Laila's Prayer Compass

The Vance's Family Photo After Diagnosis

How do you go on after hearing your nine-year-old child has Stage 4 Brain Cancer? You live. That’s exactly what Corey and Jakima Vance did after learning of Laila’s diagnosis four years ago — they lived! 

As I interviewed Jakima Vance about how the family battled cancer, I sat in complete awe. She spoke with a pleasant combination of peace and conviction that had my pen floating steadily across the pages while she stilled my soul with these words, “I never questioned God. I never asked Him why He did this to us. I felt like if it was going to happen in our family, we were saved, we could handle it — show our family the strength of God and God is a healer.”

The Vance’s were preparing for a cruise when they heard the words that would dramatically shift their lives. Laila had been enduring headaches for quite some time and they were getting worse. Considering she might be having trouble with her vision, mother and teacher agreed to move Laila closer to the blackboard. When that did not help, it was decided to begin allergy testing. No allergies were found. The family considered migraines as it was not uncommon for this diagnosis to run in the family. The next decision was to see a neurologist. However, the Greenville, North Carolina neurologist could not be seen for two months. A friend recommended they call Raleigh. 

The appointment was scheduled for Wednesday and the family was scheduled to leave for their cruise vacation on Friday. The doctor expressed he did not think there were considerate concerns and migraines were more likely the cause of the pain. With medication, Laila should be feeling better and the family could leave for vacation as planned. Although just to be certain, he wanted to run some tests.

The family left the Neurology office feeling hopeful, never expecting to receive a call the next day urging them to come to the hospital immediately. At work, Jakima explained she could not leave and urged the doctor to provide more information. Reluctantly, the doctor pressed, “I really need to speak with you in person.” Jakima pressed harder, “You’re scaring me. I need you to tell me.” Finally, he revealed, “We found a spot on Laila’s brain.”

Bishop O'neal & Laila

The Vance’s life stopped and re-shifted within nanoseconds. They were on a new path and very soon headed to Duke Hospital. Jakima remembered calling her pastor Bishop Rosie S. O’neal. “She prayed! Boy, did she pray!” The family was sealed in prayer by their pastor that gave them a compass on this journey. They would get through it and they would not be lost. Jakima said, “She (our pastor) let me know that this too shall pass.”

Laila was not afraid to learn the reason she was picked up early from school. Her main concern regarding the biopsy, “Would I be asleep?” she asked. Assured by the doctor she would and would not experience any pain, she rested. 

On Friday instead of leaving for family vacation, a biopsy was performed and a drainage tube inserted to relieve the fluid surrounding Laila’s brain. The biopsy revealed Stage 4 Brain Cancer. “It was the hardest thing I had to endure. It was my child and I could do nothing,” said her mother.

A new journey had begun and treatment plans were in swift motion. Laila required three months of extensive radiation followed by chemotherapy for the remainder of the year. Jakima quickly took a leave of absence from work and moved into the Ronald McDonald House. Corey changed his work schedule, working full-time hours in four days and spending the remaining week in Raleigh with his family. 

Jakima's Parents, Sister, and the Vance's

The Vance’s altered lives were surrounded by an outpouring of love from their family, church, and friends. “We never skipped a beat. Our church family was amazing. We received text messages from people we didn’t know. Our life was abundantly blessed,” said Jakima. “My parents and sister were our number one supporters,” Jakima recalled. They made the 2-hour trip from Bel-haven to the hospital every weekend. Some weekends, when the Vance’s were home, her mother prepared Laila’s favorite meal — fried chicken and macaroni and cheese. Although Laila sometimes could not eat it, she hoped it comforted her. 

Laila’s spirits remained high during treatment. “She was a trooper the entire time,” her mother said.  And even though the medical team at Duke was amazing, the family desired their little girl to have a sense of normalcy. They snuck out of the hospital with a plan and headed for the Asheville Zoo! Occasionally, they stopped, because Laila’s stomach would be upset. Her mother carried a bag for those moments. Nevertheless, Laila’s health did not stop her joy. “We couldn’t stay long, but she was so happy,” her mother said.

