Hawk Smith Medical Condition Updates

2007-02-01T10:48:00.000-08:00

FEBRUARY 1, 2007, MEDICAL CONDITION UPDATE...Alive Hospice personnel came to our home on Wed., 1/31/07, to meet with the family and complete a very brief physical of Hawk. The Hospice personnel included a doctor, a RN and a social worker. All three ladies are wonderful. Dr. Karen Cassity, a Pediatrican, is a mother of 4 and 6 year old children. It is wonderful that Alive Hospice have these type individuals working with the families.

There has been a very marked, daily change in Hawk's condition, in the last 10 days especially. As reported in earlier update below, on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2007, Hawk's left leg was a little weak and his right eye was pulling to the center.

On Thursday, Jan. 25, Hawk and Skyla had taken Mimi and Pa to the circus in Nashville (See write up in special activites under this blog site for the trip to circus). It was at the Gaylor Center in down town. We had parked and started walking into the building. Hawk had walked with very little problem at first. The back doors had been locked and we had to walk to the front of the building. Hawk had given out about half way and I carried him the rest of the way. His left foot was really dragging. We had to wait over half an hour for the building to open. During that time, he had rested and was back up playing with other kids. He had enjoyed the circus a lot. Several times he had commented that he really, really loved the circus with the clowns, or horses, or tigers, etc. It was a wonderful night for all. The kids spent the night with us and then went to Nana and Papa Smiths Friday morning. Hawk was walking better Friday morning.

We picked the kids up for church Sunday morning, Jan. 28. Hawk was having difficulty walking, his left foot was dragging when he picked it up and it was pointed inward. He would try and run, and would immediately fall.

I went to Lindy's on Tuesday, Jan 30, morning and Hawk could hardly stand. He needed to be held by both hands to walk. I did not notice any major problems with his arms.

Hawk spent Tuesday night with us. When I got home that afternoon, he was even having more difficulty walking and was showing considerable weakness in his left arm. This change occurred in the course of the day.

When we got up Wed., Jan. 31, he was having problems even taking steps with help. The weakness in the left arm was more pronounced. When the Dr. was giving him the tests, he could not touch his nose with the left finger tip.

He and I made up a game. In stead of picking him up to carry him, he sticks his legs out straight and we make out like he is water skiing on the hard wood floor and tile. He loves it and shouts to go faster.

Hawk is in great spirts. He enjoys playing. We sat at the table Tues. night and played with the play dough for close to an hour. His only pain now appears to be minor headaches and the Dr. told us to start tylenal every 6 hours on a constant basis.

Our prayer now is.... If it is not the Lord's will to perform a miracle and remove the tumor; that the rest of Hawk's journey be as painless, as enjoyable and as timely as possible. We pray that you will join us in this prayer for him.

2007-01-21T15:13:00.000-08:00

JANUARY 24, 2007 -- Hawk on TV channel 4 for Make a Wish...On Thursday, January 18, 2007, Hawk on was the More at Midday Show on TV Channel 4 with Holly Thompson. For the period 1/15-2/1/07, the TV show was hosting Make-A-Wish ("MAW") recipients to tell about their trips. Lindy was with Hawk and told of the wonderful experiences the family had at Disney World as a result of MAW. There was a TV monitor for Holly to be able to see what was being shown, i.e. pictures, during the show. Hawk could see the monitor. He was more interested in looking at the monitor and seeing himself on TV instead of listening to Holly's questions and talking to her. He still did a wonderful job.

MEDICAL UPDATE: Hawk's condition has deteriorated some. His right eye is pulling to the center. He is turning and cocking his head slightly to the left to compensate. He has complained some with headaches and his energy level is down some. This week there has been a marked change in his left leg dragging more when he walks.

The Lord blessed us with a wonderful holiday season. Hawk and Skyla had a lot of Christmas activities enjoying all the gifts and family visits. They had 5 different major family events between the Smith, Taylor and McPeak families. This was a real change from the 2005 Christmas season when he was taking radition treatments and hardly wanted to get off the couch.

We continue to thank you for your prayers and words of support. We truly believe that Hawk's current condition is so good because of the Lord hearing your prayers. The Lord continues to bless our family.

2006-10-30T06:57:00.000-08:00

OCTOBER 30, 2006 MEDICAL UPDATE...Hawk had a MRI on October 19, 2006. Mark and Lindy went back on Thursday, October 26, 2006, to review the readings with Dr. K.

The results are disturbing. The MRI findings showed that the tumor had increased in size. Below is a portion of the report's findings:

"This mass appears to have increased slightly in size when compared to the prior study. This mass measures 3.7 cm in greatest axial dimension and previously measured 3.5 cm. In the craniocaudal dimension, this lesion also measured 3.5 cm and now measures 3.8 cm. In addition, the cavitary portion of the lesion in the superior aspect has increased in size as well.....IMPRESSION: This is only a minimal increase in size of the brain stem glioma when compared to the prior study dated July 24, 2006."

Even though the report's findings show only a "minimal increase", this is a sign of growth.

We are encouraged that Hawk's physical conditions remain very good. When he is tired you can see a slight limp in his left leg. Besides this, he is a typical 5 yr. old boy that is running and gunning all the time.

We are continually running into individuals that say that they have Hawk in their daily prayers and the prayers of their church. This is so uplifting to us. We give God thanks for your prayers. Please continue to remember Hawk and the family.

AUGUST 17, 2006, MEDICAL UPDATE... Hawk had a MRI on August 17, 2006. The report's findings showed that the lesion is unchanged from the prior study.

