A plea for prayer for Omar

Dear Southside Family:

Greetings in Christ.

I wanted to update you on my own personal heath.

This is a very difficult e-mail to write at a time where my son, Joseph, is undergoing a trial of his own with the aggressive chemotherapy treatments.

But, at the same time I need prayer now more than ever.

I have completed all the tests that the orthopaedic surgeon had ordered. Today, the surgeon reviewed all the findings with me. The atrophy and nerve damage in my right leg, and the spread to my left leg and arms is NOT being caused by my herniated discs according to the data from the diagnostic tests (MRI, EMG, nerve conduction).

Therefore, the orthopaedic surgeon asked me to immediately seek a neurologist, because the data coming from the diagnostic tests is showing indication that a motor neuron disease (also called ALS or commonly called Lou Gehrig's disease) is likely to be causing all of this. My father died in 2004 with Lou Gehrig's disease.

This is not an official diagnosis since I have yet to see a neurologist to confirm these findings, but the seriousness of the data is alarming enough to cry out for prayer and to plead for a miracle.

Please pray:

1) that God would send me to the right neurologist for me to see that is skilled in this area
2) that there would be a correct diagnosis with the ability to be treated.
3) that the diagnosis would be something simple and treatable.
4) that God would be merciful and bring healing and restore that which is damaged.

It seems unreal to us right now. Our hearts are heavy enough with Joseph, and this added thing just seems to be overwhelming for all of us.

I know your prayers are effective and God is glorified through them. I humbly ask you to walk with me in prayer through this. I need you and I covet your prayers.

With my loving gratitude to you,

Omar