And all the multitude were seeking to touch [Jesus], for healing power was all the while going forth from Him and curing them all [saving them from severe illnesses or calamities]. (Luke 6:19 AMPC)
Tomorrow, August 22, eight-year old “Cora” will have surgery to remove a brain tumor.
From her mom:
“Her tumor is made up of two components—one cystic and one solid. The solid portion is wrapped around her basilar artery and has significantly shifted her brainstem to the left, along with her cerebellum. It also extends down to her C1 vertebra.
“Surgery is being planned to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible. Her surgeon is presenting her case to a panel of other neurosurgeons and is also consulting with a specialist who typically operates on adult patients. Due to the location and complexity, they do not expect to be able to remove the entire tumor, as preserving the facial nerves and the basilar artery is critical.
“Two surgeons will be in the operating room for the procedure. Once they remove what they can, the tumor will be biopsied to help guide the next steps. The team has told us it is clearly a slow-growing tumor—if it weren’t, [“Cora”] wouldn’t still be with us. They are amazed at how well she is doing. Despite everything, she has no balance issues, vision problems, or other neurological symptoms, and there is no additional pressure in her brain.
“The plan is to remove a C- or hockey stick–shaped section of her skull behind the ear in order to access the tumor and take out as much as possible. The surgeons hope is for complete removal, but they are aiming for at least 50–75%. A plate will be placed to cover the section of skull that is removed. We discussed the risks and what recovery might look like. One possibility is that she will have some facial paralysis that could resolve over time. Hearing loss and spinal fluid leaking are a couple others. They may keep the breathing tube in for a day or so afterward if the nerves are too irritated.
“Please pray specifically that the tumor will not be “sticky” and will come out cleanly. Pray for clarity for the surgeons and that there would be no complications.”
Since these posts in early June and July, Cora and her family have enjoyed many wonderful experiences and memories this summer. But tomorrow the summer shifts, and this precious little girl will spend a day in the operating room, her family waiting nearby. She and her family are all believers, but asking for much prayer support from their church and community. Would you please join us?
Jehovah Rapha,
In your Word you said, “I am the Lord who heals you.” Today we come to you to intervene for little Cora and her family, as she faces brain surgery tomorrow. We pray in the name of Jesus that you would completely remove this tumor even before the surgery, so that this family can continue to proclaim your healing and your miracles. If her healing doesn’t come in such an instantaneous and miraculous way, we pray that you will use the surgery to release her body from this tumor.
Holy Spirit, be present in the operating room, guiding surgeons, doctors, nurses, and all those gathered. May every decision they make be under the leading of your wisdom and knowledge. May you infuse them with supernatural understanding of what to do to completely remove this tumor without any complications. While surgeons may be hoping for 50–75% of it, we are praying and proclaiming that you will help them remove 100% of it, in Jesus’s name.
We pray that her body responds well to the surgery and she feels as little pain as possible. We pray protection over her body — that there are no surgical accidents or infections, and that every nerve, blood vessel, and other parts of her body will be protected from harm. We pray and declare that she will have NO hearing loss, NO facial paralysis, NO leaking spinal fluid, and that NO part of this tumor will be “sticky,” in Jesus’s name. We pray that this surgery would bring about total and complete healing, fixing what needs to be fixed, and completely eliminating the tumor. We pray that her recovery will be smooth and fast, with no infections, neurological symptoms, or other complications.
We pray that for Cora you will be a very present help in time of trouble. Be her Refuge, her Strong Tower, her Rock. Hold back any thought of fear, and replace it with the courage and strength that only you can give. We pray she sleeps well before and after surgery, and that her body is strong for the healing process. We pray she has moments of laughter and joy, even in the hospital, as she feels secure in your love and in the love of those around her.
We pray for supernatural peace to pass all understanding and guard the hearts and minds of her parents “Amy” and “Bill,” her siblings, her grandparents, and others that are standing around her in faith. Be very present to them in the waiting room, and every place else that your People who love her are gathered. May Amy and Bill have everything they need physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally, as they are surrounded by friends and family who share love, help, and encouragement. We pray that these loved ones would be able to rest in your arms of love, sustained by your strength, and trusting you for the outcome of Cora’s surgery.
We are grateful for the many ways in which your Church has stood with this family since this diagnosis, and continues to do so today. May the prayer teams that are intervening for Cora be led by your Spirit and pray exactly what you need them to pray.
We pray your healing power will go forth and cure Cora, and we ask all of this in Jesus’s name. AMEN.
God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. (Acts 10:38 NIV)
I am the Lord who heals you. (Exodus 15:26 NIV)