The Macs » Blog

surgery today

Things change around here fast. After another meeting with the doctors again this morning, we are finding out that the fluid around Cora’s heart has increased. She is now scheduled for surgery this afternoon to create a little window in the pericardial sac that will release the excess fluid. Another boy here in PICU is having the same procedure this morning, and then Cora’s will follow after, so we’re not sure about the exact time today, but just please pray. 

Again, this is a risky surgery, just like we mentioned before, but the doctor seems to think that it is a necessary procedure. Please be in prayer today for Cora, the doctors, and for Joel and Jess.
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  • leahneer - Things do change quickly, I am sure it’s such a difficult thing to keep up with and very trying. I will be praying for Cora and ask God to guide the surgeons hands today in surgery. May Cora pull through it and come out with a success. It is said, god doesn’t give us more than we can handle, he must know that Joel and Jess, and Cora can make it through this:) Prayers and many thoughts are with you today and throughout this ordeal. God bless! I will check back soon and pray good news will surface.ReplyCancel

  • Maureen - Thank you for the update!

    Praying in Washington,
    MaureenReplyCancel

  • Sheryl from Colorado - I have found your blog through others and don’t know you or your family, but please know that we are praying for your sweet baby girl. We have 4 children of our own and Cora looks just like our youngest looked at that age. My husbands eyes welled up with tears of sorrow as I was telling him about this chapter of your life. He stopped what he was doing and said “Let’s pray right now”…so we did just that. We then were on a walk enjoying the beautiful day that the Lord provided us here in Colorado when out of the blue he felt God tugging on his heart to pray again…so we did just that! Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers daily. God is Good !ReplyCancel

  • seabafive - Praying that Cora remains safe during surgery and that it is successful!ReplyCancel

  • PamperingBeki - God, be with Cora today!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - LOTS of prayers going on in South Carolina!!! May God continue to be your guiding light through all of this….ReplyCancel

  • The Bosshamers - To Joel, Jess, Cora and our KS family…we continue to pray for you daily and hope that through God’s love and the prayers of your friends and family praises would continue for Cora. May you have peace, comfort and strength and know that our love is with you always. Brian, Ann Marie and BreannaReplyCancel

  • The Wrights - Joel, Jess, Cora, and families,
    I will continue to keep all of you in my prayers. May God continue to watch over you and give you strength.
    My friend said she will check on Cora this weekend (she’s a pediatric nurse.) She’s the best and will give Cora the best care possible!
    Kara Wright (friend of Dan’s family)ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - So many prayers for your precious family in NC.ReplyCancel

  • Amber - I know things change quickly but it is in the best interest of Cora at this time. God will be with her and keep her safe for the trust in the Lord is evident in your family and all who follow this blog. Find peace in your heart that all of us will be deligently praying for Cora today as she undergoes this procedure. I have been praying since the day I found your blog and will continue to pray Cora and your family through this trying time. God is good and I find peace and comfort through His word. Cora is a strong little girl and is not facing these big battles on her own…she has a loving family, prayer warriors, and God as the leader to see her through this troubling chapter in her life.

    I pray today that her surgical procedure go smoothly and that her heart is relieved of the extra fluid. May her lungs continue to improve, may her wounds continue to heal, and may her body rest and heal in the comfort of God’s light. I also pray that your family find peace and comfort in His word and promise to you all. He is the Great Healer and Physician and I pray that he will guide the hands of the doctors and nurses that will do the procedure on Cora and will be taking care of her afterwards.

    For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (Isa 41:13 NIV)

    In Christ,
    Amber in San Antonio, TexasReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - PrayingReplyCancel

  • Holly - I am praying so hard for your little Cora. I don’t know how I came across your blog, but I cannot stop thinking about your sweet girl. I pray that your miracle is just ahead of you. We serve an amazing God, and I ask him to hold baby Cora in His hands, protect and heal her, and provide comfort and peace for her family.ReplyCancel

  • The Moffats - Praying right now and will be asking everyone else to storm the gates of heaven. Loves and hugs.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - I continue to think about and pray for sweet Cora and you and your family.ReplyCancel

  • Gina - thanks for the update….praying so hard for your beautiful baby girl!
    Hugs,
    GinaReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Cora is imbedded in my daily thoughts and prayers!
    Praying for strength and healing for Cora today and throughout her journey.
    Always, Oklahoma WarriorReplyCancel

