Little Sheona

Friends, this little girl needs our help. Her name is Sheona, she is 14 months old. She was diagnosed with retinal cancer right before Christmas, so she was in the hospital the same time we were there with Izzy. I was blessed to get to know her mom, Samina, who is one of the most beautiful women I've ever met. Samina is from Pakistan, and her husband is American. They live in Holland, they have 2 little boys age 5 and 3, little Sheona, and they are expecting their 4th child in June. Samina's parents live in Pakistan, she doesn't have any family here and her husband's family does not live in the area. The experience we've had with Izzy's sickness has shown us how blessed we are to have such an amazing support system. I honestly don't know how we would make it through each day without our support system. Sheona's family does not have that.

Samina has to drive back and forth from Holland to Grand Rapids for Sheona's chemo treaments, she has to stay in the hospital by herself with Sheona because her husband needs to take care of their sons. They don't have any help, they are managing things entirely on their own. You might think Samina would be angry or depressed about the burdens they have with a seriously ill baby girl, being pregnant and having so much to juggle, but she has the most peaceful, captivating smile and unbelievably strong faith in God. Samina and sweet little Sheona have been a blessing and an encouragement to us, and we hope to return some blessings to their family.

At this time, they are trying to bring Samina's parents here from Pakistan to help them at home. They are working with the government to get their visas, but it will probably be late March or April before they can be here, and the cost is overwhelming. I am hoping to help raise the funds to pay for their airfare, which will be between $3,000-$5,000. I am also looking into foundations such as "Make a Wish" because they have programs for airline miles that have been donated, but Sheona's family does not qualify for this because she is under 2 years old (they help kids age 2 1/2 and up). If you have any information about how we can find donated airline miles, or if it is on your heart to help in any way, please contact me.

Most importantly, please pray for this precious baby girl. My heart aches for her and other children who are suffering with cancer. I heard a little boy crying next to us today at the hospital when we were there for Izzy's medication. It brought me to tears seeing how our innocent children are in pain, and for the parents who choke back tears and smile in front of our kids who are stronger than we are. Let our tears move us to action.

This is Sheona one month ago. Bless the Lord, O my soul, all my inmost being, bless His holy name! Psalm 103: 1-4 

Samina's family in November 2011 before they found out that Sheona had cancer. They had no idea how their lives would be forever changed. Please pray for another miracle like God has shown us with Izzy.