"/>"/>
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"/>"/>"/>"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, the we should be called children of God!
And that is what we are!"
And that is what we are!"
1 John 3:1a
When I met Tyler, it didn't take me long to figure out how much I loved this guy. And now, almost six years later, I am so happy to be his wife and I honestly couldn't imagine my life any different. Which is why when the phone rang the other day, I could't have been more thrilled!
A few months ago, I had found out about a breakthrough clinical research study for Cystic Fibrosis patients and called Tyler's doctor and our local CF Foundation to see what the buzz was all about. After hearing the exciting reports, Tyler and I began to plan and pray that the Lord would open up doors for him to be a part of the trial.
At first, we found out that our local hospital was not involved and since the trial requires weekly trips to the research facility at the hospital, it seemed like it might not be practical for him to be a part of it. But we felt so pulled to be a part of that we continued to see what "close" hospitals were involved. After a few phone calls, I found out that the University of Alabama Hospital was offering the trial and we immediately made an appointment. At our appointment, we were told that Cohort One (or group one) of the trial had already started and that Cohort Two was full. However, they planned to open up the last and final Cohort Three in several months and that at that time Tyler could be considered to fill one of only 50 spots. And so the wait began!
As we left our appointment, the research team said that we could call back in a few weeks and check in on the status of the phases so we could better prepare ourselves for how long the wait would be. And if you know me.... I need a schedule! So as soon as I felt like it was socially acceptable to begin pestering them....we did. (Luckily the staff there is amazing!) When we called, they notified us that they were just starting Cohort Two and so it would be several months before they even opened Cohort Three. But that was okay, because they reassured us that Tyler was still a strong candidate! In this moment, I pulled out my calendar (an obvious safety net) and began to mark the day when I felt like it would be appropriate to make another inquiring phone call. But I love God... He knows I'm a planner and so it wasn't but two days later that Tyler's phone rang....and it was someone from the research team. One of the CF patients had dropped out of the trial and there was one spot available in Phase Two. And they offered it to him!
So Tyler and I head to Birmingham this week so that he can be screened, which is the last step in the consideration process. If he meets all the requirements for the trial, he will be in and we will start our weekly drives to Birmingham for about 5-6 weeks. It has been awesome for me to see how God has worked out each part of the process. And while Tyler can't understand my knack for being so Type-A (control issues anyone?), I am reminded that the love God has for Tyler is so great and while I may not be able to piece every part of this together, I serve a God who "causes all things to work together for good to those who love [Him], to those who are called according to His purpose." So I guess that is reason enough to give up a little control!
If you think about us over the next several weeks, we covet your prayers!! My most selfish prayer is for him to get the actual pill and not the sugar pill (but we won't know....so I am definitely going to have to let God take care of this one!)
P.S. In case you were wondering about the trial.... the results of a similar trial (for CF patients with a different gene mutations) were released and we are excited about them so far! Tyler's trial will be just a little different but check them out the details for yourself here:
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