UPDATE: October 15, 2024
I have not been able to keep up with this as well as I had hoped, and I apologize for the delay. I’m still getting a good number of hits on this post, and so I wanted to post another link that you can go to and get updates directly from the family. That blog wasn’t set up when I first started doing the updates, but it’s been up and running for a while now.
http://pfctimothydonley.blogspot.com/
The family updates somewhat regularly. I’m sure they’d appreciate your support!
Thank you!! -Becky
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I’m putting the updated portion at the top of the blog. If you haven’t read the previous posts, please take a minute to read them; they are relatively brief.
UPDATE May 22, 2024
I’m skipping a few updates - not because they weren’t important, but because I had a tough time keeping up with updating here while Real Life zoomed by! So there have been a few other small things going on, but I’m skipping to the best of the most recent updates. I will try to do better about keeping up. School will be out for my boys very soon, and I’m glad for that. That should free up a little time to do a few more things around here!
May 19, 2024
From Tim’s parents
GREAT News!!!
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR PRAYERS!!! On Thursday, the prosthetist adjusted the sockets on Tim’s “shorties” by heating the plastic and “blowing out” some areas. For the first time after this type of procedure, Timothy said, “It feels REALLY good” and proceeded to do a lot of walking 
Then, on Friday, an occupational therapist warmed his hand and isolated the various fi…ngers to see what kind of movements he could make. He could move EVERY SINGLE FINGER on his right hand!!!!!!! That probably sounds very exciting to you, but the best part is Timothy’s response…. He yelled, “I shouldn’t be able to do that!!!I shouldn’t be able to DO that!!!!!” And he was absolutely right! His ulnar nerve is not just severed; it has a piece about 7 inches long missing. We understood from his specialists that he would not be able to move his ring or pinky fingers. GOD is Truly AWESOME!!!!! Really, He’s the One and ONLY Truew AWESOME!!! Keep praying; your prayers are being answered! Much love from the Donleys
Then, on Friday, an occupational therapist warmed his hand and isolated the various fi…ngers to see what kind of movements he could make. He could move EVERY SINGLE FINGER on his right hand!!!!!!! That probably sounds very exciting to you, but the best part is Timothy’s response…. He yelled, “I shouldn’t be able to do that!!!I shouldn’t be able to DO that!!!!!” And he was absolutely right! His ulnar nerve is not just severed; it has a piece about 7 inches long missing. We understood from his specialists that he would not be able to move his ring or pinky fingers. GOD is Truly AWESOME!!!!! Really, He’s the One and ONLY Truew AWESOME!!! Keep praying; your prayers are being answered! Much love from the DonleysIF YOU pray in faith believing…then, if it’s according to God’s will…stand steadfast and look for His answer as it is on it’s way!♥
UPDATE, May 8, 2024
April 30, 2024
(From Tim’s parents):
We’ll try to post more often so as not to inundate you with information!
PRAISES:
We were given a new date. Target date for Tim to go outpatient - May 8!
He was able to stand (supported) for 30 minutes today on his right prosthetic.
Tim is feeling much stronger from the weekend.
Tim is going to have a nerve conduction test (ENG?) tomorrow morning.
He should be able to take his first steps in the next two weeks!!!
PRAYER:
*Please pray for provision of housing for Tim’s caregivers. When he goes outpatient, mom goes with him as his ‘non-medical assistant’, but everyone else loses their current housing.
*Tim has a couple of small spots on the inside of his left leg that are not healing. Rogue bone (HO) is growing under it and seems to be keeping these parts from healing well. He can’t get his left prosthetic until his leg heals completely.
*We are praying for clarity for the nerve test tomorrow. We’d really like to have some idea why he can’t move his right hand or fingers and/or some timeline for this to happen.
*THANK YOU for your continued prayers on Tim’s behalf! We are all tremendously grateful for this huge and amazing team of pray-ears. All glory to God!!!
May 1, 2024
POWERFUL!
(From Timothy):
Ive been told by dozens of people that my last post on this group made them cry… In a good way. And that IS good. That means that I accomplished what I’d set out to do. I had caused them to understand. They understood some of the fears and hopes and doubts and worries that sometimes tear their way through my mind. They got a glimpse of my world, and I am glad that I’m able to help them understand. It makes me feel a little less alone. God understands my situation in every way, and He has been my constant companion in this journey… But sometimes you need to know that people understand and care. Because when someone understands, they know all that much better how to help.
You wanna know something crazy? I didn’t think I could, but I still walk and run and stand. I still jump and jog and dance. But eventually, the dreamer must wake, consciousness returns, and with it comes the pain. There’s the constant pain from injury, and the sharper but brief pain of disappointment. What words can describe the cruel feeling of expecting your legs to be there, and seeing nothing? I havent come up with any yet and I doubt there will be a time when I’m not lost for those words. Because of my dreams, I forget my pain… And I’m torn to decide whether it’s a blessing or a curse. In my dreams I do not walk with the joy of one who has lost his legs but can now stand. I walk with the quiet ease of someone who has walked for 20 years. So do I appreciate my short time of a dreamy normalicy, or do I loath it for the disappointment it inevitably leads to? I pray and pray and still I do not know what to do. So… I will continue to pray.
I have a bit of an announcement… Tomorrow I once again stand on my own two feet. My enemy has tried tried to destroy me and yet I rise back up to my feet in less than three months time. I don’t care who you are or who you ask… That’s God. If you don’t believe that miracles still happen, come to Bathesda to see me. We can have a little chat.
May 4, 2024
(From Tim’s parents):
Hi Guys! We’re at the end of another busy week. So many great things have happened this week; They are less health related and more accomplishment oriented. We’re so thankful to the Lord for every one of them!
PRAISES
Tim is scheduled to be discharged as an inpatient on Tuesday, May 8th! {THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED YET}
We’re hoping that will be the same day that he’ll take his first steps on his “shorties”.
He got his IV line taken out this week. No more lines, tubes or cords holding him back! AND, no more IV pain meds!
Timothy has been able wiggle the middle finger of his right hand! It started as a tiny movement at the very tip and has progressed to a slight movement all the way from the knuckle. Today at OT, he was able to use his hand to pick things up! It was so exciting to see him pick up pieces of foam that kept getting smaller and smaller, and even a few things that were heavier and round. Tim is VERY tenacious and does NOT give up - he really IS such a hero!
Oh! You should’ve seen him yesterday!!!! He taught himself how to get into a wheel chair from the floor and he can only use one arm!!!! I’m telling you - you WISH you were here to see it. We feel so blessed that we are.
The Lord has provided a home for us through the kindness and hospitality of a local Christian lady She’s the ‘friend of a friend’ that we are so blessed to know!
She’s the ‘friend of a friend’ that we are so blessed to know!We have been the recipients of SO VERY MANY BLESSINGS! So many of those have come in the form of PEOPLE - the doctors and nurses (and Marines) of Walter Reed NMMC have been so much more than just clinicians. They’ve been our friends and our counselors. They have laughed with us and been sad with us and really given us their best.
We have had a flood of kindness pursue us in the form of home-cooked meals, kind-hearted visitors that take time to pray for us and encourage us, and literally hundreds of volunteers and workers of foundations that have blessed us innumerably. There really aren’t words to express what you’ve all done for us. You’ve lifted up our arms when we’ve been too weak and braced our knees when they would’ve buckled. And in the background…the troops of pray-ers that continue to see us into the future…. THANK YOU DEAR FRIENDS! May GOD bless each one of you for the role that you’re playing !!!!!
The sores on Tim’s left leg are getting smaller…Please keep praying for the integrity of his skin on his legs.
That leads us to PRAYER REQUESTS:
Timothy had his EMG test to see how/if the nerves of his right hand are functioning. A bunch of needle pokes later…and we really don’t know any more than we did before the test. His ulnar nerve is irreparably damaged. Both his medial and radial nerves appear to have sustained some damage - either from the blast or from the surgeries to repair the tissue. There’s really no telling how much for sure. We have to wait and PRAY for them to be healed. They will conduct another of these tests in about 2 months.
Please PRAY for us as we all get ready to move. Tensions are always a little high when you’ve got to interrupt even our fragile, ‘unscheduled’ schedule. Some of Tim’s key doctors and liaison people will change with the move to outpatient status. New people. New schedule. New responsibilities.
Tim is getting his first ‘weekend pass’. We’re going to use it to sleep over in his new efficiency apartment for Saturday and Sunday nights. We have to take responsibility for all of his medicines while we’re there, including the shot of blood thinner that he gets morning and night. PRAY that this will be a positive introduction to his new apartment and life in Building 62.
