Letter to Johnson & Johnson from Elbie

Today I received a copy of the letter Elbie is sending to Johnson & Johnson. Please read it below:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing this letter to you, primarily, in the hopes that it finds you in good health and spirits. I do hope the new fall season has been very prosperous and joyous for you, your friends, and family. 

In addition, I am writing to share with you the story of a beautiful family and the father/grandfather/husband that has been the backbone of it for over 35 years.

James Muckelvene is a hard-working and devoted husband to Pearline Muckelvene and a loving father of 3 daughters who have all blessed him with a total of 8 grandchildren. Being a witness to, and a participant of, the many accomplishments of his offspring has been one of life’s greatest rewards for him, and those family members have become the backbone of support that he now needs from them.

The intensity of the hope and prayer in this family is not one that I can easily put words together to describe. What I can say, however, is that I have literally seen this man MAGICALLY transform from a “cancer patient” into a literal beacon of light. His smile brightens up any dark room, and the absolute love and prayer that is surrounding this beloved man, is life-changing, to say the least.

Approximately a year ago, Mr. Muckelvene was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic prostate cancer. Since his diagnosis, every measure has been taken, medically, to attack the progress of this disease. It was promptly discovered that the cancer had also spread to Mr. Muckelvene’s bones and was causing him a lot of pain as well as gravely restricting his movement. The oncologist recommended that he undergo spinal surgery, as well as hip surgery on both hips, to assist his bones in recovering from the cancer’s ravenous damage.

Post-surgery, Mr. Mucklevene was released into the care of hospice where they were instructed to simply, “make him comfortable”. The family wouldn’t hear of such a thing, and he was promptly taken to his youngest daughter’s house with the instruction from God to: “make him RECOVER”. Which brings me to you.

The Mucklevene daughters have been researching aggressively for ways to help their wonderful father fight this war against his body, and came across the drug that is under production at Johnson & Johnson called Abiraterone. I am asking you to help Mr. Mucklevene by administering this drug. Even though it isn’t available until next year, I understand you are running clinical trials and he would be an ideal case study. Time isn’t on our side with this disease and every second counts, I thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide in this matter.

Please find the calling in your heart to provide a miracle for this family, and supply Mr. Mucklevene with Abiraterone. God bless you and yours.

Sincerely,

Elbetel Bekure

***

Who is Elbie you might be wondering? Elbie is one of the friends in my life that I put best in front of. There are only 2 (not counting my husband). Her taking time to write to Johnson and Johnson for us doesn't surprise me one bit... The way she put the words together to reach them does however touch me. She is such a BEAUTIFUL friend.

Thank you Elbster! :) :) :) 

To everyone else, if you can find the time to also send a letter to Johnson & Johnson on my fathers behalf, PLEASE do and please send it to us as well. 

Johnson & Johnsons address:

One Johnson & Johnson Plaza; 

New Brunswick, New Jersey 08933; 

(732) 524-0400

Please also send a copy of your letter to: forwewalkbyfaithnotsight@yahoo.com

We are also trying to reach out to Provenge as well: http://provenge.com/ and will begin sending letters to them also. 

What a Walk .... GOD's word say's, Walk by Faith and Not Sight and This too shall pass!

We have been trying to update this blog with mainly new pictures and information. But we have been taking photos, videos, notes, etc. from day 1 and realize that these images are extremely important to assist in telling daddy's story. These video's and picture's are from July 2010 to August 2010 when Dad was in the Hospital. He went from Holy Cross to Washington Hospital Center. He received 3 Surgeries in less than a month. These images and videos are from Mecia's camera phone.

(this entry is by Jamecia)

Daddy taking a Ride to His Hip Surgery on 08/2/2010

Praying as the light Shines on him...knowing everything will be alright.

GOD is a  HEALER!

Jehovah-Rophe - Healer - Isaiah 53:4,5

Tawny, Belinda, Me and Mommy in the

Waiting area waiting for Daddy to come out of the Recovery room.

Belinda leaves Minutes before we are called back.

As usual, even after Surgery...Daddy SMILES and the LIGHT is Shining all over him!

The LORD OUR Shepard, OUR Comforter! We THANK YOU LORD!  

Jehovah-Rohi - Shepherd - Psalm 23

We all come to Visit!

Day's later Daddy's Hip Breaks while in the Hospital.

He now needs a Hip Replacement and a Pin in his other Hip to prevent any further damage.

Be Careful He is Fragile,  is what We kept Repeating to the Hospital.

Guess some did not listen. UGH!