JULY 24, 2006, MEDICAL UPDATE...Hawk had a MRI on July 24, 2006. The report's findings were;

"The pons is expanded to the right and posteriorly causing mild mass effect on the fourth ventricle. The mass also insinuates anteriorly alongside the basil artery. The greatest axial measurement is approximately 3.5 cm which is slightly increased from prior study at which time it was approximately 3.3 cm. The greatest superimposing dimension is 3.5 cm which is slightly increased from 3.4 cm on prior study....IMPRESSION: Minimal increase in size of the brain stem glioma in comparison to prior study dated 5/16/06. There is more apparent increase in size when compared to study of 3/13/06.

Dr. K was not overly concerned by the minimal increase in size in the readings. He stated that the measurements are not an exact science. The MRI picture slices may be at slightly difference locations and thus result in slightly different readings. He was more encouraged that Hawk was showing no physical signs of change.

2006-04-21T10:54:00.000-07:00

APRIL 21, 2006; Doctor's visit update report...

Hawk had his monthly Dr.'s visit on Thursday, April 20, 2006. The news was wonderful. Hawk had grown about half an inch and had lost about 3 lbs., down to 37 lbs., that he had gained when he was taking the steroids. His hair is beginning to grow in the two spots on the back of his head where he had lost all his hair from the radiation treatments.

He is in a wonderful mood and has wonderful energy. He is truly enjoying himself, his new home and life. He had a great Easter with his sister. They went to several Easter egg hunts.

We give praise to the Lord for his condition and for hearing all the prayers from all the prayer warriors around the country. You are wonderful. We continue to pray that the Lord will Bless you as you have Blessed our family.

2006-03-18T16:47:00.000-08:00

MARCH 18, 2006; UPDATE FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 12, 2006

What a week it has been.

Monday, 3/13/06; We went to Vandy for Hawk to have a MRI. This took all morning.

We are proud to announce that afternoon, Lindy and Mark Taylor were married in a private cermony in Hartsville.

Tuesday, 3/14/06; The households were moved into Hawk's New Home by Atlas-Apex-Robert Lee Movers. The packing and loading started at 9 AM and did not finish until 8 PM. It was wall to wall boxes. We appreciate the great job they performed as a donation to Hawk.

Their new address is 4528 West Bairds Mill Drive, Lebanon, TN 37090.

Wednesday, 3/15/06; The unpacking started and is still continuing.

Thursday, 3/16/06; Hawk had an appointment with Dr. K at Vandy. We are glad to report that the MRI showed that the tumor had been reduced about 25% in size. (NOTE: It may seem that only a 25% reduction is not something to be glad about. But you must remember that radiation does not effect 50% of the tumors. Your prayers have been answered, even though we continue to pray for the complete removal of the tumor.) The tumor will continue to be monitored about every two months. Hawk's steroids were reduced to only a quarter mg a day. He is in a great mood and has a smile on his face all day. He also has good engery. He gets tired easier but goes hard all day. He has not lost much of the weight he gained as a result of the steriods.

Friday, 3/17/06; Work continued on Hawk's New House and driveway.

Saturday, 3/18/06; Work was done on the house and yard in Hartsville. It has been on the market since mid January but there have been few showings. With warm weather and grass starting to green up, we hope that the market will become hotter.

A lot of work has been completed on Hawk's New Home in the last two weeks. I will try to get an update on all the work within the next few days.

Please keep Hawk, the Taylor, the Smith, and McPeak families in your prayers. We would also appreciate prayers for the timely selling of the Hartsville house.

Your prayers, hugs and support continue to be appreciated by all. May the Lord Bless you as you have Blessed our families.

2006-03-03T15:40:00.000-08:00

MARCH 3, 2006; Update on Hawk's condition for the week of 2/26-3/3/06.

Hawk had an appointment with Dr. K at Vandy on Monday, Feb. 27, 2006. This was just a routine checkup. All his blood work ups were good. He had gained over a pound since the Dr.'s appointment the previous week. He now weighs over 41 pounds. This is such a big change since the radiation treatments and steroids started in mid December, when he weighed only 32 pounds. The great news is that Dr. K reduced the steroids again to only a half mg a day. He does not have as big an appetite as before so maybe he will start to loss some of the weight.

The great news is that he has a smile all day and the energy to do what he wants to do, which is the most important thing.

The Lord has Blessed us with a very good period. Our prayers continue for a miracle that the tumor be removed, if is His Will. Please keep Hawk and all the Smith and McPeak families in your prayers.

It is encouraging to get comments back from the prayer warriors praying for Hawk and following his condition via the blog. On the 2/15/06 update, there are 5 comments. Three of them are from complete strangers that we have never met but who are praying for Hawk. They pass along their comments of encouragement of the miracle of prayer and how they are praying for Hawk. Via one of these comments, we now know that Hawk is being prayed for in Canada. This makes 4 countries that we are aware of that have people praying for him. Praise the Lord for His faithful followers, for their belief and their Love.

I will have a lot to report next week. There are many activities planned for Hawk's New Home in the next few days. The update will be in the blog for Hawk's New Home. Please be sure to link to the site next weekend.

In Christian Love, Pa

2006-02-15T19:19:00.000-08:00

FEBRUARY 15, 2006; MORE AWESOME NEWS

What a day this has been. The Lord has been so good to Hawk and his family through the generous actions of so many individuals in our community.

At 2 PM, there was a school assembly of Watertown Elementary School ("WES"). Ms Anita Christian and Cheryl Ellison, the Principal and Assistant Principal respectively of WES, notified Hawk, Lindy and the entire assembly of WES that the Silent Auction and Benefit Concert held February 4 had raised over $36, 800. Ms Anita thanked all the students for all their efforts helping raise the funds. She praised them for all their efforts on Hawk's behalf.