Timothy’s moving around a LOT more than he was even a week or two ago. Please PRAY for his safety and that he’d be just cautious enough.
Please PRAY that we’d all have our eyes firmly fixed on the Lord in these days of upheaval and change. Now that we’re past the critical stages, it’s easy to be consumed by “What does the future hold?” “How long do we plan to be here?” “What’s next and when?” And those thoughts are part of each one of us personally. We need to be able to wait and rest on the Lord and take it one day at a time, trusting that all we need will be there when we arrive.
AGAIN, we THANK YOU for caring and continuing to pray for us on this journey!
| Timothy, on his “shorty” - first prosthetic leg |
UPDATE, April 23, 2025
Sunday, April 22
From Timothy - POWERFUL!
I don’t have legs anymore. Wow… Talk about a serious way to start one of these posts, right? well try to imagine what that sounds like when it’s your own voice saying it out loud, in as steady a voice as you can muster. You say it when you’re alone because if somebody hears you say it, it’ll be a little more true. You work hard to use a steady voice because thats your strength, and if your voice wavers, your strength starts to weaken at the seams before crumbling in on itself and letting the self pity starts to leak in through the cracks. It latches onto you with suffocating strength. It pulls and tugs at you. It only has the strength that you allow it to hold and you fight and resist until you realize that you’re drowning in resentment and hate. When you try to speak out against it, your words are swallowed up. You wanna cry, but you can’t. You wanna sob and gasp and let the tears flow, but you cant. All you hear is that one thing. You don’t have legs anymore.
But there IS a better reality. Christ is my reality. I owe him everything. So many times ive said, take everything I am. It’s all for You. How much did I mean those words? Well… As far as I’m concerned, my service was for God and country. If my legs were the price, then so be it. I gave my legs doing something I loved for my country, for God, and the people I love. No, it hasnt been easy and yes, I would rather have legs than not. But its not up to me. Yes, I miss having my feet to dance on. I miss the walk and slip and turn and slide, the rock and twist and sweep and hop. Dancing was something I loved doing, whether people were watching or not. Who cares if people are watchin? I wasnt dancing for them.. I danced for the love of it.
Anyway, there are a lot of other things I can’t do anymore, but that’s not what matters. What matters is that there are people around you who are hurting too.. They’re in the darkest places of life… Praise God I can offer them the light of Christ.
But there IS a better reality. Christ is my reality. I owe him everything. So many times ive said, take everything I am. It’s all for You. How much did I mean those words? Well… As far as I’m concerned, my service was for God and country. If my legs were the price, then so be it. I gave my legs doing something I loved for my country, for God, and the people I love. No, it hasnt been easy and yes, I would rather have legs than not. But its not up to me. Yes, I miss having my feet to dance on. I miss the walk and slip and turn and slide, the rock and twist and sweep and hop. Dancing was something I loved doing, whether people were watching or not. Who cares if people are watchin? I wasnt dancing for them.. I danced for the love of it.
Anyway, there are a lot of other things I can’t do anymore, but that’s not what matters. What matters is that there are people around you who are hurting too.. They’re in the darkest places of life… Praise God I can offer them the light of Christ.
Monday, April 23
from Tim’s parents
A CALL FOR PRAYER
We know that many of you have been praying for the restoration of Tim’s right arm. We SO appreciate that. Tim had the ex-fix removed from his arm last Tuesday and he is still really struggling with pain. They have increased his pain medications several times with no real relief. This morning, for the first time, they placed a ‘nerve block’ at the top of his shoulder. At this point, he is not experiencing much in the way of positive effects from it. It has deadened the muscles in his shoulder so that he feels as though the whole arm is just dead weight and there is still pain in, and around, the elbow. They may be able to adjust dosages and ‘tweek’ the block some, but its also possible that the nerve they blocked is not the key to his pain.
We know that many of you have been praying for the restoration of Tim’s right arm. We SO appreciate that. Tim had the ex-fix removed from his arm last Tuesday and he is still really struggling with pain. They have increased his pain medications several times with no real relief. This morning, for the first time, they placed a ‘nerve block’ at the top of his shoulder. At this point, he is not experiencing much in the way of positive effects from it. It has deadened the muscles in his shoulder so that he feels as though the whole arm is just dead weight and there is still pain in, and around, the elbow. They may be able to adjust dosages and ‘tweek’ the block some, but its also possible that the nerve they blocked is not the key to his pain.
Please just pray for an abating of this relentless pain so that he will not have to depend on so many pain medications.
Also, there seems to be significant HO (muscle and soft tissue turning to bone)forming in his lower extremities as well as his elbow, which is painful.
The GOOD NEWS:
Today, Tim was fitted with a liner for his left leg (what he’ll wear under his prosthetic) and had his right leg ‘casted’ (a model made) for the ‘socket’ of his first prosthetic. They are hoping that his first beginner prosthetic leg will be ready by the end of this week!
They are planning a small operation for Friday morning to remove a small filter that they’ve had placed in his Inferior Vena Cava since his first operation in Afghanistan. It was placed there to catch blood clots coming up from his legs toward his heart and lungs.
THANK YOU VERY, VERY MUCH for standing with us for Timothy!
UPDATE, April 21, 2025
Once again, I’m behind in the updating. I’ll update with posts from the family from April 8 (last update here) to today. Just wanted to let you know - this post is the most read post of my blog. That’s pretty awesome to me because that means that word about Tim is getting around, but more importantly, Tim’s story - and his incredible faith in God through all of this - is being read and shared across the world, and that’s even better!
Sunday - April 8 - Easter
from Timothy
Thank you. What can I say but thank you? You have all been so very kind to me. The prayers and the letters and the gifts… I can’t even begin to express how thankful I am for each and every one of you. You have all been encouraging and uplifting and I cannot help but think that, without your support, I would not be where I am today. So, I say thank you.
Now, when it comes to recent life, I feel like there’s a lot worth telling. As you can see in the pictures I just posted {scroll down a ways to see}, my arm has gotten a little action lately. On Thursday my arm got that middle line of stitches that you can see in pictures taken out. I also got had half of the staples in my back taken out.
and after that the highlights of my weekend involved a lot of family and then even more friends visiting, hanging out with my girlfriend in the gardens and, of course, Easter! Happy Easter everybody! 
I have to admit that I have had my hospital room flooded with lots of candy and all sorts of unhealthy treats. The kind of unhealthy treats that you can’t resist. My family, my girlfriend and her mother, and I all enjoyed the church service that they had here this morning. It was the first church service that I have attended since January 8th, and I quite enjoyed it. Later on in the day, I got to revisit my childhood by dying some eggs with Victoria, my girlfriend.
I have to admit that I have had my hospital room flooded with lots of candy and all sorts of unhealthy treats. The kind of unhealthy treats that you can’t resist. My family, my girlfriend and her mother, and I all enjoyed the church service that they had here this morning. It was the first church service that I have attended since January 8th, and I quite enjoyed it. Later on in the day, I got to revisit my childhood by dying some eggs with Victoria, my girlfriend.I get to the end of the day and I am content, and thankful, and grateful to God for all of the good that He’s put in my life. I have a great family, good friends, an incredible girlfriend, and people all over the world who are praying for me. Not to mention the people who donate my family hot home cooked food. can’t forget them. Haha anyway, God bless you all. I’m done for the day.
can’t forget them. Haha anyway, God bless you all. I’m done for the day.Please pray for my pain to subside. It is especially bad in my left leg, which still hasn’t closed up properly. Also, please pray that my right arm would heal quickly. Lastly, and most importantly, my family and girlfriend and her mother are all taking amazing care of me and they need prayer. They’re only human and so they get tired and they ache and they have wants and needs of their own, so please PLEASE be praying for them with all the strength you can muster. Thank you all.
April 10
from Tim’s parents
A quick update with LOTS of PRAISE!
Tim went to PACU this morning for another ‘procedure’ and he returned WITHOUT the wound vac on his left leg, WITHOUT his Foley and WITHOUT the stitches in his right hand. LESS IS MORE!!! This afternoon when he wanted to go for a stroll with his girlfriend, the nurse detached his IV and he got himself into his chair and rolled away without ANY accompanying machinery!! We are very grateful to the LORD for all the good healing that is happening in Tim’s body, soul and spirit. And we are very grateful to the hundreds of people (like YOU!) that are praying so faithfully for that healing and for his future. His hand/arm surgeon has re-opened the subject of the hinged ex-fix for his right arm. They are trying to strike a balance between the strength of the new bone growth and the need to get his elbow joint moving. Pray for wisdom for these great men and women who have dedicated their lives and their smart brains to helping our wounded warriors. They are presently considering this surgery for next week. Meanwhile, WE can PRAY for supernatural healing and growth in that bone graft and for stability in the joint. Tim has transitioned from the inpatient Physical and Occupational Therapists and Gym to the Outpatient Therapists where they begin by measuring him for the liners for his first prosthetics. He has his first appointments tomorrow morning at 9 and 10. Exciting! Tim is supposed to get the rest of the staples on his back out tomorrow along with one line of stitching around his ‘flap’. Hopefully, the ‘drain’ that is also in his back will go at the same time. Please PRAY that the Lord will continue to protect him from infection. PRAY also that his pain levels will come under greater control and he’ll be able to move from his IV pain medications to solely oral meds. PRAY for continued safety during on-going in-room procedures that are often not as well organized. Again, THANK YOU for your on-going prayers for our Tim. We are absolutely CERTAIN that the Lord is using you in great ways to facilitate His healing in Timothy’s life.
