Update from Steve, Friday, May 30, 9:36 p.m.

Dear Friends,

Latest updates from Marlene tonight:

1. Melissa is still having some fever issues. At 7:00 p.m., her fever rose from 99.1 to 101.3. Her doctors still don't know what's causing the fever.

2. Melissa's whole body was trembling this evening. Her expression looked like she was scared. Her eyes were rotating. Not sure what the trembling means but it's not a seizure.

3. Melissa’s heart rate increased to about 150. This could have been a direct result of the fever and trembling. Nevertheless, the heart beat is still too high.

4. Wednesday, the G-tube was put in. By all observations, it was a success. Melissa looks like she’s gained a little weight. Because of the G-tube, she will be less confined.

5. Melissa has been able to exhibit some facial expressions. She had a painful look as she reacted to blood drawing. Another instance, she expressed frowning when she was being adjusted on the bed. These are good because it implies her ability to have feeling is improving.

6. Depending on the recommendation of the neurosurgeon, Melissa may be transferred to the less critical ICU by next week. Since the NG tube was taken out, her heart beat has been more stabilized.

7. In about 2 weeks, if her neurosurgeon recommends, Melissa may be transferred to a sub-acute
facility to begin some rehab.

8. Melissa still likes family and friends to visit. As she is gaining more strength and awareness, she likes visitors. As always, please keep your visitation duration manageable.

All in all, God has allowed Melissa's condition to either stabilize or improve. We have much to be thankful for. However, we still have much more prayer needs.

Prayer Requests:

1. Melissa’s fever will return to normal.

2. Melissa’s heart rate will return to normal.

3. God will take care of the finances as medical bills are starting to come in. In addition, the future costs of rehab. and care for Melissa. Pray that God will help the family navigate through the insurance maze as well as provide financial resources to enable them to maintain a semblance of normalcy.

Thanks,
Steve

Update from Steve, Tuesday Evening, 5/27/08

Updates from Marlene tonight:

1. Yesterday it appears that Melissa’s fever broke. Right after, the fever gradually came down to 101.1°.

2. The G-tube procedure is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., Wednesday 5/28/08. The procedure will take place in the room.

3. Melissa has been attempting to lift her right arm, she looks frustrated, but she keeps on trying.

4. Medication is still being gradually decreased so her body will be less and less dependant on it. Her body system is trying to gain strength.

5. Her response to Marlene is that she still likes to see her friends. This is a good sign.

6. Physical therapy is continuing. Pray for strength.

7. Continue to pray for adequate rest for Michael and Marlene.

8. Pray that God will continue to strengthen the bond between Maurice, Melissa, Melodie, Mildred, Michael and Marlene.

Thanks,
Steve

Update from Steve, Wednesday evening, May 21, 2008

Dear Family,

Some updates from Marlene tonight:

1. Physical Therapist assisted Melissa in sitting up today. Melissa was able to hold up her head with her own strength.

2. Occupational Therapist gave Melissa Popsicle to determine her ability to swallow and to see if leakage were evident on the treach. Yesterday and today, Melissa was able to swallow and there appears no leakages.

3. Melissa is less and less dependent on certain medication. This suggests her body system is improving.

4. Because numerous physical therapy activities are occurring daily, Melissa has become very tired. The good news is that the exhaustion causes Melissa to sleep better at night.

All in all, the past few days have produced positive momentum for Melissa to stabilize.

Let's all keep praying for strengthening Melissa's body and efficient rest for Marlene and Michael.

Sorry, a couple of things I overlooked

1. As Melissa ate the popsicle, she displayed a frown expression. This suggests she can taste and feel the chill of the popsicle.

2. Early this evening, Sheue-Ling said Melissa had a fever of 38.6 C or 101.5 F.

Continue to pray the fever to stay down and allow her body to naturally combat the fever.

