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brave little girl

Cora needs your prayers once again today. She did not have a very good night last night, and it seems that she is experiencing a great deal of discomfort because of the chemotherapy. The doctors have put her on an increased amount of oxygen, morphine, and there’s a chance that she will be given a feeding tube today because she is not receiving enough calories. Please pray that Cora will show some signs of improvement and that she will be able to be more comfortable. Also, continue to ask that the Lord would grant patience and strength to Joel and Jess as they watch their little girl fight so bravely. 

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  • blessedmomto7 - Praying continually for your strength and for Cora-you must be so scared-May the peace of God cover you.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - “My soul finds rest in God alone;
    my salvation comes from Him.
    He alone is my rock and my salvation;
    He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”

    Praying for you all…

    jennifer
    (heard about your precious Cora through meg’s blog)ReplyCancel

  • Clark Family - good morning… I’ve never met you but i found a prayer request for your sweet little girl on another person’s site and just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know that people you don’t even know are in FERVENT prayer for you and your little treasure! With god all things are possible!

    With lots of love in Christ, Kacy and the whole Clark clanReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Praying for precious Cora right now….ReplyCancel

  • Mary - We so appreciate these blog updates…we’ve been praying for Cora all week, ever since we heard about it at church from Leah and Ben. Last night I came to your blog and our three daughters viewed all the pics you have posted of sweet Cora. My four year old wanted to stop and pray right on the spot. We just want you to know that we’re praying for the best, and for God to hold onto you as you go through this.

    Hugs and prayers,
    MaryReplyCancel

  • Paula Unruh - Joel and Jess,
    I’ve been praying this verse for Cora, inserting her name:

    Psalm 138:8
    “The Lord will perfect (complete)that which concerns Cora; Your mercy O Lord, endures forever; do not forsake the works of Your Hands.”

    Paula UnruhReplyCancel

  • Amy - I heard about this thru meg’s blog, and have been praying ever since. I have a prayer blanket that I made for cute Cora and would like to send, could someone email me so I know where to send it? Thank you so much! Amy

    lockhartfive@hotmail.comReplyCancel

  • Kari - I heard about your sweet little girl through Meg’s blog. I can’t seem to get her out of my mind. I have passed this on to my friends and family. We will be praying for you and your precious little Cora.

    KariReplyCancel

  • Darby - Praying for Cora!! Lord give her comfort and rest and I pray the same for Mom and Dad!ReplyCancel

  • The Jones' - You all are in our prayers!ReplyCancel

  • Courtney and the Boys - Still praying…my four-year-old saw pictures of her today…he’s been praying for her, too. 🙂

    In Him,
    CourtneyReplyCancel

  • Brittany - I found your website through a Prayer Blog. I just wanted to let you know that me and my family are praying so hard for your sweet baby girl. With God ALL things are possible.
    God Bless You!ReplyCancel

  • mommaof4wife2r - we are so praying continually for sweet cora paige! my hs girls small group is praying together too!ReplyCancel

  • The Nebrigs - praying for you sweet Cora.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Joel & Jess,
    Since we heard of Cora’s illness just this week, you have all been in our hearts, thoughts and constant prayers. Cora is such a beautiful, brave little girl. Thank you for sharing your pictures and prayers with us. God Bless your family and beautiful, precious Cora. Randy & Pam LincolnReplyCancel

  • Nacole - Praying for your family in Mississippi!!! We serve a great GOD!ReplyCancel

  • Ceilidhmom - Praying for her…God Bless you all!ReplyCancel

  • The Morris Family - This comment has been removed by the author.ReplyCancel

  • The Morris Family - Your words are so familiar, all that little Cora is going through as we too traveled the NB journey with our little 3 yr Joel. A song that we called “Joel’s song” has words that meant so much to our hearts. “Like a River Glorious.” the last stanza says,” Every joy or trial falleth from above, traced upon the dial by the Son of Love; we may trust Him fully, All for us to do; They who trust Him wholly, find Him wholly true. (and the chorus is) Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest, Finding as He promised, perfect peace and rest.
    May you stay upon Jehovah, He is Sure!!
    Cindy (Joel’s mommy)ReplyCancel

  • Beth Ann - In my thoughts and prayers constantly.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - I am praying continually for you both and your precious Cora. I admire you ALL for your faith and strength. Cora is blessed to have such devoted parents.ReplyCancel

  • Beth in NC - God bless you all. I am praying for complete healing for you precious daughter and for strength for Mommy and Daddy.