WES Music Teacher Marilyn Willoughby then led the fourth, fifth and sixth grade students in Hawk's song, one written specially for Hawk. The performance was wonderful.

We can not fully and truly express our appreciation for all the people that attended the concert, donated items and the individuals that bought them. Also, to all the individuals that just donated money for Hawk.

At 3:45 PM; Hawk, Skyla and Lindy went to Hawk's New Home. As reported in this blog earlier, volunteers had worked on Saturday, 2/11/06, to clean out the trash; remove all the flooring and old wall paper; and bead board that had been used to cover the kitchen cabinets and some of the den and master bedroom walls. Work had started on refurishing the house after the family left for Hawk's Make A Wish trip to Florida on Tuesday, 2/7/06. Volunteers had worked days, nights and the weekend to complete the work. The family had not been allowed to visit the house until today since being there on Monday, 2/6/06. A full report will be prepared later this week with before and after pictures . There will be articles in the local newspapers this week and Channel 5 News will have a report on their Thursday 6 PM news of the Extreme Home Makeover-Wilson County Style. The makeover has been wonderful. There is still work to be done and there are plans to complete this work. But, you can not believe the work that has been completed in only 9 days. It is totally amazing what this wonderful group of individuals have completed. It has shown me that I have so much to do to be more involved in my community and the ones in need.

I want to share with you just a few of the actions that have touched us so much in the last few weeks as follows:

A) I came into the Learning Center one day to pick up the kids. Ms. Kelly, Skyla's teacher, had one of the large Tootsie Roll tubes that had been given to her from a high school student. She did not know who the student was. A slot had been cut in the top of the tube to be able to deposit money in it. It was a small piggy bank. Ms. Kelly explained that there was $4.91 in change in the tube. The funds were mainly in pennies, nickels, and dimes. It is apparent to us that the student had been saving the money over an extended period. We can imagine that this student had been saving for something special. Instead, the student had donated these funds to Hawk. We just wish that we could give this student a hug. We do know that the Lord has Blessed him for his Love for one of God's little ones.

B) During the Silent Auction held at Watertown 2/4/06, Barbara (Mimi) bought a few pictures for Hawk's New Home. When she was paying for the items, a lady handed her a certificate for an oil change. The lady had been the successful bidder for the item and she wanted Lindy to have it. This was very generous but then she explained that this was the most expensive oil change she had ever bought, she had paid $400 for it. Praise the Lord!!!!

C) We flew Southwest Airlines to Florida for Hawk's Make A Wish trip. About an hour into the flight, one of the stewardesses came by and handed me a note that she said she had found in the aisle at the back of the plane. On the outside of the folded note, it was penned "Make A Wish tomorrow--Enjoy Orlando--Please open". On the inside, it was penned "Please accept a ittle gift to make this trip a little better. My Prayers are with your son and your family. God Bless. PS. Have a great time". There was a $100 bill folded inside. We asked the stewardess for the name of the donator. She simply said that she had found it in the middle of aisle. We sent a note back stating "Thanks so very much. May you be blessed as we are being blessed by your generosity". No announcement had been made. Mimi had her Make A Wish T-shirt on and the person had noticed it and acted.

D) Mimi and I took the kids to eat at Cracker Barrel after Hawk's visit to his new home this afternoon. A lady recognized Hawk as we were waiting for a table. She asked him about tractors. He said that he drove Pa's John Deere tractor. She bought him a book about JD tractors at the counter. It is wonderful how people just reach out to Hawk and make him happy.

A half box of tissues have been used writing this update. Please continue to keep Hawk in your prayers for a miracle. His fate is now totally in the Lord's Hands. It will be our prayer that you and yours are Blessed as we are being Blessed by you.

We have also be Blessed to learn that Mike (Papa) Smith's prostrate cancer has not spread. Surgery in the future should be able to remove the cancer. Details will be discussed with the Dr. on Thursday, 2/16/06. Thanks for your prayers on his and his family's behave.

Love,

Pa

2006-02-14T19:08:00.000-08:00

FEBRUARY 14, 2006; PRAYERS ANSWERED FOR HAWK TO ENJOY HIS MAKE A WISH TRIP TO FLORIDA

All of our prayers were answered for Hawk to be able to enjoy his Make A Wish trip to Florida. Hawk had a lot of energy and was always ready to do more, even if the adults were dragging. Each morning he woke up early with the question of "What are we going to do today?" I will be writing about the trip in a very days. I thought that I would have time in Florida to be able to write each day. Was I ever wrong.

We got back home about 8:30 PM Monday night, 2/13/06. We thank the Lord for a wonderful trip that made Hawk so happy.

Tuesday morning I called Gayle Hooper, Director of the Learning Center and the primary mover of the Extreme Home Make Over, about what I needed to do with "Hawk's New Home". I was ready to get my hands dirty and do some work. She politely informed me that neither Lindy nor any of the family were allowed to be at the house until Wednesday evening at 5 PM. Carpet was being laid today and a number of volunteers were going to work on the house this evening to be have it as finished as possible before we saw it. We have honored her request, even though it has almost killed us.

SPECIAL REQUEST: I met a lady at breakfast at Give Kids the World on Monday, 2/13/06. She informed me that her daughter also had the same brain stem tumor as Hawk. She had been diagnosed with the cancer in March of 2005. Her daughter was doing well after almost a year. I got her email address but I misplaced it in the process of packing and traveling back to TN. My email address is mcpeaktn@aol.com. I would appreciate an email if you read this email. I'm anxious to exchange information.