Laila was required to wear a mask to protect herself from germs. However, the hardest of all was losing her hair. It was very upsetting waking up and seeing patches of hair on the pillow. Her mother asked Laila if she would like to have her hair cut. The family stylist was compassionate, opening the shop for only Laila and her mother. Witnessing the hair cut was painful. Jakima found comfort in her daughter. “It’s OK, Mom. You don’t have to cry. I’ll wear wigs or hats.” The wigs Laila did not like, but hats she wore. 

Laila and Friends

Ms. Nia, Laila, and Ms. Angela

The Vance’s will be forever grateful for the church youth leaders. One, in particular, Ms. Angela brought Laila’s friends from Greenville to Raleigh for regular visits. It was important that Laila stayed connected to her friends, and Ms. Angela saw to it. 

Regardless of the side effects of stomach illness and weight loss from 110 to 70 pounds, Laila did well with her treatment. Still, the family believed for complete healing. 

“There was a Miracles Midnight Prayer Service and I wanted Laila to be there.” In fact, Jakima made the trip home with Laila so she would be sure not to miss it. When Laila spiked a fever, Jakima's hopes fell. The family was instructed if there was evidence of a fever, they were to immediately go to the emergency room. Extremely disappointed about missing the prayer service, she called her pastor. Bishop O’neal took the miracle service to the Vance’s home. With her, she brought a squadron of prayer warriors — the Bishops that were also attending the midnight service. It was amazing, nothing like the family had ever seen.

Our Assistant Pastor has said, “Prayer changes things and when we pray, things have got to change.” When Laila received her first scan, the tumor was gone. “The doctors did not understand how she didn’t have a tumor anymore,” Jakima said. 

Absent of the tumor, the Vance’s had to make a decision. Chemo was hard on Laila’s small body. They questioned if should she continue treatment. After consulting with their pastor, they decided to go on with the treatment.

On December 25, 2014, Laila came home. “My baby is safe and strong. She’s completely healed,” declared her mom. 

After a year of treatment, the family wanted Laila to be able to do something that would bring her physical body joy. They decided dancing would be great for her! However, the doctors warned Laila may not be able to remember the steps and would experience problems with her balance. Not convinced, Laila enrolled in dance classes at Katura Dance Academy. She did well in FOUR styles of dance — Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, and Lyrical.

Laila’s experience bears witness, that when prayer is your compass, there are some things that are not medically explainable. Except for the memories, there is no evidence of cancer or scarring on Laila’s brain.

Today, a bench rests at Ridgewood Elementary school in Greenville, North Carolina, declaring, Laila Vance, Cancer Survivor. That she is — a living witness of God’s healing power!

This year I have had the honor of interacting with Laila on a daily basis. She volunteered at our church’s summer camp program. She is one of the sweetest souls I have ever met. Her heart and love for children overflows with patience. 

Laila is starting High School this year. When she grows up she desires to be a Neonatologist. I have no doubts that Laila will be the best this world has seen.

Today, if you are facing a life challenge, I hope that you will use prayer as your compass.  Go On in His faith, His love, and His Power.

Until We Meet Again,

Brook Lynn Dorcent

Author/Coach/Inspirational Speaker/Blogger

Host: JUST WRITE REVIEW

Founder/Facilitator: JUST WRITE! - A Club for Writers

Missing the Mark (Novel One)

Pressing Toward the Mark (Novel Two)

Forgetting Betrayal (Novel Three)

Above All (Novel Four)

Finally Home (A Novel) Download Today

Spirit Over Will (Devotional)

OUTStanding (Teen Guide)

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The Elijah Experience

Dorea and Baby Elijah

Every expecting parent prays, "Lord, please bless us with a healthy baby." Those were the sincere words of Dorea and Jessie Nunery. After experiencing a previous miscarriage, they couldn't have been more excited to welcome their third child. They began planning and preparing for the arrival of their sweet baby boy; not knowing his transition to heaven would occur only three months after his birth.

