In the Company of Heroes

Isaac’s Story of Survival and the Strength of Community

Isaac finished chemotherapy and received the all-clear.

You might recall his story that I shared around Thanksgiving. Ten-year-old Isaac was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) last summer. Having known his parents, Josh and Emily, for nearly fifteen years and having backpacked with his dad for almost as long, I remember when Isaac was born. They live in our neighborhood, and both of my daughters have babysat him when he was younger.

In a divine turn of events, my oldest daughter, Anna, who works in oncology at Riley Children's Hospital, ended up being one of Isaac's nurses throughout his treatment journey. Emily recalled those first moments from his CaringBridge page:

When we were first admitted to Riley we had a brief (less than 12 hours) stay on the 9th floor. They moved us to the 5th floor (oncology/hematology) the morning after we were admitted, right after Isaac’s first bone marrow biopsy. Everything was so new and jarring. At that time there were still a bunch of unknowns and it was scary. When we rounded the corner on the 5th floor the very first person we saw was a daughter of one of Josh’s close friends who lives in our neighborhood! It felt like manna in the desert. God knows we are here and he cares. He had a caring friend to greet us.  

What the Browns discovered over the course of Isaac's cancer treatment was that God used many caring friends among the nurses, doctors, and staff to support them, comfort them, and make their stay as pleasant and hopeful as possible.

Last week, I reflected on the cast of characters that dot our lives and make a meaningful impact on us. I considered how much of a blessing it would be to be surrounded by those people while we are there to enjoy their presence. It was impossible to watch the video of Isaac walking down the hallway for the last time, surrounded by his family and healthcare friends cheering for him, without being deeply moved.

More than ever, I understand how much we need each other. Not just to encourage and support us in our best times but also to lift us up and stand by our side during our worst times. The journey of Isaac's recovery reminds us of the incredible power of community and love in healing. Watching Isaac's triumphant walk down the hospital hallway, it's clear that every cheer, every smile, and every tear shed in joy was a testament to the strength we derive from one another. This moment wasn't just a celebration of Isaac's victory over cancer; it was a profound acknowledgment of how deeply interconnected our lives are and how much richer and more resilient we become when we face life's challenges together.

Question

1. How do I contribute to the supportive network around me, and in what ways can I further cultivate a community of care and encouragement for those facing their darkest times?

Peace,

Brandon