2006-02-05T04:15:00.000-08:00

FEBRUARY 5, 2006; "AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME" NEWS

What do you think this group of individuals are smiling about? It was Wednesday, 2/1/06, and it was Hawk's last radiation treatment. This is the "A" team that were with Hawk through his 30 days of radiation. Starting at the left top, the individuals in clockwise order are Matt, Mona, Daphine, Lindy, Hawk (full of laughter), Trish and Pa (who is always talking). This group of people were terrific and really helped Hawk and his family. AWESOME

Thursday, 2/2/06, Hawk and I were in town getting our hair cut. We received a call from Jo Clemons Smith from the Lebanon radio station WANT FM 99. MJ was on the air till 11 AM and they wanted to do a live interview with Hawk. We drove to the station, arriving about 10:30. MJ interpreted her broadcast immediately and spent the rest of her program talking to Hawk and getting out information on the benefit concert and silent auction. AWESOME.

Thursday night, 2/2/06, was very special for Hawk. We told Hawk that we were going to Demo's in Murfreesboro with Henry, his best family from the Learning Center, and Henry's family to celebrate the radiation treatments being completed. (Henry's parents, Deana & Derek Elwell had donated the 300 picture frames that had been sold for financial support for Hawk.) This was true. BUT, we were also there to celebrate the granting of Hawk's Make-a Wish. We were joined by Victoria Thoman, Wish Grantor, and her husband, Charlie. Hawk was going to Disney 2/7-13/06. Hawk was so excited. He had not expected to be able to go till mid March. He will be staying at Give Kids The World Village, a non-profit resort built to create Magical memories for special kids. We are expecting wonderful memories to be created for Hawk. AWESOME

The silent auction and benefit concert held Friday night, 2/3/06, at Watertown High School ("WHS") was a wonderful success. The doors opened at 6 PM for the silent auction and the concert started at 7 PM. We got there about 6 PM and had a hard time finding a place to park. The place was packed. When the concert started, it was to standing room only. Hawk and Lindy were introduced to the attendees by Anita Christian and Cheryl Ellsion, Watertown Elementary School Principal and Asst. Principal respectively. On Hawk's behalf, we want to thank all the individuals/businesses that donated so generously and the individuals that bought the items. Watertown and Wilson County have the best people in the world. The performers were wonderful. Jason Meadows, who placed second in the Nashville Star contest last year was the feature performer; with support performances by Carolina Rain and Hillary Scott; and local entertainers Timmy and Ramsey Goolsby, Doug Collins and Chance West. Ms. Marilyn Willoughly, the Music Teacher at Watertown Elementary School directed several songs by the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students. A special song was written for Hawk and performed by all three grades. Hawk and Skyla had a wonderful time. By the end of the night, they were both on the gym floor with other kids playing during the live performances. We want to give a special thanks to Ms. Anita, Cheryl, Marilyn and to the many, many volunteers that did some much work to make this event as special as it was. We also want to give a very special thanks to all the individuals that gave the family hugs and told us of the prayers that are being offered to God for a miracle. (Note: The Lebanon Democrat had an article on the event in the Saturday 2/4/06, edition and the Wilson Post had individuals there taking pictures and doing interviews which will probably be in their Wednesday, 2/8/06, edition. Please refer to the papers or their web sites for the articles that tell a better story than I can write. AWESOME.

In the last update, 1/31/06, you were informed of the small miracle of us being able to buy a house close to us that Lindy is going to be able to refinance and own. We also shared that the house was in need of a lot of fixing up. I had shared the good news information of finding the house and its condition with Gayle Hooper, Director of the Learning Center ("LC") on Monday. When I returned to the LC Tuesday to pick up Skyla, I was met by Gayle; Jo Ann Vastola, the Learning Center's Sec.; and a group of the teachers and parents of students. They were so excited. They had talked to their husbands, their families, their friends, businesses, etc., and had plans to fix up Hawk's New Home-"Extreme Home Makeover", Wilson County style. They have contacted businesses and already found sponsors that donated some items for the entire make over. Sherwin Williams on North Cumberland donated all the paint, brushes, rollers, drop cloths. Designer Carpets on West Main donated all the carpet and vinyl floor coverings. Vulcan had donated two loads of gravel for the driveway. They had already started a list of skilled craftsman of various trades and many more individuals that just wanted to work on the house.

On Saturday morning, 2/4/06, the work started. It was cold and snowy outside, but very warm on the inside. There were 11 people there to work, including two small angels Hallie Vastola and Shelby Fox. By the end of the day, all the old flooring had been removed from the entire house; all the trash was cleared out (no small task), the old wall paper removed, and the kitchen stove and refrig. spotlessly cleaned. The Lord is active in Wilson County in the generosity of so many people. Awesome

On behalf of Hawk and his family, may I say again in closing that we are living in a very special place. The love, support and especially the prayers are from the heart of a very special community. It is some wonderful to know you and have your hugs of support. May the Lord Bless as you are Blessing us. AWESOME

We also learned Friday that Papa, Mike Smith, has prostrate cancer. Bone scan and Cat scan testes will be performed this week to learn how the cancer has spread. Please keep him in your prayers along with Hawk. Thanks.

2006-01-30T18:14:00.000-08:00

JANUARY 31, 2006; UPDATE WITH WONDERFUL NEWS

Hawk has had a great period since the last update as can be seen in the picture above where he and Lindy were enjoying one of our beautiful, sunny TN days.

One of Hawk's class mates at the Southside Learning Center is Maravich Bond. His parents are Tonya and Troy Bond. Troy is the coach of the boys basketball team at Wilson Central High School ("WCHS"). They wanted to do something special for Hawk. On Tuesday night, 1/24/06, WCHS had "Hawk Smith Night" at their basketball game. We want to thank the Bonds and Gayle Hooper for all their efforts on Hawk's behave.