Many would agree there's no greater pain than losing a child. Two years later, I talked with Dorea about their family loss. She was illuminating, serving us tea and cheese straws.

She said, "Since losing Elijah so many people have wanted to talk with us. They have experienced a loss of a child as well. Some parents are angry and just don't understand." 

I listened intently, holding onto my teacup, understanding their pain really couldn't be put into words. She went on to say, "If it were not for my faith, I would have responded differently." 

Going on was not by any means easy, but she had the incredible support of family and friends. She said, "My pastor has been with us every step of the way with guidance and teaching through God's word."

She explained six months into the pregnancy they began praying, "Lord, your will be done." After a routine ultrasound, the amniocentesis test confirmed baby Elijah had down syndrome. Dorea and Jessie were shocked, confused and scared. She recalled, "I knew nothing about down syndrome." The parents found themselves on an emotional rollercoaster, also learning Elijah had two holes in his heart and an intestinal issue known as "double bubble."

The couple never let go of their faith and found God's hand with them. Elijah's challenges began to affect Dorea's breathing. In utero, his urinary fluids would not dissipate. The increasing fluid and enlarged abdomen put pressure on her lungs. 

The family found themselves surrounded by prayer warriors. Without medical intervention, weekly appointments showed the fluid decreasing and Elijah's stomach issues completely healed within her womb. Unexplainable moments like these continued throughout her pregnancy and even during Elijah's life. She and a friend began calling these divine moments, The Elijah Experience. 

Sweet Elijah Daniel Nunery was born on February 2, 2015. His spirit was absolutely amazing! Physically, he was doing well beyond the medical professional's predictions. A couple months later, he had surgery to correct the holes in his heart. The procedure led to Elijah being placed on life support for two days. Once again, an amazing experience followed. Elijah came back stronger than ever. His mom, recalls, "He amazed everyone -- the specialists, nurses, and doctors." 

Sadly, his recovery took an unexpected turn. Dorea recalled while staying with her in-laws and two older children she had an uneasy feeling. The feeling was confirmed with a phone call requiring their immediate return to the hospital. Elijah's condition was declining, as his organs were shutting down. "The doctors did all they could to save him," she reverently stated. "This was God's will." Elijah transitioned to heaven on May 3, 2015.

Understanding God's will did not diminish the overwhelming grief. In the family care area of the hospital, Dorea and Jessie didn't know how they would say goodbye to their precious baby boy. He was only three months old. A nurse encouraged her and they found the strength to hold him and say goodbye.

She remembers, "The entire staff was devastated. While holding my baby, I told them, they were some of the best-trained physicians and specialists in the world. This was a part of God's plan. Tears flowed throughout the room." The staff stared in awe, explaining that her strength was amazing.

Since losing Elijah the family has gained The Elijah Experience. We all have dark, confused and painful moments. Still, there are moments of unexplained grace, light, love and miracles.

Dorea encourages any family in a difficult situation, "Begin to gain interest in God. Start a conversation with Him. Write down everything you're feeling, even anger and remember to give God the glory."

Since Elijah's transition, Dorea's catering business, Radiant Delights has taken off. The success has allowed her to resign from her full-time job. Working from home affords her the opportunity to be available for her children. She's grown out of her dining room space that is well-stocked with catering supplies. She said, looking at the crowded space, "This is temporary." 

Her dream is to open a cozy restaurant/bakery. She said, "I really want a place where people can truly wind down."

The Nunery's incredible family spirit is proof having a healthy recovery after a loss is possible. 

What difficult experience are you going through? How are you going on?

Until We Meet Again,

Brook Lynn

Brook Lynn Dorcent

Author/Coach/Inspirational Speaker

Host: JUST WRITE REVIEW

Founder/Facilitator: JUST WRITE! - A Club for Writers

Missing the Mark (Novel One)

Pressing Toward the Mark (Novel Two)

Forgetting Betrayal (Novel Three)

Above All (Novel Four)

Finally Home (A Novel) May 1

Spirit Over Will (Devotional)

OUTStanding (Teen Guide)

www.brooklynndorcent.com

Why Not...Read for Love