The Cliff note version of the Cliff note version of events.

The latest news is that between the blood cultures, skin biopsies, and Joe's clinical picture, he has a type of fungus called Fusarium. It is so confusing because with skin biopsies, Fusarium and Aspergillus look the same. However with blood cultures, they look different. Fusarium is pretty rare and there is not a lot of data out there as far as treating it. Much of what is available is really depressing. Because of this, a pretty dismal picture was painted for us. We were put in high-time panic mode and there was a lot of confusion, misunderstandings, and miscommunication. The holiday weekend and the non-availability of a lot of doctors did not help matters any. We are still fighting the hardest battle ever (and we've made sure that the doctors are fighting with us too!). We are dealing with so much scary stuff. Each day is an extreme roller coaster. But honestly, I have never known a person as determined and strong-willed as Joe is right now. We also have the most amazing support system ever. Three of Joe's best friends and Joe's New Jersey parents hightailed it to Pittsburgh as soon as Joe spoke with them. Albert is in town and has been an incredible blessing. My brother is home. And duh...our parents are the best ever. Joe's friends and New Jersey parents are back home now, but it was just the greatest thing to see the smile on Joe's face...even through his oxygen mask. (Yup, he's back on oxygen.) Thank you to everyone who has been writing, calling, commenting, praying. We are overwhelmed with all of the support. Ultimately, all of our trust is in God. We believe in miracles, and our faith is unwavering.

I wanted to share a prayer that our friend Jenny Lin wrote. It is beautiful and is truly the prayer of our hearts...(thank you Jenny!)

"Dear God,
Thank you for chasing after Joe, for chasing after his heart, and for claiming Joe as your precious son. Thank you for who you created Joe to be - a gentle soul, a courageous soul, a hopeful soul, and a faithful man of God. Life dealt him a really crappy leukemia card & uprooted all of his plans, but Joe & Karen have responded by holding onto faith, holding onto your promises for a full & abundant life, holding onto YOU Lord!!!! They have always declared that you are the sole author of Joe's life, and that God Is Good, All the Time! How difficult it is to declare your goodness when life is not good!

Lord, we collectively cry out to you on Joe's behalf and ask you to HEAL him of this dreadful disease, clear his bloodstream of this fungal infection, raise up an army of white blood cells, and help his body fight back Lord!!! Pour your protection upon him Lord!!! Pour your life-giving healing into Joe's bloodstream, Lord!!! Give him a fighting chance, Lord!!! Help him declare victory over this infection, Lord. Where medicine is limited, your healing powers are infinite. We fully believe that you have the power to make miracles happen. We fully believe that you have already saved Joe's spiritual life. We declare your sovereignty over Joe and over this disease Lord. Please save Joe's physical life!!! It is by your grace alone that Joe beats this and we're begging you to protect him Lord.

God you know the deepest prayers of our hearts even when we can't articulate them. I pray for comfort for Joe, Karen, the Lins, and the Lans.
Maranatha,
-jennylin"