April 13
from Tim
If the Son has set you free, then you are free indeed. That’s the first thing I think of whenever I consider the freedom I’ve so recently obtained. A week ago, I had tubes coming out of me every which way. Wound vac here, foley there, draining tube around the corner. Not to mention that I had stitches, deep tissue sutures, and staples galore in my back and my forearm and my leg and my hand. I mean, how many holes can a guy have in him all at once? Haha whatever the case… After having tubes and drains and staples and stitches removed, I feel like a new man. Suddenly, getting into my wheel chair doesn’t take anything more than the chair being brought over. I’m so happy to finally be free of It all and I have all of you who are praying to thank for such a fast improvement in my health. Of course, I have God to thank first and foremost. He has been my near and dear friend during this time. However, I certainly have Victoria, my girlfriend, and my family to thank for keeping me company and for keeping my spirits high. and I have all of you to thank for the incredible prayer support, the letters, and the packages. I mean, what does a hospital patient like more than a colorful card or a box of goodies? Haha I have to say though… With all this progress with my health, what’s coming up for me? What do I have coming up? What’s next? I do my best to leave those things to God, but sometimes it’s hard not to let worry grow.
whatever the case… After having tubes and drains and staples and stitches removed, I feel like a new man. Suddenly, getting into my wheel chair doesn’t take anything more than the chair being brought over. I’m so happy to finally be free of It all and I have all of you who are praying to thank for such a fast improvement in my health. Of course, I have God to thank first and foremost. He has been my near and dear friend during this time. However, I certainly have Victoria, my girlfriend, and my family to thank for keeping me company and for keeping my spirits high. and I have all of you to thank for the incredible prayer support, the letters, and the packages. I mean, what does a hospital patient like more than a colorful card or a box of goodies? Haha I have to say though… With all this progress with my health, what’s coming up for me? What do I have coming up? What’s next? I do my best to leave those things to God, but sometimes it’s hard not to let worry grow.On a brighter note, I’ve moved to a new area for my occupational and physical therapy, and I’m really excited about getting stronger again and abouteverything they have to teach me. I’ll be going to the new area Monday through Friday from nine til eleven. I’ve only done three days so far but I’ve really been challenged and enjoyed it. I even got a new splint for my right hand and wrist. Haha anyway, it’s late and I should be going back to bed. Yes, I only wrote this cause I couldn’t sleep. So sue me.
April 14
from Tim’s parents
We want to write a quick update to accompany Tim’s update from yesterday. He did an awesome job of telling you the many advancements that we’re thankful for. We want to give you some prayer targets
Tim has surgery on Monday 4/16 for his right arm. The orthopedists are feeling that they MUST get his elbow joint moving so that it does not lock into place. This basically means that they are planning to remove the external fixator that was placed on/in his arm in Afghan. While he is still anesthetized, they will determine how stable the elbow joint is by moving it around. Based on this information, they will do one of three things: 1) If they find the joint stable enough, they will remove the ex-fix and leave the arm for the physical therapists to deal with. 2) If they find the joint somewhat stable, they will remove the present ex-fix and replace it with a HINGED ex-fix that will allow him to bend and extend his elbow, while enjoying support. That would require the drilling of more holes (5) into his ulna and humerus. 3) If they find the joint very unstable, they will replace the present ex-fix.
At some point, they may need to operate on the elbow to fix/replace ligaments with tendons that are taken from other places on Tim’s body. But that’s not Monday’s operation.
We are asking you to pray for the Lord to supernaturally build/create all of the necessary ingredients for a stable right elbow for Tim. Please also pray for protection for the bone graft (from Tim’s shoulder blade) in Tim’s right arm. Its only about 2 inches down from the point of the elbow(which is Tim’s own ulna). Pray for GRACE for the pain that he’ll experience through and after the surgery. And pray for deliverance from any anxiety or fear that may plague him as he faces another surgery.
We are VERY thankful for your love and concern for our Timothy! THANK YOU for joining us in this battle. The Lord HAS BEEN, IS and WILL BE victorious.
April 18
from Tim’s parents
We have GOOD NEWS! And want to give all the praise and glory to the Lord Jesus Christ who is Tim’s Healer and has been the Great Grace Provider and Sustainer of us all over these last months. Tim got his ex-fix OFF!!!! No more metal bars attached to his right arm!!!
At this point, I must say that he is particularly thankful for his PCA (pain button that allows him to self-medicate - within reason, of course). It hurts. A LOT. So we continue to covet your prayers for him. He has quite a lot of H.O.(Heterotrophic Ossification - muscle and other tissues turning to bone) forming in his elbow joint as a result of the blast. Apparently, blown-up bodies have unique problems that other trauma-type patients don’t generally experience. His H.O. is a mixed bag. It is both providing some stability to the joint, while simultaneously keeping his joint from full range of motion. It can be removed, but probably not for 6 months or so. In surgery yesterday, the surgeons were able to move his arm from about a 70 degree angle to about a 120 degrees (maybe a little further). It hurts like crazy, but Tim was doing most of that by himself this afternoon. He will probably get a splint to help with support for the first little while.
REJOICE with us in this victory for Tim’s right arm.
PLEASE PRAY for considerable relief from the pain in the bones and joints of his right arm and hand.
PRAY that the joints (bones, ligaments, tendons, etc) will gain strength and stability. Since the blast, his whole right arm has been basically carried and supported by his shoulder. Now that it is without the ex-fix, each joint has to support its part.
For Tim, this FEELS a bit like going backward (even though he KNOWS it’s a forward move) as he gives up a bit of the hard-won independence that he has slowly achieved. PLEASE PRAY that he’ll be wise in his movements and careful not to injure his new bone graft as he regains his strength and motion.
On Monday, when he was in Occupational Therapy, Tim took the opportunity to share with his therapist and two others present how blessed he’s been by the tremendous out-pouring of prayer by YOU all on his behalf. He said, “How can I NOT get better when there are so many people all over the world faithfully praying for my healing!? God is so good!”
We (as his family) agree wholeheartedly and can’t thank you enough for this very POWERFUL participation in Timothy’s healing. GOD BLESS YOU!
UPDATE, April 8, 2025
I’ve been away and haven’t been able to update until now. Several of you have asked for updates, so I’m happy to oblige! Timothy (and/or family) have been posting some photo updates so I’ll include those here as well. This will be lengthy as I’ll update back to March 26th when I last posted updates here.
*Photos at the end of this update.
March 26 - from Timothy’s parents:
Prayer Update for Tim
Timothy should be rolling into surgery(the 17th) tomorrow morning at about 7:30am EST. This surgery is primarily about his right arm. They are unhappy with the present orientation of the bones. They will remove the present ‘external fixator’ (the metal cage you see in the pictures) and re-align the bones. They will be looking at the elbow joint pretty extensively to see whether the ligaments that hold the ulna and humerus bones in joint are present at all or in part. This will determine whether they can place a hinged external fixator which will allow Tim to flex his arm. If the joint is NOT stable, they will place pins to connect the ulna to the humerus and replace an immovable external fixator. Either way, they will be manipulating bones, drilling new holes into his bones for the pins of whatever fixator they determine they can use and placing a new fixator.
In brief: stable joint = hinged fixator; unstable joint = new pins to connect ulna and humerus at elbow + another external fixator. Option #1 is definitely preferred.
Whatever the case, this will NOT be the last surgery on his arm and it will be painful (to a degree most of us can’t relate to). They will also be removing some pins from his right hand (which will also need further surgery at a later time) and closing his left leg.
We THANK GOD for:
Tim’s awesome attitude up ’til now.
The great success of the ‘flap’.
The wonderful healing that he is experiencing on his back (150 or so staples).
The growing relationships that we’re having with his doctors, nurses and staff here.
SO MANY faithful prayer partners spread across the world!!!!
