It is with a heavy heart that I write this final update.

Stephen has finally overcome his illness and found the ultimate victory in a way that only God knows. He suffered a cardiac arrest on Friday at home and had to be reasucitated several times. He had a strong pulse going in to the hospital but his heart was weakened from the many years of chemotherapy. A true fighter until the end, he made it to Saturday morning when the doctors were certain he would pass in the night; he even made it past the 24 hour bench mark. He waited until he received his final blessing. He waited until all the kids were in the room. He waited until we finished singing. He took his last breath as we sang his favorite hymn, “I love you Lord.”

When Stephen relapsed last year he did not want a lot of people to know. The battle was fought with a select few and the loneliness of the disease was crippling his spirit. This campaign ressurected that energetic man that many of you have met. He spent the last month more upbeat and positive than I have ever seen him. For igniting that strength, I thank you.

My children have been the driving force behind all of our decisions. They accompanied us to regular bloodwork, picked daddy up everytime he was discharged, and spent time with other family members without complaint when we couldn’t be with them. His trip to Mexico gave him time to be home with the kids and not stuck in a hospital room. The alternative treatments he strongly believed in had reversed his liver failure to the point where he was no longer on any pain medication. This allowed him to be present completely with us during his final days. He was able to watch the kids, scold them, and love them – as a father should. For giving my kids the best version Stephen could be despite his illness, I thank you.

We were humbled by the incredible love and support we received to give Stephen the treatment he wanted. We received support from my former students, old classmates, coworkers, friends from our years in youth ministry, and so many family members. Each donation meant one more blood transfusion and another chance. Several times over the past month he mentioned how happy and peaceful he felt with where he was in his journey. My heart, though shattered, is incredibly at peace knowing that he was finally in control of his health. For giving him peace and true happiness after months of uncertainly and suffering, I thank you.

Thank you for journeying with us through the joys, the victories, and heart ache. His life was a beautiful blessing and I am humbled to have been a part of such an extraordinary man.

You did good babe. You are so loved. Always.