On Friday, 1/27/06, Hawk was treated to a day at the circus by the Make a Wish organization. Hawk was in one of the sky box suites and had a wonderful time.

Also on Friday, 1/27/06, there was a wonderful front page article in the Wilson Post on Hawk covering a benefit concert and silent auction that is being held at Watertown HS gym this Friday night, 2/3/06, at 7 PM. This benefit is being coordinated by Gayle Hooper, the Director of Wilson County's Learning Centers, Anita Christian and Cheryl Ellison, Watertown Elementary School Principal and Asst. Principal respectively. This is the school in which Lindy teaches Special Education. There was also a wonderful human interest article on Hawk and the benefit in the Lebanon Democrat on Tuesday, 1/31/06. I spoke with Clint Brewer, the Managing Editor, who stated that the article will be posted to their web site tomorrow. It will be aged out but will be put in their archives files on the site after that for viewing. There is going to be another human interest article in the Wilson Post on Wednesday, 2/1/06. I spoke with John Bryan, the publisher, who stated that the articles they wrote will be on their web site under news until they age off. The web sites for the papers are wilsonpost.com and lebanondemocrat.com, if individuals are interested in viewing the articles. NOTE: We can not say enough or offer enough praise for the individuals mentioned above and the many, many more that are doing so much to help Hawk and Lindy. It is our prayer that the Lord will Bless them and their families as they are blessing us.

We also received good news on the steroids. During the office visit with Dr. Kuttesch on Thursday, 1/26/06, he removed Hawk off the steroids completely. We have seen a wonderful change in Hawk's mood in the last 15 days. He is laughing and smiling again all the time and having a wonderful time. Hawk and I have spent the last two days as guys out days. It has been great.

We also have good news on Lindy's housing. They are presently living in Hartsville, which is approximately 30 miles away from us. When Lindy is teaching, she has to drive from Hartsville to Lebanon to drop the kids off at the Learning Center in Lebanon and then drive to Watertown, a total trip one way of over 30 miles. We had wanted to get the family back closer to us and her work. Barbara & I have been able to buy a re-possessed house, built in 1994 that sits on a 2.6 acre wooded lot at the end of a cul-de-sac, that was being sold on the courthouse steps. The inside has been completely trashed. We will have to redo the inside from top to bottom, but the house is structurely sound. Pa now has a project to complete. We have to do some fix up work and sell Lindy's house in Hartsville, refurbish the new house, and then refinance the new house in her name. The wonderful news is that Lindy will only be about 5 miles from both sets of grandparents and about 5 miles from the Learning Center. The Lord was involved in this development, it was definitely a small miracle. We are still praying for the BIG miracle for Hawk.

2006-01-29T16:59:00.000-08:00

OUR PRAYER REQUESTS FOR HAWK

Our prayer requests for Hawk and his family are:

If it is the Lord's will, that the tumor be completely removed and Hawk will be completely cured. We believe that all things are possible through prayer and the Lord,
But, if that is not His will, that Hawk will be in the 5 % to survive past two years,
That the Lord will Bless Hawk with a good quality of life during this ordeal,
That all of Hawk's extended family will be provided strength by the Lord during this illness, that we can be strong for him and each other,
That there will be blessings resulting from Hawk's illness, even if we are not aware of them, and
That all the families, churches and individuals praying for Hawk will be Blessed as we are being Blessed and strengthened by their prayers, hugs, cards, emotional and financial support.

Please provide Hawk's blog site for inclusion in your church bulletins and in correspondence to your friends. This will help people wanting to follow Hawk's progress to be keep informed and to help keep him in their daily prayers. Below is a text that you can cut and paste to emails for easier distribution.

Please pray for Hawk Smith, a 4 year old boy from Hartsville, TN who has been diagnosed with a malignancy of the brain stem, Pontine Glioma. This terrible cancer is inoperable and does not respond to chemo. The only treatment recommended is radiation and steroids. The mortality rate is about 95 % before 2 years. You prayers are needed. To follow his progress, you can access his internet blog site: hawksmith.blogspot.com/

2006-01-28T13:30:00.000-08:00

PERSONAL FAMILY INFORMATION;

Since our email is being sent to many individuals that do not know Hawk or the family personally, I wanted to provide a picture and some family information.

Above is a picture that was taken this summer as the family prepared to go to church.

Hawk was 4 on August 31. He loves the outdoors. He is a big help to his grandpas. He loves to help Grandpa McPeak ("Pa") in the garden planting corn, picking the vegtables, driving the tractor and pickup. We turn him loose to drive as long as a tree, the barn or the fence is not going to be knocked down. He loves to sit in Pa's lap and drive on his own. He loves to help Grandpa Smith ("Papa") with the goats.

Lindy, his single Mom, is a special education teacher for the 4, 5, and 6th grade at Watertown Elem. School.

Skyla, his little sister, was 1 on September 18. She just loves her big brother and he is so good to her. Skyla has a keep sake grown on that Grandma McPeak ("Mimi") made for her in the picture. The babies born during the year were being presented a gift and being blessed by the congregation.

Hawk and Skyla's dad is Jamie Smith. He is an installer for a vinyl siding company.

Mark Taylor of Hartsville, TN is Lindy's fiance.

Lindy's parents are Barbara and Ken McPeak ("Mimi & Pa").

Jamie's parents are Gwen and Mike Smith ("Nanna & Papa").