The many ways that people have ministered to Timothy and to us as a family. We are truly blessed.
Please PRAY for:
Wisdom from God for each surgeon (esp. Dr. March).
Protection from infection.
Protection for Tim’s new ‘flap’ that will be involved in the surgery.
FAITH for us all as we face new challenges and realities involved in Tim’s treatment and his future.
Relief and release from pain
Again, we thank each and every one of you for your prayers on his (and our) behalf.
Blessings of grace to you all
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March 28
Tim’s surgery ended up being significantly less complicated than was originally planned for. For that, we thank the Lord! Upon close examination, the surgeons decided that the positioning of the bones in his right arm wasn’t as bad as they had originally thought. They were able to manipulate them and using the current external fixator, put the right amount of pressure in the right places to align the bones nicely. They were also able to see that there aren’t sufficient ligaments attaching the ulna to the humerus. Hence, no hinged fixator. The joint isn’t currently stable enough. It should come with time.
A hematoma was also discovered above a line of sutures on the inside of his right bicep (related to the flap). It included a big blood clot that was removed and stitched up. A wound vac was placed. (A wound vac is basically a hose with a suction-type cup that is placed over a wound’s dressing that gently suctions off fluids.)
His left leg had to be re-opened and a little unhealthy tissue removed from the suture lines. They cleaned things up and re-sewed the leg and placed a wound vac.
PRAISE: They foresee possible solutions to most of Tim’s injuries to his right arm. They are NOT anticipating that his arm will ever have the same function as it did before his injury. They are not, however, considering the great, unfathomable, unstoppable power of God that far surpasses even the knowledge of our brilliant doctors.
PLEASE PRAY for: Great patience for Timothy. His strength and health are currently greater than his progress. That feels very FRUSTRATING to him - as if he’s not moving forward fast enough.
PRAISE: He is immeasurably healthier and stronger than he was even two weeks ago.
PLEASE PRAY for: an increase in healing in the sutures of his legs; a STRONG KNITTING of the tissues and no breakdown of the skin. Remember, these surfaces are going to have to support his entire body weight for the rest of his life. If you think of how tough the tissue of your feet is as well as the wider surface area it utilizes, it helps you appreciate what he needs.
PRAISE: His ‘flap’ and back are healing really beautifully.
PLEASE PRAY for: movement in his right hand. Tim was able to move his thumb, index and middle fingers when he first arrived. He has since lost that ability. That is obviously discouraging to him. The doctors and therapists feel confident that he will regain that ability, but it will take time, TONS of rehab (and probably operations) and a LOT of patience. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
OK. Before I lose this again…I’m going to read it to Tim and finish it.
We are all immeasurably grateful for your prayers, cards, gifts and other shows of support. THANK YOU!!!!
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March 28 - from Timothy
17 surgeries. It’s hard to believe. I don’t feel like I’ve been operated on anywhere NEAR that number of times. God has been good. He gave me an incredible group of doctors and nurses. Between my faithful, understanding parents and my incredible, beautiful , amazingly helpful girlfriend and her ever accommodating, considerate mother and the hospital staff, I have no wants. God has fulfilled His promise to me. He has provided. My legs are gone and my cup overflows. I never thought I could be THIS content in this situation. There are still so many challenges ahead. I’d be lying if I said that I’m not nervous about everything to come. However, I refuse to be anxious or afraid. God has given me victory over my fears. Praise the Lord for bringing me so far and who has given me so much good.
, amazingly helpful girlfriend and her ever accommodating, considerate mother and the hospital staff, I have no wants. God has fulfilled His promise to me. He has provided. My legs are gone and my cup overflows. I never thought I could be THIS content in this situation. There are still so many challenges ahead. I’d be lying if I said that I’m not nervous about everything to come. However, I refuse to be anxious or afraid. God has given me victory over my fears. Praise the Lord for bringing me so far and who has given me so much good.Everyone… I know that you’ve all been praying fervently for me… I completely believe that It is because of those prayers on my behalf that all of my surgeries have gone so well and I’ve improved so quickly. Now, I would ask that you turn those prayers and direct them wholly at my family andVictoria and Valerie. Pray that rest and patience and love and forgiveness would find them… Because after all… They DO have to take care of me. hahaha but on the serious side, please pray for them all. This taxes the emotions and the body and just makes you tired in a lot of wsays. When it comes to praying for my arm, praying for a miracle csertainly doesn’t hurt at all. Thank you for praying. I pray that God will bless each and every one of you for the Kindness you’ve shown me.
hahaha but on the serious side, please pray for them all. This taxes the emotions and the body and just makes you tired in a lot of wsays. When it comes to praying for my arm, praying for a miracle csertainly doesn’t hurt at all. Thank you for praying. I pray that God will bless each and every one of you for the Kindness you’ve shown me.In Christ,
PFC Timothy Donley
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March 31 - from Timothy
So, yesterday morning I found out that I was to have a minor surgery today. I would’ve appreciated a BIT more of a heads up, but that’s just how things go sometimes. Anyway, that wasn’t too horrible to find out, and the rest of the day went pretty well and there weren’t any surprises… UNTIL, the nurse came into the room a little after midnight (yes, I was still awake) and told me my surgery was going to be at one o’clock pm. Well well well. Looks like somebody is going to get to sleep in… BUT alas and alack, ’twas not meant to be. I was woken by a nurse at nine AM, and she was kind enough to explain that my surgery had been bumped up. Oh joy. Well, down to surgery I went and by all accounts, I feel like it went pretty well. I HAD two wounds vacs, one on my left leg and the other on the inside of my right bicep. They took off the one on my arm and so I am one wound vac closer to not having any at all. I feel I need to say this. Honestly, I’m struggling. I’m looking into the future, maybe farther than I should be, and there are so many question marks. Too many. I just need to completely trust God about it and be content in concentrating on the present. The present has enough going on to occupy me until the future gets here. But seriously, please be praying for my frame of mind and for those around me. I’m only human and I have those everyday troubles that most people run into. I really appreciate that you all actually care.. There are too many people in this world who don’t care about anything, so thank you. I cannot explain with words how you all make me feel. God bless you guys. God bless you a hundred times over. May His face shine upon you all as you go about your lives. Because all of your prayers have surely touched mine.
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April 2 - from Timothy’s parents
Sorry to take so long to post again. Our days always seem to be so busy. Tim goes into surgery again tomorrow morning. The last couple of surgeries (including this one) have been more minor ones. Tomorrow will be removing stitches from his right hand, maybe changing a PICC line (an IV line that stretches from his left bicep and all the way up near his heart), changing the dressing on his left leg and perhaps removing the wound vac (depending on how the wounds look). I think that’s it. On Wednesday, plastic surgeons are coming to start removing every other staple from his back and one row (of the two) of the stitches of his flap.
PLEASE PRAY for: Peace for Tim’s heart (ours too)
: Wisdom for the doctors as they evaluate his wounds and progress.
: HEALING for the wounds in his legs - particularly his left leg.
: HEALING for his back and right arm wounds.
: HEALING for the nerves and all the inner workings of his right arm and hand. Must stretch the tendons and ligaments in the hand well and often.
: REST - ever heard that hospitals are the worst place to sleep? SO TRUE!
: Pain relief - particularly in his left leg.
: Tim asks for special prayer for TRUST in the Lord and peace as he looks to the future. He needs to know what the LORD wants for him.
Again, we just say, Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the many prayers that you’ve prayed and for your continued commitment to see us all through this process . We long to see the Lord glorified through all of this.
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April 2 - from Timothy
Today I got promoted to Lance Corporal and my father and brother got to present me with my new rank.
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April 4 - from Timothy’s parents
Timothy came through Tuesday’s procedure with flying colors. It was pretty basic. Mostly checking out his current progress and changing the dressings on his left leg. They added two ‘bolsters’ in an attempt to take some pressure off the suture lines on that leg. They also placed the wound vac back on. We are REALLY praying for strong, solid, complete healing for those legs! None of the stitches were removed.
There are lots of various procedures that happen in a hospital. Instead of changing his PICC line while he was sedated, they came to the room in the afternoon and changed it there. Despite warnings, the PICC line was (once again) placed too close to his heart - he has a sensitive vessel that gets ‘tickled’ by the line. Once again, Tim went into tachycardia (a racing heart) and had to have the line pulled back. As soon as it was, his heart slowed to normal. Some things are extremely frustrating. Good thing the Lord is there to take care of him…and to complain to.
Tim will return to PACU (pre-op/post-op) for another re-dressing of his left leg tomorrow morning. We are anticipating that they will also place the wound vac on his left leg again. He will either have every other staple removed from his back in PACU or later in his room - as well as one line (of the two)of the stitches on his flap. Think of the reinforced stitching on your jeans - you have two rows of stitching. They’ll remove one row around the entire flap.