But the GOOD NEWS is...

GOD IS and we head to Washington Hospital Center for Two more Surgeries

Hip Replacement and A Pin in the other Hip

The room was nice!

Mommy NEVER left either Hospital and we Always came to Visit

Even if we had to sit on the floor.

Even if while we were there, Daddy Rested...Just felt good to be there with him.

THIS is THE FIGHT WE WILL FIGHT WITH HIM

Asking that Doctors GET on BOARD and FIGHT WITH US!

email us @forwewalkbyfaithnotsight@yahoo.com

Yep! We even Skyped in EVEN ON THE DAYS WE CAME TO VISIT.

And Family that was far away also skyped it!

These are the moments we cry the most, WHEN we have to go home and go to Bed. KJames is Daddy's Bestfriend right now, and it is so COOOL! He calls her Rudy! That's his nickname.



Me and Daddy now have a bond closer than ever...see What the Devil meant for Evil...GOD turned to GOD...GOD not only HEALS those with sickness and diseases, but he Heals familys and brings them closer to one another. 

Our family is so much CLoser to CHRIST now and one another. This Walk of Faith is a Blessing and now we are focused on the Healing in Daddy's BODY IN JESUS NAME.

So ...continue to Pray for his Healing, Asking , Seeking and Knocking with us.

WARRIORS FIGHTING for HIS CURE!

here are some Video's The day of the Spin Surgeries and after.

Daddy's Youngest Grandchildren on their way to Visit Daddy at the hospital July 30, 2010.

First they are all awake,

Now, They are sleep well at least two of them!

Cute Kids + Birthday wishes

On Friday we had a parent/teacher conference with Boopity's Kindergarten teacher. She gave us a marvelous report on him which I expected.. He's a terrific kid! As we were leaving, she stopped us to show us a photo that he drew of his family.

Last year, he just drew himself, Kailynn-James, His Dad and me... This year, notice the addition of my mom helping my dad (laying in the bed)

She said they will be drawing a family portrait again in June, I'm hoping that when he draws my dad next time, he will be standing right along with all of us.

ALSO, Today is Mecia's Birthday!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MECIA!!!!!! (((((((((( BIG HUG ))))))))))))) ******* BIG KISS **********

just posting...

Just thought I'd post pictures that I took but never got around to posting.

daddy reading his Bible to Kailynn-James before getting his new high back wheel chair.

writing in his journal

smiling and reading the Bible

Mommy working from home

Reposting

Please help us reach Johnson & Johnson for help!

Dear Johnson & Johnson,

I am hoping and praying that your company will be able to help put a stop to the monster that is trying aggressively to take over my fathers life as we aggressively fight it off with Faith. My father is the most wonderful man in the world and it doesn't seem fair to have to sit here and watch it try and take him over, knowing that there is a drug in existence that will help him. He touches the lives of everyone he meets. He is a wonderful husband who is married to a woman that is currently hurting and feeling helpless as she sits by his side watching him go through this awful pain. He is the father of 3 daughters that are praying everyday that someone will step in and give their father the help that he needs. He is the grandfather of 8 grandchildren whose lives would never be the same without him. I am aware that your drug Abiraterone has been proven to extend the lives of men with aggressive stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer and can't help but reach out to you and ask you for help. I understand that this drug will only be available next year, but my heart is telling me to reach out to you to help my father now. Please, please help me help my father....

Please take the time to read our story and help us

http://4wewalkbyfaith.blogspot.com

~ a daughter seeking help for her amazing father

JaTawny Muckelvene Chatmon

*Mecia's note below:

Please Write a letter to Johnson and Johnson...This is the address I found on line: Main Office: One Johnson & Johnson Plaza; New Brunswick, New Jersey 08933; (732) 524-0400Let’s flood their mailbox with letters from us…

video by Ja Franklin (oldest sister Janique featured at end and telling story in video)

October 31th

I am happy to finally be getting around to posting the photos from halloween! I just wanted to take a quick second and talk about halloween. I find that a lot of people are starting to shy away from celebrating halloween. For me, Halloween is what YOU make it. I have no intention of celebrating witches, ghouls and goblins. I simply want my kids to dress up in their cute costumes, carve funny faces in pumpkins, chuck pumpkins off the deck (new tradition) and go collect candy from neighbors. Nothing more, nothing less.

On to the pictures!

ShaiNeace carving pumpkins with the kids. Adorned in her prostate cancer support accessories!

