Our much-anticipated Day +100 milestone was finally reached on Wednesday this past week... for the second time within a year and a day – the day before (November 27th) had been the ONE year anniversary of Ned’s first transplant from younger sister, Eleanor.

A year and a half of absolute exhaustion, guilt about the journey our children all have to travel, overwhelm and anger at God’s seeming abandonment at times, but then utter gratitude for His abundant mercies when at our lowest points; a year and a half with a new baby born, an interstate move, international travel, leukaemia aggression and relapses, 2 bone marrow transplants, immunotherapy, CAR-T therapy, countless procedures, immeasurable pain and suffering, literal life-and-death decisions on behalf of our son… the list continues. I still remember the moment Seth and I were told in Seattle that Ned would need another bone marrow transplant upon our return to Australia, and the devastation and sheer overwhelm at the mountain rising up ahead of us.

But through it all, we have been, and continue to be, held together by what can only be attributed to a transcendent being of super-human might, for it has not been by our strength alone that we are still standing. God’s strength has been made perfect in our grave weakness.

Day +100 was joyfully celebrated with previously forbidden food – barbecued sausages, fresh berries, a babycino… although it must be said that not all restrictions lift immediately due to the profound immunosuppression that comes with a 2nd transplant and its consequent hefty toll.

Once again, we would like to share with you, our vast community and “village”, the miraculous results of Ned’s latest 100-day (most critical) bone marrow molecular MRD, showing NO disease remaining. ZERO. This doesn’t preclude it returning in future, but in this moment, Ned is CANCER-FREE, and in his words (with the naivety of a child who doesn’t realise this has been his last treatment option): “That means I don’t need any more transplants, Mum!!” Thank God!

We are SO grateful to modern medicine and the numerous medical, nursing and healthcare staff who have worked tirelessly to rid Ned’s body of cancer. And thank YOU for all of your immense support, encouragement and prayers. We couldn’t have done this last 18 months on our own.

“For those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” - Isaiah 40:31

Edward Isham