PRAISE: The Lord PROTECTED Timothy through another bout of tachycardia.
: Tim’s doing a GREAT job at PT. He has real core strength and all of his natural coordination is beginning to come into play.
: The PT and OT therapists made Tim a new splint for his right hand/arm.
PRAY for: Continued safety during various and sometimes, unexpected, procedures like the PICC line.
: Strong, solid, complete healing for his legs.
: the staple and stitch removal to go without a ‘hitch’ and be virtually pain free. Please pray that the skin and scar tissue remain strong despite the great pressure on them.
: stability for his right elbow joint; supernatural(?) ligaments - NOTHING is too hard for GOD!
: healing for Tim’s right hand and arm; movement in his hand; healing for his muscles and nerves. Strong knitting of the bone graft (Tim’s piece of scapula) to the pieces of his ulna.
You all BLESS US UNBELIEVABLY by praying! THANK YOU!!!!!
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UPDATE from Timothy on March 26
Well… Tomorrow is surgery time. It’s weird to think that I’ve undergone so many surgeries. God’s hand has surely strengthened me to endure the pains involved with all of this. He has upheld me in every storm; just as countless people around the world have upheld me in their prayers. I thank God every day for all of you because I am encouraged and emboldened by the very thought that so many stand with me. God bless Each and every one of you with His presence, grace, and power.
PFC Timothy Donley
PFC Timothy Donley
UPDATE from Monday, March 26
Prayer Update for Tim
Timothy should be rolling into surgery(the 17th) tomorrow morning at about 7:30am EST. This surgery is primarily about his right arm. They are unhappy with the present orientation of the bones. They will remove the present ‘external fixator’ (the metal cage you see in the pictures) and re-align the bones. They will be looking at the elbow joint pretty extensively to see whether the ligaments that hold the ulna and humerus bones in joint are present at all or in part. This will determine whether they can place a hinged external fixator which will allow Tim to flex his arm. If the joint is NOT stable, they will place pins to connect the ulna to the humerus and replace an immovable external fixator. Either way, they will be manipulating bones, drilling new holes into his bones for the pins of whatever fixator they determine they can use and placing a new fixator.
Timothy should be rolling into surgery(the 17th) tomorrow morning at about 7:30am EST. This surgery is primarily about his right arm. They are unhappy with the present orientation of the bones. They will remove the present ‘external fixator’ (the metal cage you see in the pictures) and re-align the bones. They will be looking at the elbow joint pretty extensively to see whether the ligaments that hold the ulna and humerus bones in joint are present at all or in part. This will determine whether they can place a hinged external fixator which will allow Tim to flex his arm. If the joint is NOT stable, they will place pins to connect the ulna to the humerus and replace an immovable external fixator. Either way, they will be manipulating bones, drilling new holes into his bones for the pins of whatever fixator they determine they can use and placing a new fixator.
In brief: stable joint = hinged fixator; unstable joint = new pins to connect ulna and humerus at elbow + another external fixator. Option #1 is definitely preferred.
Whatever the case, this will NOT be the last surgery on his arm and it will be painful (to a degree most of us can’t relate to). They will also be removing some pins from his right hand (which will also need further surgery at a later time) and closing his left leg.
We THANK GOD for:
Tim’s awesome attitude up ’til now.
The great success of the ‘flap’.
The wonderful healing that he is experiencing on his back (150 or so staples).
The growing relationships that we’re having with his doctors, nurses and staff here.
SO MANY faithful prayer partners spread across the world!!!!
The many ways that people have ministered to Timothy and to us as a family. We are truly blessed.
Please PRAY for:
Wisdom from God for each surgeon (esp. Dr. March).
Protection from infection.
Protection for Tim’s new ‘flap’ that will be involved in the surgery.
FAITH for us all as we face new challenges and realities involved in Tim’s treatment and his future.
Relief and release from pain
Again, we thank each and every one of you for your prayers on his (and our) behalf.
Blessings of grace to you all
UPDATE from March 24
Timothy Update Sat. night 24 Mar. ’12:
PRAISE: Timothy is getting a bit of a respite from ‘operations’ and ‘procedures’ except for physical therapy…he only had one operation on Monday this past week…AND he will not be in until Tuesday (27th)!
PRAYER: He will be having another operation (on Tuesday, 27th) this week with some greater ramifications for his arm…another serious procedure to change the ‘external fixator’ (the metal ‘erector set type’ looking equipment holding his right arm immobile since he was wounded in Afghan.).
They are going to re-set his ulna elbow bone at the joint and other bones in his arm; and replace his current erector set with another one that is hinged to allow his arm to be moved at the elbow…it’s been immobile for 6 weeks now and will need a lot of work to get it moving again…
PRAYER: Against infection; for healing; for 100% accurate work by the surgeons; Timothy’s spirit and attitude to stay wonderful!
PRAISE: Younger brothers getting to visit in the homes of good friends for the next couple of weeks; encouraging visits from friends and family; a lightening of ‘doctor traffic’ in Timothy’s room; he has an increased appetite and is eating better (one of his lieutenants brought him a massive steak today!).
PRAYER: For his and our continued testimonies and positive impact on the staff, families and other wounded warriors…
…again we’re so very grateful for all of your love poured out for him and us in the form of prayers, encouragements and practical love…God bless you all.
PS Timothy has a mild allergy to something in the processing of chocolates which makes him vulnerable to inflammatory reactions…doctors have asked that he abstain from chocolate during this time of ‘extreme healing’…..thank you!
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UPDATE from Thursday, March 15
From Timothy’s dad:
Update Thurs. Mar. 15 ’12 - Timothy was in the O.R. again yesterday morning…the doctors were evaluating the results of last Friday’s marathon operation on his back and right arm…also, cleaning some ‘not so nice stuff’ off of his left leg causing them to place another ‘wound vac’ on the injury site…Timothy’s spirit was a bit down feeling like he’d been making progress and then went back a step….he IS very resilient though and is pressing on….
Today, the Occupational therapists came and placed a newer type of cast on his right wrist and hand - a molded removable splint - but in the process traumatized him with severe pain as they had to ‘manipulate’ (move around) the fingers of his right hand to keep them working well, and help prepare him for future rehab’ing of his arm and hand. That, coupled with the changing of some of his medications has caused him to be experiencing even greater amounts of pain in his hand / arm, back and ‘phantom’ and real pain in his legs. Please pray with us for some relief. The constant pain is very wearying and discouraging for him.
Dr. Valerio, his head plastic surgeon, came and evaluated the ‘flap’ graft on his right arm and was extremely pleased with the appearance and condition of the arm….
PRAISE THE LORD WITH US for his hand of blessing on the doctors, nurses, hospital staff and volunteers serving here. Please continue to pray that the flap will heal completely. Dr. Valerio commented that we’re past the time of real danger for the flap, BUT, if ultimately it fails, there will no other recourse to fix his arm…Please PRAY…for Timothy’s right arm to be the very best possible!!
PRAY that he will be encouraged and able to continually keep his eyes on Jesus and, rest and trust in faith throughout the process…as well as His blessing the results of Timothy’s operations and his restoration and healing…to God be the glory….
He will have a procedure done tomorrow morning (Fri. 16 Mar.’12) - please stand with us for success and speedy healing from this procedure - that God would give him the grace to withstand this gauntlet of invasive medical procedures on the road to his complete restoration physically….in THAT grace, the Family
Today, the Occupational therapists came and placed a newer type of cast on his right wrist and hand - a molded removable splint - but in the process traumatized him with severe pain as they had to ‘manipulate’ (move around) the fingers of his right hand to keep them working well, and help prepare him for future rehab’ing of his arm and hand. That, coupled with the changing of some of his medications has caused him to be experiencing even greater amounts of pain in his hand / arm, back and ‘phantom’ and real pain in his legs. Please pray with us for some relief. The constant pain is very wearying and discouraging for him.
Dr. Valerio, his head plastic surgeon, came and evaluated the ‘flap’ graft on his right arm and was extremely pleased with the appearance and condition of the arm….
PRAISE THE LORD WITH US for his hand of blessing on the doctors, nurses, hospital staff and volunteers serving here. Please continue to pray that the flap will heal completely. Dr. Valerio commented that we’re past the time of real danger for the flap, BUT, if ultimately it fails, there will no other recourse to fix his arm…Please PRAY…for Timothy’s right arm to be the very best possible!!
PRAY that he will be encouraged and able to continually keep his eyes on Jesus and, rest and trust in faith throughout the process…as well as His blessing the results of Timothy’s operations and his restoration and healing…to God be the glory….