Asia and Abry

Mecia helping to carve pumpkins

Kailynn-James in her costume (Princess Tiana) 

All of the kids in their costumes

Little James dressed as a prostate cancer supporter

all of the kids together

Little James

Kailynn-James smashing her nose against the window

The pumpkins

My mom pushing my dad to judge the pumpkins

Daddy choosing the pumpkins he likes best

Kailynn-James' pumpkin wins 1st place!

Abry wins 2nd place

Pearl wins 3rd place!

After the contest was over, we chucked pumpkins off of the deck and watched them break in pieces! It was a fun day :)

Hail to James "Rudy" Muckelvene

WOW! They noticed? Somehow or other, they noticed! My dad is a HUGE Redskins fan and they took notice. Tuesday, I was pleasently surprised when I pulled a package out of the mailbox from THE Washington Redskins, addressed to my dad :) I ran into the house and exclaimed "Daddy! You have a package from the Redskins!" He gave a small smile (he was in a little pain) and said "open it." And I did. My mom thought it was a calendar featuring the Redskins Cheerleaders. But inside was a note especially for him.

See Below:

along with a roster and 2010 Redskins Yearbook.

I have a feeling Melissa had her hand in pointing them our direction.

Redskins, THANK YOU!! We APPRECIATE You!

Hail to each and every Veteran too! We love and appreciate you :)

inspiration + thank you's

FB post from a friend:


"There is a light that is shining so brightly on you and your family. Whether you know it or not, but you are an INSPIRATION to many people myself included. Stay grounded in your Faith and know that Our God has already worked it out. May God continue to Bless you and your beautiful family!"


I agree with you Jocelyn. Ever since I began photography I have been fascinated with light from the Sun... As if God is shining that light down in the exact place that I need it to light my subjects how I love it.... Amazingly he has been shining that light extra bright on my family...


The photos below were taken at a park in Bowie right after my dad finished his last radiation treatment months ago. I love them so much but never had a chance to post them. I would like to share them with you today. 

07/01/2010

On Monday while checking the mail I pulled out an envelope from  Southern Baptist Church Praise & Worship Center addressed to my parents. I walked inside and handed it to my mom.. she opened it.... her mouth dropped and immediately she began crying as she read the letter that was included. Our very close friend (adopted sister) Katona told us that her girlfriend Tootie saw my dads story in the Bowie Blade and called her immediately. She explained to Katona that her fathers church would like to collect an offering and give to my dad for whatever he needs. 1 week later, my parents received a check in the amount of $1,000 from STRANGERS..... STRANGERS in the sense of never meeting us, but BROTHERS & SISTERS in the sense that they felt close enough to God and close enough to us to send such an amazing contribution to my father. 

There are days that I can't help but wish I could sleep and wake up and my dad is OK... but I know there are things that I am learning through all of this. Those things are changing ME as a person and my outlook on the WORLD.. 

Thank to SO MUCH to Southern Baptist Church Praise & Worship Center, there are no words that can express our gratitude.

Minister Shawn Matthew Cook also stopped by on Monday. I am telling you, every single time that man comes to pray with my father, he feels so much better :) There IS power in prayer!

Thank you for your continued involvement in our lives "Shawn"!

PS. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELBIE :)

Thank you Ticona

On Sunday, a high school friend of mine (Ticona Wills) who we posted about previously came to drop off a few items that her family and friends wanted to give as a gift to my dad. She brought groceries she purchased, gift cards given from her friends and pre cooked food from her aunt. She also told me that a friend of hers husband who is a chef offered to come by and cook a couple of meals for my dad. Thank you soooooo much Ticona!!!

Our letter to Johnson & Johnson

Dear Johnson & Johnson,

I am hoping and praying that your company will be able to help put a stop to the monster that is trying aggressively to take over my fathers life as we aggressively fight it off with Faith. My father is the most wonderful man in the world and it doesn't seem fair to have to sit here and watch it try and take him over, knowing that there is a drug in existence that will help him. He touches the lives of everyone he meets. He is a wonderful husband who is married to a woman that is currently hurting and feeling helpless as she sits by his side watching him go through this awful pain. He is the father of 3 daughters that are praying everyday that someone will step in and give their father the help that he needs. He is the grandfather of 8 grandchildren whose lives would never be the same without him. I am aware that your drug Abiraterone has been proven to extend the lives of men with aggressive stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer and can't help but reach out to you and ask you for help. I understand that this drug will only be available next year, but my heart is telling me to reach out to you to help my father now. Please, please help me help my father....

