I have had on my mind two such men who God is using to teach so many. Both men have a story that includes attending a small christian college in York, Nebraska at different times. They went to York College, in part, because of their love for their LORD. I believe that they would both tell you that GIGATTAATTGIG. My connection to their story? Steve and I were both students at YC and then teachers in York in the 70's and then again in the 90's until 2002.
I'll share with you Chip's story in a few days; today meet Rich Edwards.
This was written on this blog originally at the beginning of October 2010.
Dr. Rich Edwards was injured when the truck he was driving was overcome by a brush fire on February 11, 2006. He was unable to escape the burning vehicle. His arms, hands, back and face were severely burned leaving very little tissue left on both hands. He has had multiple reconstructive surgeries and skin grafts, but had very little hand function. He was unable to use prosthesis and required complete assistance with all activities of daily living. Last month, things began to change with a DOUBLE HAND TRANSPLANT!
The incredible story of this christian brother from Edmond, Oklahoma is still ongoing. The links below will give you a glimpse into the recent part of Rich's journey as he is able to say GIGATTAATTGIG. (Be sure to at least link to the last one which is an interview with Rich and his doctor in September). There have been more surgeries in September, but the family is still hopeful. Please pray for Rich, his wife Cindy, and their extended family
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http://handtransplant.com/ThePatients/RichardPRichEdwardsJrDC/tabid/170/Default.aspx
http://handtransplant.com/HandTransplants/tabid/62/Default.aspx
http://handtransplant.com/ThePatients/RichardPRichEdwardsJrDC/DoubleHandTransplantRecipientSeesHands/tabid/173/Default.aspx
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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/39355799#39355799
Doctors: Hand-Transplant Recipient Recovery 'Miraculous' - News Story - WLKY Louisville
MY POST A YEAR LATER:
Here are Rich and his wife, Cindy, in an interview not long after his amazing double hand transplant in August.
In the past three weeks, 2 main arteries that supply the blood to the right hand were not supplying the necessary blood flow in that hand and it had started to look pretty bad. But then, miraculously, Rich's body developed a sub-artery that began to supply the blood to the hand. Then, smaller capillaries developed and have grown wider bringing more blood into the hand. Doctors have been amazed and have told Rich and Cindy that what is happening is "unprecedented". We continue to pray for complete healing for Rich AND that all may know that this healing comes from our Almighty God answering the prayers of His people!
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Yesterday, Rich went back into surgery on his transplanted hands. Doctors planned to do a deep tissue skin graft to his forearm, taking tissue from Rich's stomach, if the infection was completely gone from the forearm. Rich came out of surgery and is doing well. According to family, Rich's surgery yesterday was a success. They did an abridement and pinned fingers on R hand to prevent distortion. Doctor said there is no reason his right hand didn't die from the 2 clogged arteries. We remain so hopeful that Rich will have complete use of two transplanted hands! Rich's mother wrote this morning, "May God be glorified in every circumstance no matter what happens!" GIGATTAATTGIG
.Here is Rich before and after the TODAY SHOW on September 25 - with his doctor.
GIGATTAATTGIG