You can use the following addresses for any correspondence;

Hawk, Skyla and Lindy Smith
845 Dalton Hollow Rd.
Hartsville, TN 37074

Ken and Barbara McPeak
6951 Cainsville Rd.
Lebanon, TN 37090-5710

Jamie, Mike and Gwen Smith
4808 Franklin Rd.
Lebanon, TN 37090

Please share this email and future emails with anyone that you want to share it with. We have individuals and churches from North Carolina to California and Michigan to Texas praying for him. We know that the email has been sent internationally to at least Australia and Mexico.

Please feel free to send the update emails to all individuals who will include Hawk and the family on their prayer list.

2006-01-20T17:12:00.000-08:00

UPDATE FRIDAY, 1/20/06, Infection

We had a scare this afternoon. As reported in the 1/19/06 update, Hawk had an office visit with Dr. K on Thursday. Hawk had a sinus infection. Dr. K prescribed an antibiotic. He stated that Hawk needed to have a blood culture workup to insure that there were no other more serious infections that the antibiotic might cover up. It would probably take 3-4 days for the culture to grow to complete the test, but there would be a preliminary test result on Friday.

Lindy got a call today that there was a staph infection and that Hawk needed to be bought into the Dr.'s office immediately. Hawk, Lindy, and both sets of grandparents were soon at Dr. K's office. Since the access tube had been removed that morning following radiation, the first thing that had to be done was a new access tube inserted in the port catheter. Blood was drawn and we were told to be prepared to admit Hawk in the hospital by the nurse.

Dr. K came in the exam room later with the preliminary test results. The blood counts looked good. Hawk was in a great mood with no fever. Dr. K explained that when the blood was drawn on Thursday from the access tube, that had been in place since Monday of this week, the staph germ probably had been picked up from the tube. Hawk was given an antibiotic via the access tube as a safety measure and allowed to go home. We were coached to monitor his temperature and notify the office if it went above 101 degF.

Because of his low immunity, we were told to limit Hawk's exposure to only 3-4 people and to stay away from sick individuals, especially children.

We thank all of you that became aware of these developments this afternoon and immediately offered prayers for Hawk and his extended family. You are wonderful.

NOTE: I received an email that prayers were being offered for Hawk in Sri Lanka. It is amazing to us all the prayer warriors that are praying for Hawk in some many locations.

May the Lord continue to Bless all of you, as you are Blessing our family.

2006-01-16T20:29:00.000-08:00

UPDATE THURSDAY, JANUARY 19,2006, Current developments:

We had an appointment with Dr. K this morning. He lowered the steroid level to a half a tab or 2 mg. every other day. We hope that this will continue to lessen the side effects of the steriods. In the last 30 days, Hawk's weight has increased from 32 lbs. to 40 lbs. or 25 % because of the steriods. Hawk does not look at all like the old Hawk. The effect is seen most in his face, which is now very round and puffy. They made a mask of his face and head, before the radiation was started, to be able to properly guide the treatments. This morning the Dr., administrating the mediation to put him to sleep, stated that they had had to put a breathing tube down his throat before the radiation treatment. His face and neck had swollen so much that the mash was restricting his breathing. It is our prayer that the effects of the steriods will lessen, he will start to eat less, and his weight will be reduced.

As of Tuesday, 1/17/06, Hawk's attitude has continued to improve with the reduction of the steroid levels. He continues to feel better. We often play memory and go fish in the radiation waiting room floor while we are waiting for the doctors. It is wonderful to hear him laughing. He and Mom beat Pa every time. He gets a big kick out of that. We make a bid deal going into the hospital that he is not going to win that day. His answer is always the same, "Oh yes I am".

Below is a picture taken in the radiation waiting room. Lindy and Hawk were in the floor playing with a space ship toy that had been given to him by a lady that we play bridge with. They were having a great time with a lot of laughing. You can see the effect of the steriods in his face. You can look at the picture of him with the family information publication to see the impact.

As of Monday, 1/16/06, Hawk continues to respond well to the reduction in the level of steroid mediation. He has laughed and smiled much more this week.

Skyla and Hawk were at home with Lindy Friday night. Skyla throw up and had diarreha during the night. The grandkids spent Sunday night with us. About 2 AM, Hawk became sick. He throw up twice in the mid of the bed requiring a complete bed change. He also had a fever. Thank the Lord, the illness did not last long. Both kids were over the illness the next day. Hawk's temperature was normal by the time for him to have his radiation treatment.

2006-01-12T16:11:00.000-08:00

UPDATE THURSDAY, 1/12/06: Current developments this week

Hawk and Skyla spent the night with Mimi and Pa McPeak Sunday night. Hawk's radiation treatments resumed Monday morning, 1/9/06.

The kids went back with Lindy to Hartsville for Monday night. Hawk had a very rough night. He fell asleep about 6 PM. He woke up at 11 PM. After that time, he would only sleep for short intervals. He woke often complaining with his stomach and being hungry. Of coarse, he could not eat after midnight because of having to be mediated before the radiation treatment Tuesday morning. Lindy was very stressed out when I met her at the Learning Center Tuesday morning after driving from Hartsville with Hawk crying most of the way.

Tuesday morning,we talked to Shaylee's grandmother when we met in the Radiation Dept. She stated that Shaylee had also had problems sleeping when she was on the higher dosages of steroids. We asked for an appointment with Dr. K.

We were not able to see him but were able to be seen by a member of his staff. The steroid dosage was reduced to one 4 mg tab a day to be given in the morning.

Wednesday morning, Hawk asked to go into the Learning Center to see some of his class mates. He had a few smiles for the first time in a long time. This is one of the issues that had concerned us so much. Our once happy, always smiling child, had been so sad and moody. After radiation, Hawk and Lindy went to Nanna Smith's. Hawk took a 3 hour night. This was the first time that he had taken an afternoon nap. Although he was very tired, he seemed to fight the nap.