He will have a procedure done tomorrow morning (Fri. 16 Mar.’12) - please stand with us for success and speedy healing from this procedure - that God would give him the grace to withstand this gauntlet of invasive medical procedures on the road to his complete restoration physically….in THAT grace, the Family
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UPDATE, March 12
From Timothy’s dad:
Monday evening Timothy update;
Sorry that you haven’t heard from us for the last two days - (Timothy’s mom) & I felt we needed to be ‘tag-teaming’ in the ICU / CCU (12 on/12 0ff), to be proactive with the medical care for Timothy as he has been both really, really hurting and very vulnerable right now… (so we have not been able, focused or near computer and wifi)…thank you for being faithful and standing with us in the interim…
PRAISE; The graft for his arm seems to be doing very well - good blood flow, color, tone, etc.
PRAYER; A much larger piece of his scapula was used than we initially thought (2 1/2″ X 4″ approx.), and two MUCH larger pieces of muscle and tissue (in the shape of a ’7′) from his shoulder and back - the ‘flaps’ of skin were about the size of a man’s hands!…the Dr. said the ‘bone pain’ will be severe for a month to two months and, the sites of the flaps were sewn shut and are extremely ‘tight’ to the point of restricting motion in the future and any movement causes excruciating pain now.
PRAISE; Timothy is just starting to come through a little and we’re seeing his pain being managed off and on giving him temporary relief! He is happy with the thought from his Head Plastic surgeon; “I’m very happy with the results of the surgery!” (cautiously optimistic!) God bless Dr. Volaria and the staff of the various surgery teams, the O.R. nurses and attendees and the nurses and staff of (specific floor Timothy’s been on)! Thank you very much!
PRAYER; Timothy’s whole upper right torso is very swollen which exacerbates the wound area of his back and shoulder AND his arm - with any movement he is experiencing incredible pain. Also, his right hand needs to be operated on again as the pins were dislodged when it was x-rayed, (the bones behind the ring and pinky fingers)…
PRAYER; All of us here with Timothy are being stretched emotionally and physically right now…young G and A (brothers) are missing a normal social, school life…please pray for the Lord’s refreshing, guiding and restoring as we stand in the gap here with Timothy…
God bless you all for ‘bearing this burden with us”…we’re much in your debt…
Sorry that you haven’t heard from us for the last two days - (Timothy’s mom) & I felt we needed to be ‘tag-teaming’ in the ICU / CCU (12 on/12 0ff), to be proactive with the medical care for Timothy as he has been both really, really hurting and very vulnerable right now… (so we have not been able, focused or near computer and wifi)…thank you for being faithful and standing with us in the interim…
PRAISE; The graft for his arm seems to be doing very well - good blood flow, color, tone, etc.
PRAYER; A much larger piece of his scapula was used than we initially thought (2 1/2″ X 4″ approx.), and two MUCH larger pieces of muscle and tissue (in the shape of a ’7′) from his shoulder and back - the ‘flaps’ of skin were about the size of a man’s hands!…the Dr. said the ‘bone pain’ will be severe for a month to two months and, the sites of the flaps were sewn shut and are extremely ‘tight’ to the point of restricting motion in the future and any movement causes excruciating pain now.
PRAISE; Timothy is just starting to come through a little and we’re seeing his pain being managed off and on giving him temporary relief! He is happy with the thought from his Head Plastic surgeon; “I’m very happy with the results of the surgery!” (cautiously optimistic!) God bless Dr. Volaria and the staff of the various surgery teams, the O.R. nurses and attendees and the nurses and staff of (specific floor Timothy’s been on)! Thank you very much!
PRAYER; Timothy’s whole upper right torso is very swollen which exacerbates the wound area of his back and shoulder AND his arm - with any movement he is experiencing incredible pain. Also, his right hand needs to be operated on again as the pins were dislodged when it was x-rayed, (the bones behind the ring and pinky fingers)…
PRAYER; All of us here with Timothy are being stretched emotionally and physically right now…young G and A (brothers) are missing a normal social, school life…please pray for the Lord’s refreshing, guiding and restoring as we stand in the gap here with Timothy…
God bless you all for ‘bearing this burden with us”…we’re much in your debt…
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UPDATE, March 10
From Timothy’s dad:
“9:17 AM Bethesda / Walter Reed National Military Medical Center…gregg here…
Timothy was taken back to the ICU / CCU at about midnight, last night - we were told by the head doctor that he would most likely remain unconscious and ‘intubated’ until about noon today - WELL, he woke up just prior to midnight as the got him into the ICU room - they ‘extubated’ him as he was trying to be / stay awake - and once the anesthesia began to wear off, he indicated that he was suffering intensely from the pain…please, please, please pray for Timothy as they have ‘upped’ his pin meds and have been giving him something else to sedate him…he has not been like this since we’ve first seen him - he’s never cried ‘because of the pain’ yet…up until now, he has been incredibly controlled and apparently able to ‘deal with the pain levels’ as AMAZING as that sounds…please continue to stand with and for Timothy throughout this weekend as he will be suffering way more than we’ve seen him yet… he / we need you all right now…please stand firm over this weekend and into this next week - we’ll update as much and as soon as possible…
God bless you all…”
Timothy was taken back to the ICU / CCU at about midnight, last night - we were told by the head doctor that he would most likely remain unconscious and ‘intubated’ until about noon today - WELL, he woke up just prior to midnight as the got him into the ICU room - they ‘extubated’ him as he was trying to be / stay awake - and once the anesthesia began to wear off, he indicated that he was suffering intensely from the pain…please, please, please pray for Timothy as they have ‘upped’ his pin meds and have been giving him something else to sedate him…he has not been like this since we’ve first seen him - he’s never cried ‘because of the pain’ yet…up until now, he has been incredibly controlled and apparently able to ‘deal with the pain levels’ as AMAZING as that sounds…please continue to stand with and for Timothy throughout this weekend as he will be suffering way more than we’ve seen him yet… he / we need you all right now…please stand firm over this weekend and into this next week - we’ll update as much and as soon as possible…
God bless you all…”
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SURGERY UPDATE
March 9, 8:31pm
From Timothy’s parents: Latest posting!!! - Friday 9 March 2025 @ 7:40 PM EST….I just rec’d the 5th phone call from a roving nurse involved in the O.R. for Timothy’s operation…I was just told that ‘hurdles’ # 2 & 3 have been overcome to the praise and glory of God (and extra good news for Timothy!!)! The nurse told me that the doctor had just finished ‘harvesting’ the piece of bone from Timothy’s shoulder blade - meaning, THERE WAS ENOUGH BONE IN THE SHOULDER BLADE TO TAKE FOR THE NEEDED ULNA PIECE!! That was ‘hurdle’ #2 for the whole process to be successful…they are still currently working on finishing ‘harvesting’ the rest of the ‘flap’; the muscle, tissue and skin to go with the bone. ‘Hurdle’ # 3 was, IF Timothy’s nerve damage was 7 cm. or less so that the 7 cm. piece of cadaver nerve would suffice for the ‘transplant / graft’ needed - his nerve damage was reported to be 6 cm.!!! Meaning, that the cadaver nerve will be long enough to help facilitate Timothy’s own nerve to grow back with 1cm. to spare!! (we’ve been told that it will take a pretty long time to grow back though - IF it will at all…:-) !)
There is one more hurdle left; once they’ve finished ‘harvesting’ the ‘flap’…that is, for the ‘flap’ to be re-attached in the precise way needed to sufficiently cover the open area of Timothy’s forearm and exposed ulna (which extends from just above the elbow to 1/3 - 2/5 of the distance down toward the wrist - on the top and bottom of the forearm)…while connecting the blood vessels as needed.
Also…I was informed that Timothy needed at least one transfusion so far, as it has now been over 10 hours straight in the O.R…..the nurse also told me that it will still take at least ‘a few’ more hours to complete the ‘harvesting’ and to ‘re-attach’ the bone, muscle, tissue and skin ‘flap’ properly….
PLEASE KEEP PRAYING SAINTS….we are so grateful for each of you taking on this work and privilege of ‘holding onto the Lord’ with us…Press on and persevere for Timothy and God’s glory….
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SURGERY UPDATE
March 9, 2:30pm Eastern Time
New news. Tim is in surgery since 8am. They ‘washed out’ his left leg and right arm - checking to make sure that all was well for the ‘flap’ operation. They located a sizable and usable blood vessel in the injured area and began to harvest the bone and other tissues about an hour ago. The nurse that called said, “Everything is going well with the operation and Tim is doing well.” Please keep praying for each and every person in the operating theatre - vigilance, strength, wisdom, focus. I’m praying that each one would think of him as their own son. We are so grateful for your prayers and love for Tim.
