| Articles from the Summer 2005
Oakleaf Answers to prayer for Hannah Bellew
In early fall
of 2004 something happened that would affect the lives of everyone at
Oakdale. Hannah Bellew, three year old daughter of staff members Kevin
and Sarah Bellew, was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of
bone cancer.
News of Hannah’s illness fell heavily on the campus. In classrooms, dormitories, and around kitchen tables, people began to pray. Soon people from across the community and around the nation also began to pray. Nearby churches began sending food, gifts and money. Family friends and complete strangers supported the Bellews with acts of kindness. Even in the face of something so tragic, God’s fingerprints could be quickly seen as answers to prayer began to occur. The cancer was only in one place; it had not spread. The cancer was responding to treatment. Hannah’s body remained strong. In August, almost one year after diagnosis, Hannah completed her final round of chemotherapy. Pray with us that Hannah will be totally healed and remain cancer-free. Kevin and Sarah Bellew have been a part of the Oakdale staff for four years. Sarah took a leave of absence from her position as director of admissions to care for Hannah, but is scheduled to return in September. Kevin is a full-time teacher. They also have a three year old son Nathan. Hannah is now four and anticipates celebrating her 5 th birthday in January cancer-free! |