By Dale and Jane Revell, Harvest Homeowners
Many of us have a date on the calendar which holds great personal significance for us. A milestone birthday, a wedding, a baby's arrival are all reason to celebrate. It can also be a sad event which molds our feelings and future. Our family has one special day which has shaped who we were then and who we are now.
Oct. 16, 1984, we received the diagnosis no family wants to hear - Dale at 34 years of age had Non Hodgkins Lymphoma - advanced and extensive. Life expectancy? Possibly 6 months. With two children - ages 5 and 7 - and a career on the executive fast track at Ford Motor Company, his future suddenly became very unsure at best. For the next 7 years, our family battled the assault with chemo and radiation treatments on a repetitive cycle. Printed space does not allow for more details here, but use your imagination. It was very difficult!
After exhausting all possible chemo/radiation regiments available, we were faced with a huge decision for Dale to undergo a complicated, new, experimental procedure - a Peripheral Stem Cell Bone Marrow Transplant. With much research and prayer, we decided to take the one chance for a cure. After having all his existing bone marrow destroyed with chemo...On Oct. 16, 1991 he received new stem cells which we prayed would love their new home and give our family many more healthy years together. As you can see, we got our miracle!
This month our family will celebrate 32 years since that awful 10/16/84, through that traumatic 10/16/91, to Celebration day of 10/16/16 - 25 years of cancer freedom!
Because of the gift of life God gave us through the dedication of His gifted medical researchers, drug companies, and the very best cancer physicians available, we accepted an offer to give back by becoming Volunteer Couriers for the National Marrow Donor Program (Be The Match). For three years we travelled domestically and internationally delivering the gift of Hope to cancer families waiting for bone marrow and stem cells for a loved one. 43 trips of Hope - our gift of thanks!
We would be remiss here to not give praise where it is due! None of this entire life journey would have been possible without the Rock we stand on - our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - and the blessings of loving family, caring church friends, and amazing neighbors who all shouldered our burdens, needs, and fears.
After living in 14 different communities around the USA/Canada and looking for a new Texas home, we were drawn to Harvest. What a unique community we are privileged to be a part of! It offers us another opportunity to 'give back' by our involvement in the Harvest Cancer Support Group.
Each new day is a blessing for each one of us! 2 Timothy 1:7