    Your Sister in Christ,
    BethReplyCancel

  • Mandi - I found your sweet family through another blog and want you to know that I will be praying for your precious Cora. She is exactly one month younger than our son and my heart aches for you. The verses in Isaiah that you posted are perfect and I will put them in my bible so I can pray them over Cora.

    Hugs & prayers from FL!ReplyCancel

  • Virginia - Praying for your sweet Cora and for all of you.
    God is good….
    May the peace and blessing of God be with all of you.
    VirginiaReplyCancel

  • The Bannings - God is hearing prayers all over the world for little Cora!! It was so wonderful to meet you yesterday. Today your prayer warriors are praying for strengh and patience for you and fight for Cora. I also wanted to mention to you to start a journal if you haven’t. So may thoughts to write down, so many miracles to share!! Give your little flying pig a hug. Pigs fly because God gives them wings!!!
    Our love~The BanningsReplyCancel

  • Troyerfam - Praying for you down in Texas. May you feel God’s presence and peace at this this time.ReplyCancel

  • Karen - We are all thinking of you and spreading the word about your beautiful baby.
    He WILL see her through this. I believe that.
    Have faith and hold on and best you can.
    with Love from VAReplyCancel

  • PamperingBeki - Prayers have been said today.

    I imagine that it might be difficult to find time to blog, but it’s really wonderful for everyone to read the updates. There are thousands of people around the globe praying for this beautiful child and her family.

    Thank you guys!
    God bless you all this sunny Saturday. I hope you can at least get some sun through the windows.ReplyCancel

  • Kathyrn - I hate being away from you and Cora today. I am praying all day. Tell Cora I love her and will see her tomorrow. Remind her Grammy knows she is a strong warrior and Jesus loves her. Have Gramps sick her Eternal Father for me.ReplyCancel

  • wife.mom.nurse - Praying your you precious Cora…ReplyCancel

  • grammy - I hate being away from you all today. Please tell Cora that Grammy loves her and I know she is a strong warrior. Have Gramps sing her Eternal Father for me and tell her Jesus loves her.ReplyCancel

  • nate - i love you guys. i’m up in MN right now and keeping you in prayer. thanks for the updates.ReplyCancel

  • Carly Winborne - I am praying for precious Cora even now.ReplyCancel

  • Beverly - My heart is breaking for you. Please know that your precious little girl will be in my prayers.ReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - Joel and Jess – We are praying for you. Praying again that the Lord will station angels all around to keep you safe in mind, body and spirit. Let me know if you need any help regarding the feeding tube.ReplyCancel

  • idahojohnston5 - Joel & Jess,
    A friend of a friend shared your story with me today and I want you to know Cora and your whole family are in my prayers! I am a mom of a now 5 year old, Luke, who is a stage 4 Neuroblastoma survivor! We serve a loving, comforting God of miracles and I pray He carries you through this journey and that you experience a peace and strength you never knew existed. Blessing so you all!
    Brandi Johnston
    http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lukejohnstonReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Father, give Cora strength to fight another day of discomfort in her body. Give Jess and Joel strength to fight another day of worry. I pray that Jess and Joel can give their burden to you and feel some peace while your Great Hands work on her body to make her well. Thank you for the doctors and their ability to work fast and hard at helping little Cora gain strength again. I pray that you give the doctors wisdom to know what medicines are best for her body.
    In Jesus’ name,
    Amen

    Jody ChildsReplyCancel

  • Jeremy, Jennalee and Julia Ekeland - We love you guys and are praying God to comfort Cora (and you guys too) as she fights. God has you in the palm of His hand…and He has promised to never let you fall.

    Call us anytime day or night if we can do anything at all for you. Jeremy, Jennalee and Julia.ReplyCancel

  • Stephanie Holzwarth - Thanks for keeping us updated. We are praying for you guys!ReplyCancel

  • Tammie McDonald Maddy - I had forgot about this song until it came on when I was cleaning today. It’s called “You’ll Get Through This” sung be Suzie McEntire Luchsinger who is Reba McEntire’s sister. This is the last verse and chorus and I hope that it ministers to you. “When doubt starts tearing at the faith deep in you don’t be afraid just remember what I said Nothing formed against you will succeed as long as your heart’s turned toward me. You’ll get through this. You’ll break new ground. When you’re lost within you weakness hope is waiting to be found. You’ll get through this. No matter what it takes. I believe in you for heaven’s sake. You’ll get through this.” I know that your hearts are turned toward Him and you WILL get through this. We are still praying.
    TammieReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - We’ve never met; but we found your blog on Meg’s Whatever blog. You have a family in Alaska praying for your sweet baby girl, for you and your families. We’re also praying for your doctors, nurses and caretakers. May they have the wisdom and knowledge to make the right choices to help your strong, brave little girl get well soon.
    Can’t wait to check back on your blog in a few weeks to see pictures of Cora happy, healthy and playing!
    KristenReplyCancel

  • Cynccook - We will be saying this prayer for your sweet little daughter every day.