Thanks,
Steve

Update from Steve, Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Some updates from Marlene:

1. A physical therapist came and helped Melissa sit up.

2. A dentist also visited and removed her bite block.

3. An occupational therapist is going to exam her more tomorrow to see if she can swallow. According to mom, even if she can swallow, she is not ready for her shark fin soup yet. CHOC wants to complete all exams and prepare her for physical therapy.

4. Since the antibiotics were eliminated, Melissa's skin is starting to show some signs of a rash. This can be interpreted as her body is getting more "normalized".

5. The family was very glad to have Melissa's small group come to visit her last Saturday morning. The girls updated Melissa with some guy stuff and the girls had a great time talking and laughing. Melissa's eyes teared up when she saw her group.

6. On Saturday, University High School held a great car wash rally for Melissa. Marlene heard there was big turn out and a long line of cars. High schoolers were encouraged by the big turn out. There were 5 friends that came to visit her following the car wash. Marlene was moved by their friendship: pure and loving.

7. Yesterday, Melissa had more friends come and visit her. Marlene then realized how important it was for them to visit her and know her condition.

8. University High School representatives came by this afternoon and delivered a Uni. high bear and a card.

The Yu family knows Melissa's school, our church, and community are rallying for her. According to many of them, Melissa is the daily subject at their dinner table. Her name has been in their family prayer daily. They love to see visitors faith grow stronger by visiting Melissa. Let us keep praying for her complete healing. Let us experience His Miraculous Work together.

Thanks,
Steve

Update from David, Tuesday, May 20, 10:21 a.m.

Dear Friends,

Most young teenage girls that I have ever known spend an inordinate amount of time in front of the mirror; combing tangles, worrying about split ends, making sure that their lip gloss isn't crooked and no brow is out of place. After all, beauty is around the eyes of the beheld. Melissa was no different. There would be no public appearance for her without all that primping and preening.

Children's hospital has done a good job of making an otherwise sad and gloomy place as bright and light as possible with bright sky blue and cream colored walls. But, there is only so much a hospital can do. Mildred, Melodie and Erin have added to the walls their hand crafted multi-colored craft paper daisies, hung from the ceiling with string. Stars, butterflies and intertwined paper chains adorn the glass pane of the sterile fluorescent light above the bed. Big handwritten posters from well wishers are taped to the walls along with collages of high school and church friends and large pictures of Melissa with big brother and sisters. While it's not home, it will be her room for at least the next three and a half months.

There are still a few tubes and wires necessarily inserted into Melissa. Monitors still abound. She can breathe on her own, most of the time, and a feeding tube continues to provide nutrition. Although awake, there has been no movement in her arms and legs for the last two weeks. Her eyes mostly stare unfocused seemingly in a bored daze. Her only response has been the long blink of "yes" or no blink for "no." Michael and Marlene have full conversations with this primitive form of language.

Last week Marlene noticed something quite disturbing. Melissa was a little more active and looked up at the ceiling, past the colorful stars and butterflies. She looked directly at the pane of glass above her, and caught a glimpse of something she did not like: herself - emaciated, tubed, hair shorn nearly bald. At that instant, Marlene says, Melissa's mood changed. She stopped trying. After that her arms and legs stopped moving. Her eyes were more dazed than focused. She did not want to see anyone. Although her vital signs were fairly normal, her voluntary functions began to regress.

Last Saturday some young friends came to visit Melissa in spite of her objection. Girlish chatter and laughter filled the room. Talk of boys and gossip about school brought merriment. There was no ability to apologize for her looks, as if she needed to. Her eyes focused with recognition and participation. Her right arm moved a few inches. She was once again connected to her friends and a little part of the world she has not seen for the past 89 days.

Sunday, the next day, Melissa continued to focus her eyes on visitors. Blink in response to her conversant’s questions. Her spirit has rebounded, and she is once again fighting her way back, making progress that is measured in inches rather than miles.