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UPDATE 8; March 8, 2012- Surgery Tomorrow
Urgent Prayer Requests
UPDATE 8; March 8, 2012- Surgery Tomorrow
Urgent Prayer Requests
Firstly, Timothy’s dad and mom here for the family and close friends - we want to personally thank each and every one of you who have both faithfully and, in some ways, sacrificially stood with us over this past month to pray, fast and lift Jesus up to ‘stand in the gap’ for Timothy and for us - YES, tomorrow it will be one month since Timothy was wounded in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
Many miracles for Timothy and for us have already taken place during this time - not the least of these being that the Lord has been, and is using this unfortunate incident of Timothy’s to bring His Body together - in an amazing way! - to do what it really can (and should be doing on a regular basis!) - worshiping JESUS and trusting JESUS - resulting in faith, obedience, testimonies and miracles that will bring Him the maximum amount of glory that He can receive - that He so absolutely deserves and is SO worthy of….we don’t know where we would be without your prayers of faith, filled with God’s grace for us…thank you seems so inadequate for what our lives and our hearts are and have been experiencing…
All we can say right now is. “PLEASE press on?!” “PLEASE press on??!!” PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE PRESS ON???!!!”
Timothy really, really needs us all right now…here are the facts of the surgery that he faces tomorrow morning (to pre-op at 6AM; to the O.R. at/or around 7:30AM EST); skin, tissue, muscle and bone graft to BEGIN the process of helping his arm to recover to the best that it can be,(meaning; the goal is to achieve the return of the best use and abilities of his arm as is possible - as close to ‘normal’ use as possible).
***IF there is no infection in his left leg or in his arm tomorrow morning - the Dr.’s will proceed with the 14 - 16 hour operation…yes, Dr.’s - at least two teams of 4-6 doctors (one, orthopedic surgeons, one, plastic surgeons), and YES, 14 - 16 hours of Timothy lying on a table in a surgical suite being actively worked on by approximately 20 people!
The main doctor in charge of and responsible for this procedure is a Dr. Valerio. Please lift him up tonight - to be well rested, OR, if not; absolutely controlled, guided and directed by the Holy Spirit. This is one incredible man. He was practicing on a cadaver today as this procedure is a first time procedure for him (and all of the doctors), even though he has years of experience in plastic surgery and operating on ‘wounded warriors’.
He met with us this afternoon and explained the procedure to us - this is what we understand; First, he will need to make sure that the blood vessel that he will be connecting to, for the ongoing blood supply to Timothy’s lower arm, is located in the vicinity just above the elbow joint to the inside of the bicep. IF that blood vessel is not found in the needed vicinity he will not be able to continue with their plan. He will need to try something else - LESS successful. Secondly, he will need to make sure that when he has harvested the graft piece (called a ‘flap’ - Timothy’s being somewhat unique in that it needs to be made up of skin, muscle, tissue and bone in a specific size and configuration of ingredients - NOT just a skin or tissue graft - and that it should be ‘one piece’!), that the piece of ‘vascularized’ bone’(bone with blood vessels/ supply in it), will be able to be ‘turned’, while still attached to the flap, or, to be ‘maneuvered’ into place to secure it to the remaining pieces of Timothy’s ulna (the outer forearm piece that the blast took out - about 7 cm./ 3″ of bone starting from about 1 - 2 inches below the elbow). IF it cannot be ‘turned’ into the correct position he will not be able to continue with their plan. He may need to just use the skin, muscle, tissue ‘flap’ to close the wound area and plan to re-enter the forearm for something else in the future. Thirdly, they will be using a standard, largest size allowable under FDA standards, a 7 cm. piece of cadaver nerve to fill in the damaged area of nerve on Timothy’s outer forearm (the ‘funny bone’ nerve to us). This is to facilitate the re-growth of Timothy’s own nerve. IF the damage is larger than 7 cm. then he will not be able to continue with their plan to restore the nerve to Timothy’s forearm and hand…this will directly affect ‘how much’ and ‘how effectively’ he’ll be able to use his hand in the future!!!! Fourthly, the ‘flap’ needs to be of the correct configuration of stated ‘types’ of materials and be able to be attached to adequate blood flow in a completely meticulous manner. IF it cannot be attached in just the right way, Timothy may lose that piece of ‘graft’ AND may be in danger of losing his arm.
The ‘Nutshell’ version for praying;
IF there is no infection found in either limb tomorrow morning at approx. 8 AM;
**The Dr.’s. nurses, attendees, etc. all have to be on their “A” game for a marathon operation for this to have the best results.
**Each step of the process MUST BE “as specified above” and meticulous, for Timothy to have the best results - that being, the normal use of his right hand and arm.
***Upon ‘harvesting’ the said ‘flap’ for grafting from his own right back shoulder and shoulder blade bone area, Timothy will be bleeding and being ‘cut into’ for the duration of the operation - 14 - 16 hours, possibly needing many units of blood and blood materials for transfusions - any transfusion carries with it the possibility of danger to Timothy’s body - even risking the outcome of the operation - from fevers to VERY BAD!
***IF all goes well, Timothy will be in the ICU for the following 72 hours while having his arm monitored hourly to make sure that it is getting the necessary blood supply to make it successful.
***The doctors are brilliant people and greatly skilled, BUT, they will still need ‘Heavenly wisdom’ to do what is required of them for Timothy’s operation tomorrow!
Pray down God’s blessings of protection, wisdom, ability and endurance for all involved - Timothy’s body will be tested, in some ways, more than it has been yet; the doctors will need stamina, focus and sincere ‘Golden Rule’ spirits to be the very best that they can be for ‘our dear Timothy’…
Pray with us saints; pray with us brothers and sisters; pray with us with prayers of faith and expectation friends - for God’s glory to be revealed and for the Name of Jesus to be lifted high…to bless Timothy… Heb. 11: 1-6
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UPDATE 7 - Upcoming Surgery
March 7, 2025 via Facebook
TIM UPDATE: 07 March 2012, 3:30 pm Washington DC Time
THIS IS A BIG UPDATE!
Two days ago Tim’s heart spike to about 180 beats per minute. He was moved down to another floor and monitored. The doctors thought the “picc” line that was inserted into his arm may have “tickled” his heart
PRAISE: Tim’s heart appears to be okay and he is back in his original room
The doctors had to re-insert a tube into Tim’s left leg and take more cultures in search of more infections.
PRAY: That there are no infections so that Tim’s overall healing process can continue and that the left leg will continued to be cleansed of infection and be completely healed.
PRAISE: Tim has been in physical therapy / occupational therapy and has done phenomenal. They are really working him hard and it is very tiring.
PRAY: That Tim will have the strength to keep up the PT/OT.
PRAISE: Tim’s appetite is doing well and they have not had to re-insert the feeding tube.
PRAY: That Tim’s appetite stays strong.
PRAISE: Tim and his family have had a few good nights of rest!!!
PRAISE: G’s class schedule (Tim’s brother) is getting worked out.
PRAY: That A’s (another brother) class schedule can get worked out.
OKAY THIS IS THE BIG PRAYER REQUEST!!!!!
Tim is scheduled to have surgery on his right arm on Friday. This surgery will last approximately 14 hours. The doctors will be reconstructing his arm from muscle and bone from different places from Tim’s own body. The doctors are saying that this is a one shot deal.
PRAY: That the LORD will do amazing things for Tim’s right arm.
PRAY: That the doctors will have wisdom in all of Tim’s treatment.
The LORD is faithful and good and HIS righteousness cannot be questioned!!!
{Brief recap: Timothy is a young soldier, a friend of our family, who became the victim of an IED in Afghanistan. He lost both legs in the blast and will undergo surgery to repair the one arm. According to previous updates, this a one-shot deal to save the right arm - see 2/28 update. Please pray for the arm to be saved and that Tim will continue to heal. Some pictures are further down in this blog.}
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UPDATE 6
March 3, 2025 via Facebook
March 2:
from his mother: “Timothy was just awarded the Purple Heart medal and commendation by President Barack Obama in his hospital room. Needless to say, we are so proud of our dear Timothy and the President told him that, “he has the thanks of a grateful nation..” Thank you for praying for us - While Timothy and we as a family were being honored, we trust that Jesus was honored as well…yes, please keep praying for the President - that he would have God’s grace, wisdom and strength to do and make right in all of his responsibilities…thank you, {the family} for Timothy”
March 2:
PRAISE: Tim’s left leg was closed today! Praise the LORD!
PRAY: That both legs can remain closed. That no other problems will arise.
PRAISE: Tim’s white blood cell count is down to normal!