That night, there were many more smiles and even some laughing. He slept well Wed. night, only waking up one time.

Thursday found him smiling much more. He also had more energy. After radiation, we went to the vet to see his dog, Dixie, that had been hit by a car shortly after Hawk was diagoised with cancer in December. Dixie is continuing to improve also. Hopefully, she will be released late next week.

We were very glad to see these improvements in Hawk.

On Thursday, Dr. K reduced his steroids to a half a tab or 2 mg a day. We hope and pray that we will see more improvements and no detioriation in his conditions.

We continue to be Blessed by so many people praying for Hawk and the family.

Thanks

2006-01-12T14:46:00.000-08:00

1/12/06 2:40 PM All previous history correspondence to this date....

UPDATE Mon., 1/9/06, 8:30 PM

Hawk had an average weekend for him. He and Skyla stayed at Nanna & Papa Smith's home until Sunday afternoon. He felt like getting up a few times. Lindy had said that she had been seeing some hair on his pillow and on her shoulder earlier during the week. But, I was shocked when I picked the kids up at 5 PM Sunday evening. From Friday to Sunday, Hawk had lost the hair in two spots behind his ears, a little smaller than a baseball. The doctors had warned us than Hawk might lose his hair in these areas because of the radiation...but the change was so quick it was unsettling.

Lindy had a rough weekend following her surgery. She was in a lot of pain. We saw her doctor this morning. He had left the wound open to drain, packed with gauze. I could not believe the very, large amount of gauze packing that was inside the opening in her arm. Hopefully she will have a better tonight.

May the Lord Bless you and yours.

UPDATE SAT., 1/7/06, 9 AM

I have good news to report this morning. Hawk did not have to go back into the hospital this week. His bowels and bladder have began to function OK. We did have to go up to Dr. K's office 3 times this week after the daily radiation, but the outcome was good. He has now finished 13 of the 30 radiation treatments.

He remains very tired, with very little energy. He has started to lose some of his hair. We did find out this week that the heavy dosage of steroids cause the joints and muscles to hurt like a bad case of the flu. This helps us to understand why he is often stiff and complains when we try to move him. It helps us to understand why he often only wants to be left alone. Late in the day, he often does not want anyone to hold him. He wants to only lay on the couch by himself. He will have the TV on, but is often in a daze.

Dr. K did reduce his steroids down to only 2 per day this week. It is our prayer that the dosage can be reduced to only one per day next week.

The steroids are given to help control the swelling of the brain from the radiation treatments. As the body adjust to where it can tolerate the radiation better, the steroids dosage can be reduced. At the beginning of the treatments, Dr K informed us that the side effects of the steroids are often worse that the radiation. We are only now beginning to fully appreciate how true this is.

Shaylee, the 4 year old girl from Crossville that has the same cancer, was laughing Friday. We asked her grandmother when she started to see the improvement in Shaylee's moods. She stated that when they reduced the steroids to only a half tablet a day, the mood and energy really improved. As stated in earlier emails, Shaylee has received 10 more radiation treatments than Hawk.

Lindy's outpatient procedure to remove the abscess in the lymph nodes in the left arm was performed at UMC on Friday. All reports are good to this point. Hawk and Skyla are at Grandparents Smiths (Nanna & Papa) now to give Lindy some rest.

All your emails, notes, and words of encouragement are appreciated. We are most appreciative of your prayers. We have received feedback that the update emails are being forwarded to so many people across the USA. A man in Nashville told us that the prayers have gone international because he has forwarded the emails to Australia. We also have recently learned that there are prayers in Mexico.

That Soooooooo many prayers are going up to the Lord on Hawk and our behaves is very uplifting and strengthening. Our family is really, truly Blessed by all of you. I do not know how anyone could get through a period like this without the support of friends (and people we do not know--I will not call you strangers) and the Lord. It is our Prayer that you and yours will also be Blessed by the Lord for all your love and concerns.

Love,

Pa (Ken)

UPDATE TUESDAY, JAN. 3, 2006, 9:30 PM

I'm sorry that I had not sent an update earlier following my email from Friday. Hawk finally had a BM about 10 PM Friday night after being on the stomach drip for 10 hours. Saturday morning, the doctors allowed Hawk to have a clear, liquid diet. He was able to handle the food. So after noon, they allowed him solid food. You cannot image the food he ate after not having any real food since Thursday night. We had to with hold food for a period to ensure he did not get sick. He was dismissed from the hospital about 4 PM on Saturday.

Hawk started radiation again this morning, having his 10th treatment of 30. His appearance has really changed. The steroids have caused his face to become more full and round. He cheeks are red and pushed out like a chipmunk's full of nuts. The doctors had reduced the steroids to only 2 per day from the first dosage level of 8 tabs per day. The doctors increased the steroids back to 4 per day after having the impacted bowels.

Hawk's stomach is still hurting. His stomach was x-rayed again this morning. If there are still problems Wednesday morning, he may have to be admitted to the hospital again and the "go lightly" laxative administered via a stomach drip. We are praying that he does not have to be admitted. He really hated going in this morning. We believe he was thinking that he might have to stay at the hospital again.

Lindy had a lump a little smaller than a baseball come up on the inside of her left arm. We went in before 7:30 AM this morning to have a MRI of her arm at Vandy. While she was having her test, Hawk and I was in another area of Vandy for his radiation treatment. The MRI showed an abscess.

She will have an outpatient procedure Friday, 1/6/06, performed at UMC, after taking Hawk to Nashville for his radiation treatment.