    Most sincerely,
    Mark and Cyndy Cook
    Akron, Ohio

    MEMORARE
    Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.ReplyCancel

  • Amanda - Praying for you guys!ReplyCancel

  • vickikay81 - Misty Magathan is one of my beloved friends. She relayed to me about Baby Cora and your family. I have sent out a prayer email to ALL of my contacts asking for prayer & to all of my facebook networks and friends. I have all of you in my thoughts every min ute of my day. You have been put on our prayer chain as well at our church, we are lifting you up!!! God love you & Baby Cora!!!! Your friend, Vicki WilliamsReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - still praying in Columbia, Missouri…ReplyCancel

  • marty39 - May the Lord bless you and guide you and uphold you in his arms. I know the Lord heals, my grandson is proof. I will pray for Cora and will have my Bible study group put her on our urgent prayer list. My heart is so full of love and sympathy for your trial. I know the Lord is with you and He sees your faith. Hugs, MartyReplyCancel

  • Walking by Faith - Hi, I just heard of your sweet little girl through a friends blog. My heart has been overwhelmed reading your posts as I’m sure yours has been in the past days. Know that I may be a stranger, but I’m praying for you all, & for complete healing for baby Cora…what a beautiful girl! Don’t forget God is in control…as hard as that may seem when walking through such a trial…don’t lose faith in Him. God bless!!~heidiReplyCancel

  • The Tulip Lady - I do not know you, I live miles, and miles away from you and will most likely never meet your family…but I am a mom of two little girls. I found you through meg duerkson’s blog. I am praying for you, for Cora especially and everyone that loves her. I pray for strong healthy cells to take over her body again, for her to be comfortable, for a mom and dad that are as strong as they need to be. I pray because if I was a mom with one of my little girls in a hospital bed I would want someone out there in Austin, TX or hundreds of miles away praying for my little girl too. May your lives be filled with God’s presence today, I say prayers all day, randomly as she drifts into my mind. Hold tight to Him, and your baby girl.ReplyCancel

  • Alison V - Jess,

    Im not sure if you remember me from Rocky Mtn. or not (Alison)… but your family is in my prayers. I know its not the happiest of times for a “reunion” but just know that your gorgeous little girl is in my thoughts and prayers everyday.ReplyCancel

  • LuLu - Found your prayer request and we are praying for your beautiful daughter.
    LuLuReplyCancel

  • Cristy - Oh, my heart just breaks for you guys. I am still praying for Cora each and every time God brings her to my mind (which seems to be all the time). Stay strong little baby girl! We believe you will be healed…and we pray it is so very soon.

    Mark & Cristy HarderReplyCancel

  • have a lovely - I heard of your precious little girl from a blog I stumbled upon just now…and I want you to know I am praying and will continue praying. may God cover you in a peace that passes all our understanding and a healing that only He can preform.ReplyCancel

  • Kendall Smith - We’re praying for you today. I hope that the day went well and that Cora is feeling more comfortable. We hope that you see good results from her chemo and that she starts to feel and act a little more like herself soon!!! We love you guys!ReplyCancel

  • Courtney - Praying for sweet, beautiful Cora and her wonderful parents too. May God bless you all three and bring you all peace, comfort, strength, and healing!

