Psalm 73:23-26
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Dear Family and Friends,

We are overwhelmed with the outpouring of love from all of you. The prayer, notes on the website, cards, flowers, donations to the foundation, hugs, and words of kindness have touched us in ways you'll never know. We are awed at the family and friends who have stepped forward to help in ways great and small. Only eternity will be able to measure our gratitude to you all for what you have done for our family. Although we will miss Drew more than words can say, your love and compassion have sustained us. We will be forever grateful to each and every one of you.

With Love,
Ed and Roxanne Nilsen

"O love the Lord, all you His godly ones!
The Lord preserves the faithful, and fully recompenses the proud doer.
Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
All you who hope in the Lord."
Psalm 31:23-24

Drew's orthodontist made these shirts as a fundraiser for Ed and Roxanne. Visit the "Ways to Help the Nilsens" page or click the picture above to find out more.

Hi Friends,
Thank you for your continued prayers for Brandon Bond, the 16 year old boy who was in the hospital with Drew. He is doing well. Following is an update on his condition from his mom to Roxanne. God has placed this family in our (prayer) care so please continue to ask for God's presence in their lives as they navigate through the complexities of Brandon's heart transplant away from home.
Thank you,
Love,
Shawn

Nancy says..."Brandon is doing well. He goes for his second heart biopsy tomorrow at 6:00 AM. He seems to be fine. He still isn't walking long distances as he was in bed much of the last year with his weak cardio output, and his muscles need strengthening. He is aware of hair loss due to the meds but he had very thick hair to begin with. He is on prednisone which has puffed his cheeks up and he has put on 8 of the forty pounds he'd lost over the summer. He takes nearly 50 pills per day and he is on IV drip medication once a day, here at our little Santa Monica apartment. He is aware of his delicate existence and I believe that he will do great things during his life to share the word of Our Lord."

Friends,
Let's continue to uphold this sweet family in prayer. They will still be away from home for eight more weeks as Brandon's condition continues to be stabilized. God is good.
Love,
Shawn


Hello Shawn,

This is a wonderful day and the first day of the year 2003. My son, Brandon,was moved out of the ICU today and he is expected to be OK. Praise Our Lord.
He was told he will stay in the hospital until January 6th. We live in Phoenix but we'll be staying in L.A. for at least 8 weeks for follow up care.

Thank you for keeping him in your prayers.
God bless you and your loved ones .........

Love Nancy Bond

Hello Friends,

Brandon continues to do well. They have determined that he is experiencing "general rejection" which is expected with any transplant as the body adapts to a new organ. He is still off the ventilator. Ed and Roxanne are planning to visit Brandon and his mom tonight. Please continue to pray for this family. They have been at UCLA for over two months now and will be for some time to come. Specifically, we can pray for Brandon's body to adapt to the heart, for his body to remain free of infection, and for him to sense the presence of Christ especially as he spends Christmas in the hospital. Please also pray for his mom (Nancy)who must be so tired. Pray for rest and also for her to sense Christ's presence as she also spends Christmas at the hospital.

If you wish to send cards or notes of encouragement for Brandon or his mom, the address at UCLA is listed below.

UCLA Medical Center
10833 Le Conte Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90095

Brandon Bond
3 West ICU

Someone from the church told me yesterday that she has never seen the kind of support provided by a school like she observed yesterday with all the faithful Stoneybrooke servants. You are an amazing group of people. Your faith wears shoes.

Hello Friends,
Roxanne heard from Brandon's mom today. She said that he is doing better and they were going to try to take him off the ventilator today. Apparently, some degree of rejection is expected and so far they have been able to manage Brandon's condition. Please continue to lay him at God's feet. They have a long road ahead of them and I know they really appreciate our prayers.
You are the best!

Dear Friends,
Please pray for Brandon. His heart is in rejection. Pray that his body would accept his new heart and that God would minister to Him during this time he is sedated. Pray also for his mom that she would be comforted during this scary time. We will continue to update you on his condition.
Thanks!