Please keep her, as well as Hawk, in your prayers. Your prayers will work miracles, if it is God's will.

In Christian Love,

Ken

Update Friday, 12/30/05 8:46:03 PM Central Standard Time

It is Friday night, 12/30/05 about 7:30 PM. This update is being written from Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. This is one of the advantages of the new tech age and a modern hospital. There is an Internet hookup in every room.

It has been a rough 24 hours for Hawk. Mimi and I had the kids last night to try and give Lindy a night to relax. In all honesty, I believe it becomes a night to break down instead. But, she needs that time also, as many of you know from experience.

Last night, Hawk woke up 8 times during the night, either needing to go to the bathroom or having gone to the bathroom. He also complained of his stomach hurting during the night.

We came in for his daily radiation treatment this morning at 8 AM. We told the radiation dept. about the problems of the night and were told to go to Dr. Kuttesch's office. After speaking to Dr. K for a few minutes, an appointment was made for Hawk to have an x-ray of his stomach area. The results showed badly impacted intestines and an extended bladder. In the doctor's office, Hawk had a catheter inserted and had over 350 cc of urine removed. He immediately said that his stomach did not hurt any more. Next, a tube was inserted through the nose into the stomach. A liquid laxative drip (go lightly) was started about noon.

We were moved to a room about 1:30 PM. The hospital was full and they had a hard time finding a room for us. We are on the 8th floor which is normally for the infants scheduled for surgery. Thanks goodness we are not on this floor for that reason.

The liquid has been draining into his stomach now for over 8 hours. He has been able to urine but has not had a BM. We asked how long it took for the medicine to work and got the standard answer "each child is different", some go within an hour and others take longer. Thankfully, Hawk has slept most of the day. He can not eat or drink anything because this would made the medicine toxic. The liquid draining into his stomach is filling him. But still, when he wakes up he says that he is hunger. He has not eaten since 7 PM last night, since he could not eat after midnight before the radiation. The steroids have really increased his appetite. Our little boy that never ate much is now eating 3 times what the normal little Hawk used to eat. So we are just waiting. BUT, it is wonderful to be in a facility that can react in a timely manner to address the problems as they develop.

The prayer session we had at church Wednesday night was WONDERFUL. It was very up lifting to have so many people there praying for Hawk and all our families. I also want to thank all of you for sending the update emails on to your Christian friends all over. It is so much comfort to us to know that the Lord is having so many prayers lifted to Him on Hawk's behave and for our families, both the McPeaks and Smiths.

It is our prayer that you and yours Will be Blessed as you are blessing Hawk. May you have a wonderful and safe weekend and future years.

Love, Ken

Wed., 12/21/05 Update

Friday, 12/16/05, was a confusing day for us at the hospital. Nothing happened per the plans.

Things that did happen were:

*Early in the morning, Hawk was measured and fitted for the helmet that will be used to aim the radiation treatments. the tumor will be shot from 4 different angles.

*At 5 PM, he was finally taken to surgery to have the port catheter installed that would be used for access for shots and IV's instead of having to stick him every time. The port will be accessed each Monday with a lead that will stay in until he finishes his radiation each Friday. It will then be removed for the weekend. The process will be repeated each week.

We waited all day for the surgery. He had not eaten since 7 PM the previous evening. We were finally able to leave the hospital about 10 PM.

Hawk did not have his normal energy over the weekend. This may have been the result of having been mediated and put to sleep twice on Friday for the procedures and/or the steroids.

Hawk had his first radiation treatment on Monday, 12/19/05. He handled the treatment well.

He will be mediated for each radiation treatment. He was a little dizzy and sleepy after the procedure. He ate fairly well that morning.

On Tuesday, 12/20/05, he had his normal treatment at approximately 8 AM. He throw up in the car on the way to the hospital. He was sick on his stomach twice more that evening. We do not know if this is a flu, the result of the treatments or the steroids. Hopefully, the doctors will be able to clarify for us today.

We never knew what caused this problem.

Thursday, 12/15/05 PM Update

Hawk had the MRI this morning. The results are very bad. He has been diagnosed with a malignancy, Pontine Glioma. The tumor is approximately 1.5 by 1.6 inches in size. This is one of the worst cancers. It is located on the brain stem which controls body functions. The cancer is inoperable and does not respond to chemo. The only treatment recommended is radiation and steroids. The radiation effects about 50% of the tumors. The mortality rate is about 95% before two years.

We spoke with Dr John Kuttesch, Hawk's brain cancer specialist. He said that you never know how a child will respond to the radiation.

Therefore, we know, with your prayers, Hawk is going to be in the 5% group. He stated that he had a child that had the treatment now for about 1 1/2 years and is back in school with little motor skill loss.

We have a meeting with the radiation Dr. tomorrow morning at 8 AM to discuss treatment more. They will start preliminary work later tomorrow morning for the radiation and if possible Hawk will have his first treatment tomorrow afternoon. The sooner the radiation is started, the sooner the pressure on the brain and the effects on his left side can be reduced. He will have treatments for 6 weeks, 5 days a week. He will then be tested after about a month to see the effect of the treatment.

Thanks for the emails and calls.

Sorry that I have not responded to each one.

Give your kids and grandkids--all your loved ones--a special hug tonight and every day.

Thursday, 12/15/05 AM Update

Hawk started to drag his left leg this week. We saw his doctor yesterday and she sent us immediately to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital ("VCH"). The CAT scan showed a plum sized mass at the base of the brain. There had been nothing on a CAT scan he took two years ago.

They believe it is definitely cancer. More will be known today when they do a MRI. They have already told us to prepare for a long hard journey. We need the prayers of you and everyone you know. I will send an update as we know more.

Ken