Update on Steven Loveridge

from Linda Bohrn(sister)

9/22/2002:

Since the initial letter several things have changed for Steven. We had a blood test done with all siblings and I was found to be a perfect match for a bone marrow/stem cell donor. We are still waiting for conformation that he will be able to have this done. The doctors have removed his left kidney, part of his liver and diaphragm. Since then he has been to University of Utah Medical Center in Salt Lake City for Radiation Treatment. He was then given steroids and morphine to help control the pain in his back. He then was diagnosed with a blood clot in his leg and had to have thinners to remove that. Since then he is still on the morphine and is having chemotherapy treatments for 2 - 3 weeks at a time. He has lost all of his hair and is bloating up because of the chemotherapy. He cannot wear shoes as his feet have swollen and are too painful to wear. His wife, Samantha, still needs a cornea transplant for both eyes and is going blind. She is 4^th on the donor list. She is now wearing a type of bandage on her eyes similar to a contact lense to stop the leakage from her eyes. They are both still waiting for a miracle.

10/21/2002:

Steven is now in a hospital bed they put in his bedrrom so he can sit up slightly to eat or drink. He is so incredibly bloated from the chemo and meds that sitting up causes too much pain and pressure. He has had his hair shaved off and it is slowly growing back(1 inch). He can't get out of bed at all and has a home health nurse that comes and takes care of his meds and bathing. He sleeps with his bible and is so faithful and strong spiritually. His wife Samantha changed the bedroom to have Steven's hospital bed and a twin daybed for her so they can still sleep in the same room. Samantha had her first cornea transplant a few weeks ago and it still getting used to it. She found out that it has to heal before you can see out of it. She is now waiting for the other. Luckily her family helps out with the two of them so much. Steven is afraid to be left alone i the house and so they have to make sure there is someone there when Sami takes the 2 oldest ones to school. Steven was asking about the collection jars we had up and I had to tell him that the businesses made me take them down. They said they have policies against collection jars or they said they have done enough. I am trying to find ways to help him and I am coming up short but not in the prayers department.

10/28/2002:

Steven passed away this morning at home amongst family and friends. He had a good day with his family the day before and slept well last night. In the morning he let out a few moans and was gone quietly and peacefully in the the arms of our Heavenly Father to be with his Grandparents and his neice(Cynthia Bohrn) that went before him. He can now do all the things he couldn't do anymore and watch over his family like he always wanted to. He will be sorely missed by all and will be loved for eternity. Linda Bohrn(Sister) Please pray for Samantha and the children. They will need the prayers and blessings now more than ever.