Please take the time to read our story and help us

http://4wewalkbyfaith.blogspot.com

~ a daughter seeking help for her amazing father

JaTawny Muckelvene Chatmon

*I am desperately trying to find the person I need to send this to within the company. What I am doing is e-mailing everyone whose name is listed in Johnson & Johnsons annual report to try and see who to send this to. If you have any information, please let me know or if you would like to help me send this e-mail out, please do.  http://jnj.com is their website. If you send this letter, please do not send AS me, please explain that you are sending FOR me. 

video by Ja Franklin (oldest sister Janique featured at end and telling story in video)

not feeling well

my dad is not feeling well @ all today and it is breaking my heart to know he's in pain....

Answered Prayers (by Mecia)

Sometimes the day just flies by. Mecia knows this so she wanted to help me keep my goal of posting a blog a day and sent me this to post today:

Answered Prayers

We have a list of things we are praying for:

1. Find Daddy a Doctor who will fight the good fight of faith with us. Not giving us the gloom and doom but hope and seek a cure. One who will focus on my dad’s needs and how we can continue to heal this body.
2. More physical therapy. He has a new hip and needs to learn how to use it so he can walk again. 3. Full-time Nurse to help dad and mom who is caring for dad.
4. Meals- have someone come to the house and cook. Preparing meals takes up time and we pray also for groceries.
5. Specialized Transportation. Parents have a van, but maybe it can be converted to transport him.
6. Fundraisers - dad doesn't work, and mom hasn't been to work but once since July. She has receive donated leave. But right now she is dads caregiver.
7. WheelChair Accessible Vehicle
8. Establish Non-Profit

Here are some of the answers:

An email from a Friend:

So I was reading Mecia's recent blog update and saw the goals she listed and I had an idea that could satisfy some of your food/grocery goal.

She posted this on her FB page:

"I am coordinating a "Food Network For A Cause to benefit James Muckelvene" who is fighting prostate cancer + sarcomatoid carcinoma ( JaTawny Muckelvene Chatmon/ Jamecia Muckelvene). If you are interested in donating a non persishable food item or a gift certificate to a local grocery store, please inbox me. Thank you!!!"

Her email address is ticona_wills@yahoo.com if you wish to contribute.

Another FB Friend created a Bracelet and said, I want to call it The Muckelvene Hope Bracelet, she wants to give most of the proceeds to us. Surprisingly, she lives right down the street from my parents.

Stay tuned to place your orders.

Thank you Frieda! With love, The Muckelvene’s.

HOW AWESOME IS THAT!!! GOD IS SO GOOD! ALL THE TIME!

words from a stranger

The other day I received this message in my inbox and thought I'd post it:

Good Morning,

Although you do not know me personally...I felt it in my heart the need to reach out to you. The story of your father touched me in a way in which I've never felt before. I was so inspired by your words of faith that I was yearning for the word of God, hoping there was more to read. What a Great God we serve. I pray for your continued strength for your words have power. I just wanted to take the time to say thank you. May God continue to bless you and your family.

Sincerely,

NM

amazing... feels so good to know we are touching others lives with our story

I got to hug him twice today :)

details to come.. I'm exhausted.. just wanted to stick to my "blog everyday" rule!

oh no! It's 12:07 am! hmmm, still the 4th in my book.

*TrUe LoVe*

I know, I know, I was supposed to update the blog with the photos from halloween... I just haven't had time to do so yet. As I am getting ready for my shoot this morning, I came across this photo I took of my parents on monday. It meant soooo much to me to see this as they hadn't been able to just "lay" together for about 7 months....

My mom said Kailynn asked her "What are you doing in that bed!?!" 

I think somebody was jealous.

Later on that day after we helped my dad into his wheelchair & he was ready to get back into the bed, I noticed that this time he scooted more to the right to leave room for my mom to lay down again :) 

Walking by Faith! Journal Entry

Today, is, November 1, 2010

Happy Birthday , to my niece (Shai) who my dad calls Beautiful.

I got up pretty late. So tired and do not really want to go to work.

I want to focus on the non-profit for men and families like mine.
This weekend was so Awesome and I thank GOD. Friday, we Meet with J, who heard about my dads situation because he read the article below. http://www.hometownbowie.com/content/bowie-army-veteran-family-relying-faith-alone-combat-rare-type-cancer

in the bowie blade.

He sent us an email and here is some of what he said.
I am a fellow Bowie resident and brother in Christ. I read your piece and I think that the Lord wants me to join Him in His work with this family. Although I am not sure how he wants to use me, I do know that my job is to stay in His hand and allow him use me as He wills.