  • The Sieberts - I am surrounding you guys with prayer today!ReplyCancel

  • Jennifer - praying for you all!ReplyCancel

  • Enos Family - I came upon your blog via another site. I am so sorry for what you are going through. I can relate. My son had emergency open heart surgery at 13 days old, after being home and being fine, he apparently was in horrible shape, very close to death, but being a new mom, I had no idea. He had gained weight and seemed healthy. He was flown via helicopter to Stanford, had surgery and recovered for a week in the hospital. It seems like a cake walk compared to what you are going through. I just wanted to tell you, I was AMAZED at how fast our Ben recovered. So fast. Kids are amazingly strong and I believe with all my heart that your Cora will heal quickly. I don’t usually pray, but I will be praying for your little one. Lots of love and prayers- Sara in RenoReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Praying for Cora in NY.ReplyCancel

  • The Bohrer's - Macs – SO SORRY you guys are going through all of this. Praying for protection over Cora during surgery.

    HeidiReplyCancel

  • Jeremy, Jennalee and Julia Ekeland - Praying every minute of every hour. Placing you guys in His hands. Love you!ReplyCancel

  • Katy - We’re praying for you here!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - I’m praying every chance I get for your sweet baby girl.ReplyCancel

  • j3k - You are in my heart and my prayers. We will pray, as a family, everyday for your family. I know its a scary time you are strong in your faith and god will walk with you.

    Hearts and Hugs,

    The WimsettsReplyCancel

  • Falling Around - Praying – Praying – Praying!

    Cora’s surgery today will be in my constant thoughts and prayers.ReplyCancel

  • Whitney Mosley - Praying for your precious Cora and family today in Alabama.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Little Cora and your family are in our prayers.

    Jack and Coke TomjackReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - I found your blog through a friends blog and just wanted to say my family is praying for your sweet little angel! My heart breaks for you, thinking of the roller coaster you are on. Praise God that you know him so well and are leaning on him with all you have. Many prayers lifted up for you and yours! I am adding sweet Cora to the prayer list in my Sunday School class as well.ReplyCancel

  • Jill (Sneaky Momma) - Praying here in Texas!ReplyCancel

  • ran shae - we have been praying for cora last night and today. my 3 year old son prayed this morning “God, let Cora get all better so I can play with her”. yes and amen Lord!!! heal this baby girl and let your glory shine through her testimony of life and life abundant! AMEN!ReplyCancel

  • mama2one - From one mommy to another:
    Prayers for your beautiful little girl coming from Alberta, Canada.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - praying and not ceasing until Cora is Out of Surgery. I am reading in Psalms. PLease let us all pray during this dificult time.
    Madeline from TXReplyCancel

  • tami - Our prayers are with you, Cora, your family and the medical staff!!ReplyCancel

  • The Jones' - We are praying and haven’t stopped praying for baby Cora and your whole family…ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - We are praying for Cora today, as always. God bless you all.ReplyCancel

  • Kari - I’ll be praying for Cora’s surgery today.

    This was my theme verse when I watched my mother battle cancer: Psalm: 9:9-10, “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” (NIV)

    -Kari (your cousin Renae’s friend)ReplyCancel

  • James' Full House - Praying now and I’ve told everyone I know. You have a prayer team in Alabama and around the country praying for you and asking God to hold you and carry you during this trial. God is bigger than all of this. I’m just thinking about Cora all through out my day. God please heal and have mercy on this family.

    BrandiReplyCancel

  • Andrea - Joel, Jess, Cora, and Families,
    I wanted you to know that we are thinking of you and praying for you daily. We ask God to guide the hands of the doctors as they operate and care for Cora. Our God is a powerful God. He will will be with you always. We continue to pray for the peace and love that only God can provide for you all.
    We love you all.
    Proverbs 3:5-6
    -Travis, Andrea, and EthanReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - We are praying for you in Sleepy Eye, MN! God bless and keep you all!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - God has been bringing you to our minds many times during the day and we are praying for you and Cora.
    John & JodyReplyCancel