    God Bless!ReplyCancel

  • All Doll(ed) Up - We are praying, dear Cora, keep Fighting!
    Joel and Jess, keep on trusting the Lord, you are precious in His sight.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - We are praying for you here!!!ReplyCancel

  • D - Hello,
    Seeing your precious little Cora just breaks my heart. Not even two and having to deal with this terrible disease. I will pray every night for her, and the family that God will heal this precious child. There are a lot of prayer warriors out there praying for you all.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Can’t get Cora and her family off my mind. My heart hurts for you. We don’t know each other, but I feel like we’re family. I’m praying off and on all day long, and have forwarded the link to your blog and prayer requests to everyone in my email address book. I’ve contacted everyone I can think of–I’ve posted a link to your blog on my facebook page. I’ve contacted my pastor and two other pastors I went to high school with and asked them to pray and to ask their congregations to pray. I’ve asked my parents to contact their pastor–forwarded your blog to all of these. My parents are praying for you and Cora in their small group (which isn’t so small). I just want you to have an idea of how many prayers are going up for you and for Cora at any given moment. I hope you find a tiny piece of comfort in knowing that–that and you and your beautiful, precious daughter–your gift from God– have touched so many hearts. I’ll keep praying for complete healing for Cora–for strength for you, her parents, and for your parents to continue to help sustain you, for the medical team that is caring for her.
    With loving thoughts and soooooo many prayers,
    T. in KansasReplyCancel

  • Suzy Q - We have never met, but I read about your family on Jenni’s blog. You have a family praying for your beautiful Cora in Virginia!ReplyCancel

  • Cottage Rose - I am praying very hard for that sweet little Cora. What a brave sweetie. I just read about her at momma hollys, so I jumped on over.
    Lord give the family strength and courage to get through this, for you are the Great Healer. My their Faith be strong….. God Bless them all

    Hugs to all

    AlauraReplyCancel

  • Rissa - I received a prayer request for Cora from another blog. Know that our family is praying for Cora and your family. I believe that she will have a beautiful testimony of God’s saving grace over her life that she will be able to spread all over the world. God bless you!ReplyCancel

  • The Parilla family - My wife and I just came home from dedicating our baby Kaytee at Church. As we stood on the stage and were prayed over by the congregation I said a silent prayer for you and your family. Though we may not understand it, God’s plan is good all time. May He give you peace and comfort. Rest in the knowledge that Cora is in His hands. You are in our thoughts here in Orange County,CA. The Parilla familyReplyCancel

  • Jamie - Sending more prayers your way for you all and baby Cora.ReplyCancel

  • Misty - I JUST FOUND YOUR BLOG TONIGHT…..My thoughts and prayers are with you and your sweet little girl. God is good and will bless this sweet child. Keep the faith, think positive and know that there are many people you don’t even know praying for you. I will keep a close check on your blog and spread the word for prayers for her.
    She has captured my heart and I just read about her seconds ago. God is with you.ReplyCancel

  • Schmaltz Family - Hi, My name is Lynette Schmaltz. I am also a cancer mom. Our son Adam was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma, intermediate risk at the age of 10 weeks. After 8 rounds of chemotherapy, he is a healthy little monster who brings is constantly wanting to jump off of everything now. Adam is now 18 months old and still has a fair amount of maturing NB cells in his body. I just want to let you know that I am a stranger to now, but I am willing to listen, cry, and offer any kind of support to you. Adam has a caringbridge site that tells his story and also has my email address on it if you ever want to get in contact with me. We will be praying for Cora, you and your family.
    http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adamjamesschmaltz

    Faith, Hope and LOVE
    LynetteReplyCancel

  • Leslie - I will keep Cora in my thoughts and light a candle for her. I have a 16 month old son and I can’t fathom the way you feel right now. Step by step, hour by hour, just know you are not on this journey alone. I am sending healing and healthy vibes and thoughts to Cora and the rst of her family.ReplyCancel

  • GrOwTh SpUrTs - You have no idea who I am. I found your blog through Angie at Bring the Rain. But as a fellow believer we are related in Christ Jesus. I just wanted you to know that you have one more person praying for your sweet Cora. I cannot even imagine the strength it takes to withstand a storm like you are in right now. My sweet baby is sick right now with something the doctors can’t even figure out and I am heavily burdened with that. But we have not received news like yours yet. I pray we don’t. But as I watch my sweet girl get poked and prodded I want to protect her from it all. And yet I know it’s necessary for her right now. It’s just an awful, awful feeling to feel so utterly helpless. I know you are going through the same thing on a much more difficult level and my heart hurts for you. So I am lifting Cora and all of you before the throne of the Almighty tonight and every time she comes to mind. I pray God’s peace and healing. With much love from a stranger.ReplyCancel

  • Nicole - I found your blog through a friend of mine. No idea how she found yours, but I am shocked and saddened at what you’re going through. I can’t imagine. I stopped to pray while reading your blog… I pray for your peace, your strength, Cora’s strength and for a miracle for you all. I will be following your journey with your little princess and will pray for you often.ReplyCancel