From Life-Threatening Diagnosis to Miraculous Healing
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. –Lamentations 3:22–23 (NIV)
“The Jackson Hole congregation watched as our precious little girl lit the first candle. Most of the people gathering for the candlelight service had no idea they’d witnessed a miracle, but we did.
“Felice and I have been married for twenty-one years and have eight children: seven boys and one girl, Lily. She’s a total blessing, surprise, and medical miracle.
“Our journey into the world of serious medical challenges began before Lily’s birth. Our second son, Owen, was born with a rare and life-threatening heart condition, requiring open-heart surgery at just thirty hours old. Miracle after miracle, we took Owen home two weeks after the surgery and never looked back. Today, Owen is a healthy teenager.
“That experience shaped how we approached future pregnancies. During routine monitoring for our sixth child, Lily, doctors detected severe scoliosis in Felice’s womb. Initially, we assumed it would be manageable—maybe just outpatient therapy, possibly a back brace. But everything changed at birth. I remember the moment I realized the severity. I looked down at Lily and thought, ‘I wonder if they’re going to straighten her out,’ and then I realized, oh my goodness, this is the scoliosis. This is serious!
“Lily’s spinal curvature extended into her chest cavity, compressing her lungs and causing significant respiratory issues. It’s about as bad as it gets. Dependent on high levels of oxygen, she spent the first two months of her life in the hospital. She was on ten liters, which is really a high flow, and the doctors wouldn’t let her go home until she needed much less oxygen.”
A Living Testimony
“Through prayer and time, Lily got down to a quarter liter. It was truly a miracle. For years, Lily remained dependent on oxygen support, carrying a tank during the day and using a BiPAP machine at night.
“As she grew, doctors implemented ‘MAGEC growing rods’ in her spine, expandable devices that the doctor adjusted every few months to allow her growth. They hooked her up to a machine and lengthened the rods just a couple millimeters, just enough to keep up with her growth. Even though Lily’s case was severe, she consistently surprised the medical professionals. They would look at her X-rays and say, ‘She should not be able to do this.’
“I made a point to remember that my daughter is never defined by her X-rays—medically or spiritually. After a major surgery to expand Lily’s chest, she had an incredible breakthrough. She just took her air off one day, and said, ‘I don’t need it.’ We were in awe. Her oxygen levels were stable without support. It was another miracle. Lily no longer needed oxygen during the day.
“She continues to thrive. Almost nine years old, she is active, joyful, and full of life. Lily’s a miracle. Our journey is ultimately about faith. God keeps demonstrating His faithfulness and goodness. Our story is a testimony to our family, doctors all over the world, and others who witness her life: God takes what the enemy means for evil and turns it for good.
“Our hardships with Lily helped us find community and our church home—amazing people we would have never met otherwise. Although it’s been a difficult road for our family, we have learned that God is the one that heals. We can only do so much. My wife has been an amazing mother and nurse for Lily, and our community has come alongside us in prayer and support. Doctors have given her tremendous care, but Lily’s not supposed to be able to do the things she’s doing. Yet here she is, and we are grateful.
“Lily’s surgeon, now a leading expert in the field, once said, ‘Jeremy, she’s really made my career,’ since doctors from around the world are amazed by her progress. Her story has given hope to countless physicians caring for children with similar challenges. Although many considered her complex case to be impossible, Lily is a walking, breathing testimony of God’s faithfulness. We have truly witnessed His miraculous power!”
Jeremy, part of the Gateway Family
Additional Resources
Learn More About Care and Counseling at Gateway.
Learn More About Receiving Prayer at Gateway.
Learn More About Small Groups at Gateway.