Initially, Him and I decided to meet on Saturday, October 30, 2010 at his and his wife's house but when I talked to my mom she said to invite him over to Tawnys house where they are staying. So, I did and Ja (pro nounced simply, J) said can he call into the prayer call and ask some questions. I totally welcomed that.

Our family Prayer call is every Friday from 8:30PM until mid night sometimes. So at 8:22 PM I received a text message from Tawny:

Daddy is a little frustrated that he is being put on the spot to talk right now.

I was smh (shaking my head). Okay, I get daddy is wondering. Who is this person and what kind of questions are they going to be asking? Why didn't someone warn me in advance and give me the questions to answer first instead of placing me on the spot?

But I'm thinking OH BOY! Its one minute from the call, how do I tell Ja who told me to double triple check if we are ready to start? Hummmmm...the whole time: GOD had already worked it out.

Minutes later I received another text:
Daddys attitude changed completely!

I walk into Tawnys house and Daddy and Ja are chatting it up.

I'm thinking...GOD you ARE awesome and you said NO weapon formed against us shall prosper.
The worry and doubt simply turned into love and joy in minutes. HE is the vine and we are the branches and HE said if we abide in him and him in us we will bear much fruit.

Prayer Call

That was the GREATEST well 2nd greatest prayer call yet!

Minister Shawn called in and ended our call with an AWESOME prayer which had Ja our new addition to the family in tears.
The Meeting
We got an opportunity to meet Ja in person on Saturday! How awesome is that?? His Wife, she is a Beautiful Woman of GOD on the inside and out. They also brought CJ....what an orchestrate he is.
We also met some public gospel singers via pictures and an autographed book who are willing to help.

They all brought AWESOME BIG HUMONGOUS works. GOD is AWESOME!!! And I thank HIM for all of them.

These are our Goals

1. Find Daddy a Doctor who will fight the good fight of faith with us. Not giving us the gloom and doom but hope and seek a cure. One who will focus on my dads needs and how we can continue to heal this body.

2. More physical therapy. He has a new hip and needs to learn how to use it so he can walk again. 3. Full-time Nurse to help dad and mom who is caring for dad.
4. Meals- have someone come to the house and cook. Preparing meals takes up time and we pray also for groceries.
5. Specialized Transportation. Parents have a van, but maybe it can be converted to transport him.
6. Fundraisers - dad doesn't work, and mom hasn't been to work but once since July. She has receive donated leave. But right now she is dads caregiver.
7. WheelChair Accessible Vehicle
8. Establish Non-Profit


Which brings me to today. I am on the train now and its almost 8am. My stop is next. But before I got on the train , I handed several folks a prostate cancer awareness ribbon and bracelet. Which were saying "VOTE DEMOCRATE". Tomorrow is the last day to vote.

So as they hand me something they want me to read and take an interest in. I do the same. Then I see two police officers and share my ribbons and bracelet with the two of them and that my father was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in February. Then, one shares his story;

My dad had Prostate cancer and died of it, well he didn't die of Prostate Cancer, but bone cancer because it came out and turned into bone cancer. He said , my dad was a big man all his life 200lbs and when he died he was 87lbs. But once the cancer came out and became bone cancer there was nothing they can do.

I told him we are walking by faith and the other police offer said that is all you can do.

I am so motivated to continue to focus on GOD and HIS promises even more today then yesterday. Ja told me this weekend do not put limitations on what GOD can do! I will not believe or receive that there is NOTHING we can do, as the officer said and I know our testimony will prove to others the POWER of FAITH.

GOD is...and HE promised to never leave or forsake us. HIS words tell us that by HIS stripes WE are healed.

There is currently a pill out there. Johnson and Johnson has tested, but its not available to the public for another year. I WANT IT and if you read this and can get it. Email us.

As we have continued to say. WE walk by Faith and not by sight. We will continue to ask, seek, and knock.

We pray that doctors who love GOD and believe in HIM to take my dads case and have that faith and hope we have. THE CURE is here, believing that dad and other men fighting the good fight are HEALED in JESUS NAME !!!

If you want to help us or can, please email us forwewalkbyfaithnotsight@yahoo.com.

Happy Birthday Shai ~from Genana

Genna say's He loves you!

Video Camera set-up to record our discussion

Ja' and CJ, talking brainstorming with us

Stay tuned for Upcoming Events and Non-Profit






Mommy telling some of our story.

Tracey, (Ja's Wife) Little James, Andrew , Pearl and Tawny