a vacation. So the two of us flew to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and spent a few days. We went on a chartered fishing trip and caught some marlin fish. After we returned, Travis sent Dr. Lang a picture of us with one of the marlin. Travis wrote on the picture, “Three months after brain surgery. Thanks Dr. Lang!” Dr. Lang passed along to Travis' dad that he has framed Travis’ picture and put it up on the wall of his office. He said that he uses it when he has people who come to see him to discuss their brain surgery. After explaining the many dangers involved, he shows them Travis’ picture. Dr. Lang says the picture has been a big hope to people who need hope at that time! Isn’t it amazing how God can use terrible things to send wonderful messages! This Christmas season, I am reminded that God did just that when he sent His son Jesus to earth to be born, live among us and then die on the cross for our sins. That is where the ultimate hope is and we stand in awe that God has shown favor on Travis and is using his life as a vessel for hope to be experienced by others. As always we want to THANK YOU for all of your support, encouragement and prayers through these past four years. There is no doubt in my mind that God surrounded us with a faith family who went before the Lord on bended knee and now look at how God is using us.

Praise God, we feel very blessed!

"How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. " Psalm 31:19

The Black Family wishes you and yours a very happy Christmas!