Dear St. John’s family,
I would like to ask you to put Aaron Spicher, our St. John’s Church Verger, in your prayers. Aaron was admitted to the Lancaster General Hospital last Tuesday. His mobility issues had increased to the point that staff members Bill Gross and Patti Means drove Aaron to the hospital and had him admitted through the ER.
The doctors discovered that in addition to the pain in his hips and his inability to walk, Aaron had a host of medical issues including the return of his irregular heart beat and difficulty breathing from the flu. These were immediately treated but all other procedures were postponed until his heart and lungs improved. Meanwhile extensive testing began to determine the cause of Aaron’s pain and inability to walk.
The tests discovered that Aaron has cancer in multiple locations. This is the principle cause of the pain in his hips. Tomorrow, Wednesday, Aaron will have surgery on his right hip. The hope is that this procedure will allow Aaron to regain his mobility. The expectation is that Aaron will then be released to a rehabilitation facility for physical therapy to regain his strength and his ability to walk. At that point Aaron would begin to receive treatment for the cancer.
While further oncology testing will need to be done to determine the exact kind of treatment that Aaron should receive, the doctors have stated that Aaron’s cancer is serious. As a result both palliative care and hospice services have been contacted.
Aaron is resting comfortably and is in good spirits now that his issues with his heart have been addressed and his flu symptoms have passed. He is eating well and sleeping as best one can in the hospital. He has been visited daily by clergy and Mother Barbara brought him communion on Easter Sunday. He appreciates getting cards and notes. But Aaron has requested that for the time being those visiting him be limited to clergy and staff.
I will report to you again following Aaron’s surgery on Wednesday and keep you apprised of other developments. Aaron is central to our ministry at St. John’s and close to hearts of many. We will need to do our best to work together to step up to the gap of Aaron’s absence as we assure Aaron of our prayers and our love.
Yours in Christ, John+
Comments(7)
Brad Zuke says:
March 30, 2016 at 1:24 pmPrayers, love, and any spare karma we have are on their way. We’re hoping for a strong recovery, and to see that beautiful face in church again soon.
Kathy Swisher, formerly Whitesel says:
March 30, 2016 at 4:57 pmI have known Aaron for over 30 years and I am both shocked and saddened to hear of this new path he must walk.
I wish to know if Aaron has medical insurance? My reason for asking this is because I want to know if he will need help in the financial way at all. I know that Aaron lived simply, but do not know if that was by choice or by necessity.
You may ask his permission before you answer me if you feel that is necessary. Just tell him my name and he will know who I am. I have been absent since my husband and I divorced 14 years ago, but I do miss the church and especially Aaron.
How can we be updated on his condition and whereabouts?
Dianne Andrews says:
March 30, 2016 at 4:58 pmI have put Aaron on our prayer list here at St. Paul’s in Port Townsend, WA. Sending love from the Pacific Northwest.
stjohns says:
March 31, 2016 at 7:01 pmThanks, Dianne,
for the love and prayers.
June A Bauer says:
March 31, 2016 at 2:54 pmSo very sorry to learn of Aaron’s illness. I remember when I was on the Altar Guild how helpful and caring he was. Whatever God has in His plans for Aaron, I know all will be well.
Linda Bruce says:
March 31, 2016 at 8:46 pmFeel better soon, Aaron! Miss seeing you at St. John’s!
Sue Purdy says:
April 1, 2016 at 9:58 pmSad news. We just were told of this blog. Please let Aaron know we are praying for him.
Much love and blessings
Sue and Phil