VICTIMIZED DURING GRIEF

On February 17, MAX Canada member Jacob Neudorf lost his 80 year old father, Abraham, following a short two month battle with virulent cancer.  On the same day, while dealing with his father's death, thieves broke into the Neudorf's rural property and victimized the family with the theft of personal effects, tools and equipment.  After losing his job in manufacturing in Tillsonburg, Ontario, Jacob was planning to set up his own business doing concrete work; sidewalks, driveways, etc.  Some of the equipment he had purchased for this new venture was stolen before he could use it.  We extend our sympathies to Jacob, wife Lisa and their children as they simultaneously cope with the grief of losing a father and grandfather and the victimization created by a major theft.  The Neudorf family is part of the Houghton Brethren in Christ church family which provided strong emotional and spiritual support through this ordeal.

DEVASTATED BY CANCER, ENCOURAGED BY COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Wes and Colleen Kerr are far too familiar with the ravages and sorrow of cancer.  In 2006, their first child, Bryce, died of a rare form of cancer at less than two years of age.  In 2009, Colleen was successfully treated for cancer shortly after their third child, Nolan was born.  In  October 2010, Nolan then 21 months old was also diagnosed with cancer.  Aggressive chemotherapy treatment for Nolan occurs in Edmonton, more than three hours away from their home near Tofield, Alberta.   It was medically determined that Bryce, Colleen and Nolan all have a missing gene which has made them highly susceptible to cancer.  Three year old daughter, Chantel appears to be fine.  Circumstances have meant that father Wes has been unable to work due the family's constant struggle with cancer.  Finances for the family became desperate. The Tofield area community and churches rallied to assist the family and in the past several months have raised over $70,000 through a trust fund, a community fundraising banquet accompanied by both a silent and live auction and contributions from area churches.  MAX Canada Share Fund was pleased to provide a partnership grant to Salem Mennonite Church, to supplement a gift from their Compassion Fund.   

• It is with much thanksgiving that we commend a very generous community for their wonderful support of the Kerr family.
• The family welcomes ongoing prayers for successful treatment for Nolan.

INOPERABLE ADENOCARCINOMA

Jerry Buttrum is a Baptist Minister living in Missouri.  At age  56, Jerry is married with two children, one step-daughter and expecting his first grandson in July.   Some time ago, Jerry had cancer in one of his lungs which was successfully treated. He thought he was cancer free until doctors discovered cancer in his lymph nodes in his chest and more recently diagnosed him with Adenocarcinoma,  a cancerous tumor behind his esophagus and right up against his Aorta, making it inoperable.  On March 3, Jerry began simultaneous chemo and radiation treatments.  It will be a very difficult and challenging journey through treatment. Jerry is in a high risk pool for health insurance with some weaknesses in coverage which already is costing him and his wife $1,300 per month.  They are of course concerned about how further treatment may impact their coverage and financial situation.   Jerry asks that the MAX community keep him and his family in our prayers.  He has been assured of the prayers of the MAX family.

PERFORATED ESOPHOGUS - RARE CONDITION WITH UNKNOWN CAUSE

On February 23^rd, while vacationing in Arizona with his wife Helen, 69 year-old Manitoba resident John Heppner, suffered a perforated esophagus.  This is a very rare, extremely painful condition with no known cause and fatal if not quickly treated.  Arizona surgeons operated twice to repair the esophagus and install a feeding tube.  When stabilized a week later, John was moved to Manitoba by air ambulance. He remains at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg with several complications. Merlin Heppner, John's son, who is a principal with Friesen Insurance Brokers in Winkler, Manitoba, a brokerage serving many MAX Canada insureds, asks the MAX family for prayer on behalf of his father.  "Dad is in pretty rough shape right now," writes Merlin.  "He has undergone four surgeries, two in Arizona and two in Winnipeg.  He is connected to between 8 and 10 tubes (I've lost count), not able or allowed to swallow, heavily medicated and not very coherent.  A best case scenario means several more weeks in hospital and that the esophagus will heal itself."   Pray for comfort and healing for John and faith and strength for the family.