PRAY: That the infections are gone for good.
BIG PRAYER: Tim’s surgery on his right arm is scheduled for sometime around Wednesday. Pray that the LORD amazes the doctors with HIS grace, mercy and healing. Pray hard folks!
March 1:
Timothy’s pain is a bit less and he slept for a five hour stretch this morning/afternoon. His cultures from Monday’s surgery were NEGATIVE and so far the cultures from yesterday’s surgery are too!!!! He’s back in surgery tomorrow morning - the news may not be all good because they think that his left leg may be bleeding under/inside his bandages which would necessitate more invasive work on the leg (the ‘already hurting more’ leg). He needs to be healing well and gaining strength to prepare his body for handling the long, involved arm surgery (grafting bone, muscle and skin from his right shoulder to his right forearm) next week.
Tim is scheduled to get his Purple Heart commendation tomorrow afternoon (if his surgery schedule allows).
We’re grateful and blessed by your prayers for our Timothy…. God bless you too!
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UPDATE 5 - Still Urgent
March 1, 2012; posted by his parents, via Facebook
“Tim is spiking a fever since yesterday’s surgery. He had surgery on both legs (which are looking better generally) and his right hand (not arm) had 4 pins placed to repair a bone. He received 5 units of blood. They’re doing a whole work-up to find the source. Please pray that they’ll find it and be able to treat it; that they’ll be able to get his pain levels under control and that he’ll get some REST. There is literally a river of people (nurses, doctors, specialists, cleaners, bathers, etc., etc., etc.) in and out of his room 24 - 7. I’m sitting outside his door screening people….”
My personal thoughts: Please pray for Tim, but also for all involved. His parents & brothers are there with him, along with his girlfriend and her mom. Please pray for the doctors & nurses, and the staff that are caring for him. Tim is about 19, still very young with hopefully much life ahead of him. This is (obviously) going to change his life, his mobility and so many other aspects of daily life that we take for granted. Pray for physical healing, rehab that I’m sure will occur, and preparation for life ahead.
Whether or not you, or I, agree with the war that has been fought and the battles that continue, the fact remains that there are those who WILLINGLY sacrifice for our freedom. The saying comes to mind: “Some gave all; all gave some.” I’m thankful that Tim’s life has been spared, but it has been changed forever, at least physically. This young man willingly went to defend our freedoms. A moment of prayer and thoughts on how his his choice to protect our freedom impacts our daily lives is a small, SMALL way that we can give back to him and his family. Thank you all for supporting one of our brave troops!
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UPDATE 4 - URGENT
Feb 28, 2025 - from the Facebook page
TIM UPDATE: 28 Feb 2025
Time: 10:35 am Washington DC Time.
THIS IS A CALL FOR STRONG PRAYER.
The doctors have said the situation with the arm is precarious. The doctors cannot operate on the arm until the left leg is free from all infection and they can surgically close the left leg. The doctors have taken cultures of Tim’s leg to see if the infections are gone. We must pray that the leg is infection free. The doctors wanted to start on Tim’s arm today, but couldn’t because of the leg. The longer the delay with the leg prohibits the next step in the healing process.
…
PRAY that all the infection is gone so the leg can be closed.
The doctors have said that there is one shot for the arm. If the surgery does not take then Tim will lose his right arm. We do not want this. Our desire is for the full restoration of Tim’s arm.
PRAY that the LORD will continue to heal Tim’s leg and provide a miracle that Tim’s arm will be healed and preserved.
Tim is in tremendous pain.
PRAY for the causes of the pain to be healed.
Let’s pray fervently for Tim in all these categories. Let us seek the LORD’s face and give Him praise for all that He has done and all He is going to do.
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UPDATE 3
Feb 27, 2025 (from the FB page)
note: family member’s names are shortened to just 1st letter for their privacy.
Update: 3:45pm Washington DC time
The family would like to thank you all for your continued prayers. Those prayers are making a difference so please keep them coming!!!!!
PRAISE: The doctors were able to close the right leg today without having to do any type of skin grafts.
PRAISE: Tim’s attitude is amazing.
We need to have a strong praying time for Tim.
PRAY: Tim is in a lot of pain, the worst it’s been. Pray for relief from the pain.
PRAY: For the healing of the left leg. Tim’s left leg is still having problems healing from infections. The left leg is already shorter than the right leg. Continue to pray for the healing of the left leg. This is very important to preserve the left leg. The doctors cannot start work on his arm until the left leg is closed.
PRAY: That Tim’s appetite will improve. If Tim does not consume at least 2,000 a day the feeding tube will have to be put back in.
PRAY: That Tim’s overall health will improve so the doctors can start to work on the right arm. Continue to pray that the doctors will be amazed at God’s healing in the right arm and Tim as a whole.
PRAY: Tim’s white blood cell count is double what it should be. Pray for the healing.
We need prayer for the family:
PRAY: For the longevity of health for the family. As they provide care for Tim pray that they will not let their health go down.
PRAY: Tim’s brothers G and A need to work out a solution to their schooling. G is scheduled to graduate this year from high school. A needs to continue on in his schooling.
Prayer for V & V (Tim’s girlfriend and her mom)
PRAY: That V and V will keep their energy up. That younger V would be able to keep up her studies and mom V would stay strong in the support role.
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UPDATE 2
Feb 19th, 2012 (from the FB page)
Update: 10:55 AM EST Washington DC
Please pray for Tim:
- His white blood count is continuing to elevate (it is very high) and they are trying to locate the source of infection.
- He’s on multiple antibiotics already and the white count continues to rise
- They will be doing a cat scan later today to hopefully locate the source of infection
- Continue to pray for his left leg, it’s infected and healing slowly
Praise:
He was able to eat a popsicle today and he was EXTREMELY happy!
On Saturday Tim had a 2 Star Major General come visit him. The Major General initiated a sing a long to include, This Little Light of Mine, Amazing Grace, and other various hymns. Everyone in the room was singing, including Tim
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UPDATE:
(from the FB page where family is updating)
(from the FB page where family is updating)
Okay this is truly God at work. Since Tim got the tube he has been communicating with humor. There will be many funny stories to tell from this.
1. Tim’s main doctor says that he has never seen someone come out of 6 days of sedation and be able to communicate this well and have this good of an attitude.
2. Tim was able to move his fingers on his right arm. This is wonderful. Keep praying that God will complete the healing of the arm.
3. The physical therapist met with Tim to discuss what he is going to learn to do. Tim showed her that he could already roll over. She was amazed and thinks Tim will progress very quickly.
4. Tim is hallucinating because of the medicine, but this is normal for someone on who has been on this amount for so long and it is a good thing the hallucinations are being handle with humor.
5. They are talking about getting him in an electric wheel chair tomorrow. However, they are concerned with his driving abilities while he is still hallucinating.
6. Tim was concerned that his face was messed up and wouldn’t believe anybody that it was okay until they brought him a mirror. From what I am told he is still as good looking as before.
7. There is a long road ahead. WE MUST NEVER CEASE PRAYING FOR TIM’S RECOVERY!!!!!
8. GOD IS GOOD ALL OF THE TIME!!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!
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ORIGINAL POST:
I’ve shared several posts about our friend, Timothy. He is a Marine who was serving in Afghanistan. Last Thursday, Feb 9th, he became a victim of an IED. I wanted to share this post and will update here as updates from the family become available.
Timothy has lost both of his lower legs. They are working to save his right arm as its’ suffered significant damage. He is due to be transported to Bethesda in the next day or so.
I support the military and appreciate the sacrifices that all make - being away from friends, family, the immense dangers and pressure of daily life when deployed (and even sometimes when not deployed). We’ve had several friends who have been deployed in the middle east over the years. The cost of war is great, and I am grateful for each and every man and woman who serves to protect us.
Timothy is a young man - unsure of his age, but in his 20s, I’m sure. To know someone who has paid such a high price for our safety is a reminder that war is real; that every day, someone, somewhere, wakes up to secure my safety. Timothy, and so many others like him, make it possible for my Tim and so many other dads and moms, to stay safely home with our families. Our deepest gratitude to Timothy, his family, his extended family, and his friends, and to all the other men and women who serve.
Please pray for Timothy - for safety as he is transported to Bethesda; for health as his injuries continue to heal; for a healing for his arm; for physical and emotional health and recovery. Pray for him as he adjusts to a “new normal” with the losses he has suffered. Pray for his family and friends as they support and encourage him in the days and months to come. Pray that he will be a blessing to those he meets at the hospital in Bethesda.
And please, when you see someone who is in the service, take a minute to say thank you.
We are praying. You don’t know me, but I live close and would love to help any way I can. Please, please let me know.
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