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I would like to re-introduce you to my nephew Drake Dahn and his family.  Below is a slide show from a benefit concert that was held to help with some of his expenses related to his illness.  For those of you who are not aware Drake is being treated for Medulloiblastoma and Osterosarcoma cancers.

He was first diagnosed at a young age and had been cancer free for several years.  November of last year he went to the dentist for what they thought was an impacted tooth, but instead they were informed it might be cancer.  The months that followed have carried so much pain for him.  He had to have his lower jaw removed, which they replaced with a bone from his leg.  He still has no teeth and has to have a feeding bag at night.  Since this is his second cancer he is not able have radiation so instead he is receiving chemotherapy.  His ANC counts and platelets continue to fluctuate requiring him to wear a mask at times and receive transfusions.  He is only 13 years old.

Why I wanted to re-introduce him is to describe a very special person who has so much pain in his life yet he is such an inspiration.  This summer we were supposed to spend a week with him and his family in Florida.  This is a trip that we have made the last 2 years and everyone looks forward to it.  We would drive in from Colorado and his Aunt and Uncle with their family would also drive in from southern Florida.  This year we had to adjust our plans due to the timing of Drake’s chemo.  Naturally he was devastated along with his family who had been looking for that break.  Both Drake and his mom, Katie, had spent several months at St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis, TN as they started his treatment.  This was something that had helped them get though the treatments and the hardships of having their family divided (his father and sister were back in Texas).

Instead of meeting in Florida we were able to spend time with everyone at Drake and his family’s home in Texas.  Just seeing what it was like for him and his family during the course of the 2 weeks we were there really had an impact on me.  It was a amazing how when stress levels were very high at times due to some complications with equipment he needed at night and other issues, Drake still remained calm.  For the most part it didn’t even occur to me how difficult it was for him till we went out for Chick-fil-a one afternoon.  He agreed it was okay (it is one of his favorite foods) but once we found out we would be stuck eating in the car it became too much for him.  He did not throw a temper-tantrum he just sat silently unable to enjoy the wonderful food we were all having.  It broke my heart.

Drake doesn’t ask why very often, instead he carries a cross that is more then most of us could possibly handle with pride and dignity.  This 13 year old is someone who has touched so many lives and yet he doesn’t expect anything in return.

His family have also picked up their crosses to be apart of his journey.  Drake’s mother, Katie, lost her job teaching since she was needed at St. Jude’s for his treatment.  She has been having back problems, which at the last I heard she has not been able to get treatment for herself.  She had to take a special class at St. Jude’s to be able to handle Drake’s medications and feeding bag.  Her day revolves around his needs, which she is more then dedicated to.  She inspires many through her updates on his website (www.caringbridge.org/tx/drakedahn) trying to maintain a positive outlook.  She is open and honest showing her joys and fears.  Katie you are truly an inspiration.  I know from watching you those 2 weeks that life is handed you a large cross as well.  Hang in there and know the prayers are sent you way as well.

Drake’s father, Wade has his own cross too.  He is a genuine caring man who loves his family dearly.  Currently he is the only income the family has so when there is a need for Drake to go to St. Jude’s he has to stay home and continue working.  Fortunately for the time being they have been able to continue treatments in Austin allowing Drake and Katie to be at home, but he is still not able to be there as much as he would like to be.  It was special being able to watch him sit down with his son and helps him with a Lego creation or to assists Drake with another battle on Pokémon.  Wade you are such an important part in your family’s life!  They are blessed to have you there!

Gillian, Drake’s sister has grown up so much in the last year.  I’ll never forget reading the update on Drake’s site about the first time she saw him after his surgery.  For those of you who don’t know Gillian she is a tough little girl that drives fear into the toughest boy bullies at her school.  You don’t mess with this girl!  Anyway when she saw him she was instantly overcome with emotions and was very upset with how she hadn’t been nice enough to him.  Yes, I have seen Gillian pick on him occasionally but the majority of the time I see a young lady trying to follow in her mother’s footsteps.  Gillian you are incredible sister and it shows how much Drake needs you!  I know you may fight and often get yelled at but you are so loving towards him and I was impressed!

I hope this gives you a brief insight into this family and all they are going through.  Drake’s future has yet to be written so prayers are still needed!  There is also a place on his website if you would like to make a financial donation or you can sign his guestbook as well (they do read these!).  Again I wrote this for this family really touches my heart and I hope it can touch yours as well.  We are all put on this Earth for a reason and we all have our purposes.  Try not to loose sight of all the blessings in your life when the hardships come your way.  Know that God doesn’t give us what we can handle but what we can’t in hopes we will find our way back to Him.

Thank you for reading this and I hope you enjoy the slide show!