PANCREATIC SURGERY

Since returning from four years of service in South Africa in 2006, 33 year old Greg Reddekopp has experienced a variety of health issues including chronic pain and pancreatitis.  On March 8, Greg underwent surgery in a Saskatoon, Saskatchewan hospital in which the medical team cut a muscle to relieve pressure in the bile duct.  In the days since, Greg has experienced much pain and an inability to digest food.  The success of the surgery remains to be determined.  At this point, there is also concern about complications with his gall bladder. Greg is married to Amy and they have four children.  His father Don Reddekopp (mother Winifred) is a broker with Unigroup Western Insurance Brokers, servicing MAX policy holders throughout Alberta.  Pray for Greg's recovery to full and restored health. 

PANCREATIC MASS FOUND MALIGNANT

Feeling ill after eating out on January 30 was at first considered a touch of food poisoning by Dan Stecker of Phoenix, Arizona.  Unfortunately it was more, much more.  A week later, after a long day at the hospital, Dan was diagnosed with a large pancreatic mass.  He underwent surgery on February 9 to insert a stent and perform a biopsy.  The biopsy results showed the mass to be malignant.  Dan and his family have since learned that the cancer has spread to his liver, esophagus and lymph glands.  It was hoped the stent would allow digestion to resume normally and provide relief from itchy skin, caused by backed up fluids.  Unfortunately the itching is worse, a situation doctors cannot explain.  In an email the family writes, "Dan is precious to our family and we ask for your prayers as we go through this journey." Please pray for Dan and wife Ellen, who recently celebrated their 40^th wedding anniversary.  Pray for the whole Stecker family as they support Dan during this difficult period.

KNEE SURGERY FOR ANEURISM

Rick Stiffney, President/CEO of Mennonite Health Alliance, Goshen, IN, had surgery to remove an aneurism behind a knee.  There may be additional complications with vascular issues. He will also need knee replacement surgery at some point in the near future.  Please pray that he will maintain his positive spirit and perspective during these surgeries, for guidance as important decisions are made, and for wife Kathy and children/grandchildren as they support Rick during these days.

MEDICAL WONDERS

We celebrate the quick recovery of Phyllis Friesen from Altona, Manitoba, who underwent surgery in a Winnipeg hospital on February 22 to remove a cancerous kidney.  The surgery was such a success that she returned home by February 25 and "is doing just fine," reports her son-in-law Brad Derksen who operates Prairie Insurance Brokers in Altona which services insured MAX members.  Obviously Phyllis, daughter Jenn and Brad are delighted with the outcome.  We celebrate Phyllis' recovery with them. 

BUDGET/STAFF CUTS AT MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE

In a press release dated February 27, Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) announced the elimination of four staff positions at its bi-national headquarters in Lititz, Pennsylvania and a reduction of expenses in the field.  The release cites shifts in disaster response needs, a reduction in general giving to MDS due to the economic downturn and a renewed emphasis on the organization's original vision, as the reasons for the cuts. Executive Director, Kevin King indicates, "our $6 million response to Hurricane Katrina is wrapping up this year.  There hasn't been a domestic disaster of this magnitude since.  ...there is less of a call for large projects."  King emphasizes that volunteer numbers remain strong.  "Last year we totaled 26,000 volunteer days in more than 23 project locations."  Pray for the staff, the leadership and board of MDS as they adjust to these reductions.  Such times of downsizing are never easy.

CONDOLENCES

Phillip E. Pheasant, aged 72 and a member of  MAX, passed away on Monday, February 14.  A resident of Martinsburg, Pennsylvania, Phillip is remembered and grieved by his wife, Elizabeth Brumbaugh,  a son, two daughters, four step children, eight grandchildren and seven siblings.  Phillip was a member of the Curryville Church of the Brethren.  Our condolences are extended to the family.

Jacob Banman of Steinbach, Manitoba, passed away on February 27^th at age 92.  Jacob or Jake as he was known, lost his wife a number of years ago and  is fondly remembered by son Gerry Banman, a broker with Harvest Insurance of Steinbach, a brokerage servicing many MAX Insurance members.  Jake was born in Colony Ignatieff in Russia and came to Canada and Manitoba at age 8.  He owned a car dealership for many years in Steinbach.  Our thoughts go with Gerry and the family as they grieve but also celebrate the long and productive life of Jacob.

Noah Lichty, a former long-term Director of the Mennonite Aid Union in the Monnetville, Ontario area, passed away on February 26 at the age of 79 years.  Noah had been suffering from failing health for some time and resided at Au Chateau Home of the Aged for several years.  His wife Leona,  three children and spouses, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren shared their earthly farewell at a community funeral on March 1.