  • The Sweigart Family - My heart just aches for you guys. I am praying that there will be some stability around there…with Cora. Praying for her surgery this afternoon. Praying that you can get out of this valley you seem to be stuck in. Peace be with all of you there. Wish I could come give you a hug again today.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Today I was driving and saw a bumper sticker that said “Real men don’t have imaginary friends” on that same car another that said. “Proud to be agnostic”. My heart sank, for this man had never seen the miracles of God. Or he had not chosen to see them. You may be asking what this has to do with Cora. Honestly. She was the first thing that popped into my head. How could someone be so blind to God’s love? I wanted for that moment to roll down my window and tell him to come to this site. To look at this child’s face and to read the words her family wrote. I think that then he would see God. Then as crazy as this may sound, I was sad for him and for his choices. And for once in the past two weeks of reading about Cora. I was actually filled with happiness for this child. Because she at age 11 months, Knows God more than a man of over 30 years. I was happy because her parents in a time of sadness still see God’s works and miracles. They Believe Because we know that God is THE GREAT PHYSICIAN. So if anyone know who this man was that drove this green Jeep please guide him to this site. Also, let us pray for him, that he may know God too. And let us praise our God for giving Cora to Jess and Joel who are Believing in His word and living it daily. Thanks Jess and Joel for being the best parents that Cora could have. Thanks for choosing to believe. Thanks for sharing his word with others who may have not been believers before. You are true people of God. For that we should be THANKFUL.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - We are praying for your sweet Cora!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Your blog was sent to me by a friend of a friend. Since I first heard of Cora’s journey she has popped into my head throughout each day and I stop and say a prayer for her and for you, her wonderful parents. Your family’s faith is so inspiring to me. It has made me want to grow my own faith. I will continue to pray…ReplyCancel

  • Cristy - Praying for you guys this afternoon. Sending lots of hugs…

    CristyReplyCancel

  • Starsnrose - On my face before our precious Lord for Cora. He is holding her close to His heart.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - We will pray, especially for her surgery today. Your faith and trust in the Lord has been an amazing witness and encouragement to me. Thanks for all the updates.
    Haley 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Sending up prayers for little Cora’s healing and strength for the family!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Joel and Jess,
    We are praying for you and for Cora! Thanks for the updates that help us know how to pray better.
    Love,
    Brian and Sharon Regier and family, friends from Newton Bible ChurchReplyCancel

  • Sheryl - Just want you to know I am praying in Michigan.ReplyCancel

  • Linkis Family Love - I have been thinking about Cora all day. She has my many, many prayers (along with some for mommy and daddy, too!) Praying that the surgery is successful, and that she is blessed with healing, soon! Thank you SO much for keeping us posted. I check multiple times a day to see how the little sweetie is doing. “The will of God will never take you to where the grace of God will not protect you.”
    Love and Blessings,
    Kelli <>< <ReplyCancel

  • Amber Clay - I don’t know you or your family but please know that my family and I are praying for you and sweet baby Cora. God is good, powerful and can do amazing things.

    -Praying in Texas-ReplyCancel

  • The Schneider family - Dearest McClenahan family,

    “Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God is with you every step you take.” Joshua 1:9

    Have HOPE….the Lord is SO with you right now. The whole world is praying.

    “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made Him- the Lord- their hope and confidence.” Jeremiah 17:7

    I have a beautiful 23 months old daughter who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma last June. She is a SURVIVOR! Your beautiful Cora will be a neuroblastoma survivor too. She CAN and WILL fight this!

    We are constantly praying for Cora and your family and won’t stop!

    The Schneider family
    http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/corinneschneiderReplyCancel

  • Susie (So Blessed) - Praying for a sucessful surgery for both little Cora and the other little boy…for the surgeons and for all the family members…God is near and He hears our prayers.

    SusieReplyCancel

  • The Browns - I saw your blog linked from another. I will be praying for you & your family. Your little girl is such an angel! God Bless.

    BonnieReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Continuing to pray for Cora and family.

    S.ReplyCancel

  • forever folding laundry - Praying for you – daily – here in Northern California.ReplyCancel

  • Judy - I am whispering Cora’s name before our Heavenly Father right now! Asking him for complete healing and comfort right now!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Still praying in Kansas City….ReplyCancel

  • The Other Side of Me - God Bless you sweet Cora! We are praying for you!
    The Lucik Family, Gray GAReplyCancel

  • The Mama - Praying for Cora and her surgical team…ReplyCancel

  • Courtney and the Boys - Still praying here in Indiana…

    CourtneyReplyCancel

  • Tricia Toussaint - I am so deeply sorry for the passing of Cora. She is absolutely beautiful. I know she brought you tremendous joy while she was here on earth and may those memories bring you some comfort in the days ahead. May you find some peace.

    God Bless you.
    Tricia Toussaint
    Lansdale, PAReplyCancel