Saturday, November 1
In spite of the current circumstances, It was a Good Halloween for Dianna and the Girls.
Makenzie went trick or treating with cousin Carlie, Uncle Bernie and Aunt Stephanie until her bag was so full she couldn’t carry it. So Kenzie (Witch) and Carlie (football player) went home and sorted their goodies and handed out the candy they didn’t like to the late crew of trick or treaters 
Sarah-Margaret attended the Blue Valley vs. Blue Valley West football game and the Tigers pulled out a 21 – 18 victory to continue their march to the State playoffs.
And Dianna was able to get some much needed rest at the hospital, it was only about 4 hours of good sleep, but based on the amount of sleep she has received recently, it is like 8 hours in a normal schedule.
So here is where we are on John’s Journey. After John made it through the first night, which was a significant accomplishment, Dr. Shawn Moore, the lead Neurosurgeon, at Stormont Vail, as well as, Dr’s McGee (Pulmonologist), and Cancelada (trauma surgeon) have taken a very aggressive approach with the medications and treatments.
At this point, John is not stable enough to transport to another facility, however, a transfer is not necessary, Stormont -Vail is a level 3 trauma center, which has a highly regarded Neurosurgeon, staff, and facilities to handle John’s situation.
Although we are very confident in Dr. Moore’s abilities and aggressive approach, a second opinion has always been at the forefront of our minds. We have scheduled a consultation with Dr. Steve Reintjes, a highly regarded Neurosurgeon in Kansas City, to review John’s situation and provide any additional insight .
Bottom line, there are 2 phases with this type of injury, 1) Sustain life 2) Determine quality of life, we are simply still in the first phase, trying to sustain John’s life.
After consulting with Dr. Moore and his partner Dr. Wills, earlier today, we are at a point where lack of progress is clearly a step backwards. As the days continue without any progress the prognosis becomes much worse.
Although we have never lost hope, the physicians are not seeing any improvement.
Again, words can’t express our Thanks and appreciation for all of the support and prayers. Keep sending the prayers John’s way as he continues this journey and we continue to pray for a miracle.
John, Dianna, Sarah-Margaret and Makenzie,
We love you so much and have been praying everyday. I do not think I have talked to God this often in a long time. We are like so many of your friends and are hoping for the best. We have friends and family praying for you in KC, Seneca and Joplin. If you need anything, (a cookie, hug, to talk, help with the girls, housework) we are here for you!!
Love you,
Markie, David, Will and Chanie
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I have taken the liberty of asking those on the prayer chain at my church to add their prayers in your behalf. We all ask God’s blessing on you all. Everyone at South is hoping, praying, and waiting for anything we can do to help. South is a big part of my family, and you all are an important part of that family as well. With love, Sheryl Shreve
Makenzie – we’re especially praying for you. You’re a very special young lady.
Dianna,John, Sarah Margaret & Makenzie
We have not stopped praying for a miracle for you. We do miss you all at church and can’t wait to see you back again. It was great to see the girls at church today with Grandma! You have such a large family here hoping for the best all around. Please don’t hesitate to call for anything.
Love, Phil, Nadine Heather and Lori
All of us at Twenter Racing have all of you in our sincere prayers. May God pour out a mighty miracle on John. Our prayer is that through all this you will find strength, love, hope, and faith. God will never give us more than we can handle. There are many of us out here praying for you. Adam, Shea, Aaron, Kristin, and Tyler Twenter
You are all in our prayers. Miracles happen with prayers. God Bless you all, Ken and Beth
Dianna,
Words in your last blog have stuck with me all day… basically your lack of rest. At the end of everyday, my mind races and the only thing that gives me rest it letting go of all of the cares, all of the things that I didn’t do or did wrong…or worse can’t do. I cast all of my cares and worries onto God, knowing that I can find rest in him. I get that it’s easier said than done, and I will sound a little motherly… but you need your rest. Please find rest in the Lord and he will give you strength. This will be my prayer for you every night…rest. In the morning my heart is filled with hope and excitement for the day. Tomorrow prayers will be for wisdom and knowledge with the doctors, strenth and hope for you, and much love for the family that has surrounded you.
I am always here for you, call anytime. Love you, Lillian
Dianna and girls, Bob and I are thinking of you daily. Our prayers are with you as you go through this journey with John.
God bless each and everyone of you.
Love,
Bob and Jeannette England
God bless you all, you are in my prayers, please tell Lenny, Coach Hare is thinking of him!!
Our prayers are with you and your family. Stay strong and know God will take care of all of you. We are thinking of you and praying for you all.
Love,
Robin and Greg Green
Hello to Mary Anne and the Heffernon family. Our visit yesterday Mary Anne was a gift. I brought back your wishes and thank yous to your Stilwell neighbors at a prayer meeting at our church the same evening. We prayed mightily for John Jr. and your family. We will not cease or prayers on your behalf. May you all feel God’s presence in the small and big moments. love you so much, Sharon
John, Dianna, Sarah-Margaret, and Makenzie,
We have been praying for you all, since learning of the accident last week. We know that God is with you all and will give you strength in this difficult time. Take good care of each other, and know that we are here for you, in Louisburg, not too far away, should you ever need anything at all. God bless you and we will keep our prayers coming!
Dianna,
You have been in our thoughts and prayers each day. Our family, as well as your extended “Cardette family”, send our love as we continue to pray for you and John and the girls.
The Dandos
Your plea for prayers in being answered. Just reading through the messages affirms for me the number of people who love you and who believe in the power of prayer. I, too, have asked others beyond our church family to include you in their prayers- none of them have hesitated even a second. That is what happens when you are part of a caring community.
Please let those who care for you know if there is anything they (we) can do. Until we hear of things you need, we will all continue to pray rest, strength, assurance and comfort for you all.
Nancy
I am Shirley, long time friend of the family. I heard from Maryann today and I’ve been praying for John and the family ever sinse. I am leaving Florida tonight and will arrive in Kansas City friday night or Saturday morning. My prayers to John for a miracle and to the family for God’s love and protection in this time of need. Be in touch soon.
Love Shirley