Last evening, Michael was talking to her about her friends’ visit. A little tear appeared in the corner of her eye. "Look," Michael exclaimed, "Marlene, Look! she has a tear for her 'beh-bAH'."

David

Update from Steve, Monday May 19, 2008, 6:49 a.m.

Day 83 in PICU, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, California
Hi Friends,

Here are some updates from Marlene:

We have much to be thankful for.

1. Melissa still has a low grade fever. However, her body is able to reduce the elevated temperature naturally without Tylenol.

2. Her white blood cell count has reduced significantly from 40,000 to 17,000 and now to around 9,000. 9,000 is within the normal range. This suggests her body is getting stronger and is able to fight off whatever is caused the white blood cell count increase.

3. Her white blood cell count in her brain was over 2,000 and now has been lowered to 170. 170 is within the normal range. This also suggests her body system is getting stronger and was able to to fight off whatever is caused the white blood cell count increase in the brain.

4. In the past few days, many of the antibiotics were stopped. This allowed the doctors to take cultures and examine the situation more accurately. At this point, all culture results are negative. However, the doctors are still examining despite the negative results in order to not overlook any other possibilities.

5. There has been numerous visitations by family and friends. This past weekend, Melissa was able to take a more active role in greeting visitors by trying to lift her right hand as to shake or touch on a voluntary basis. At this time, her left side still does not have any movement or strength.

Prayer Requests:

1. Pray that Melissa can see the inner beauty as God created her and that God will provide her comfort during this stage.

2. Continue to pray for strength and wisdom for Marlene and Michael.

3. Pray for Maurice, Melodie and Mildred as they finish this school year.

Thanks,
Steve

Update from Michael, Sunday 5/18/2008

Dear Friends,

Melissa has improved some. She still has a fever on and off, but overall she's a lot better than last week. We aren't in a hurry. We need to give her more time to recover. Her brain injury is responding slower than before, but we know that God will take it from here. Faith is patient and we must wait for His time. Much like King David who had to wait for 13 years to sit on the throne and be a king of Israel. Abraham waited for 25 years to have his own son. Joseph waited for more than 13 years to fulfill his dream. Even Jesus waited for 30 years for his ministry to go public. God will use tjos time to reshape Melissa, and the same time to polish our lives.

Thank you to all of you who were able to participate in the car wash at University High School yesterday for Melissa. Maurice and Mildred were there at 9:00 helping out and Melodie and Erin helped out at 11:00. They all had a wonderful time.

God bless.

In Him,
Michael

Uni. H.S. Make-a-Wish Club Car Wash - 5/17/2008

Car wash for Melissa Yu brings students together for Melissa and the Yu family!

Update from Michael, Friday, May 16, 11:25 p.m.

Day 80 in PICU, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, California

Dear friends,

Wednesday, May 14, was a very busy day for Melissa. She received all kinds of tests, including a chest X-ray, MRI, echocardiogram, blood culture, and ultrasound. The echocardiogram uncovered a clog on right side close to her heart. Another echocardiogram is scheduled for next Monday, May 19.

Melissa finished the Meropenem antibiotic treatment cycle on Thursday. She is not now receiving any antibiotics. Since no one knows what will happen with this, we need to pray that she will have positive developments this coming week.

Melissa still has a fever, but her white blood cell count is down to 9,700 from a high of over 40,000. She has been visited daily by an infectious disease specialist monitoring her and trying to figure out what’s going on. We need to continue to pray that her fever will be eliminated.

She has also had a visit from a nutritionist, who will begin supplying her with a full compliment of calories to help restore her body’s weakness and give her more energy.

A physical therapist came today to start her on a light exercise program to help her regain some movement, and strengthen her muscles. They expect her to be able to sit up with assistance next Monday!

Melissa's mood has been low and she has been very frustrated. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, her mind is clear and she is conscious, but she can’t move. The other reason is that she was stunned to see her appearance in a reflection on an aluminum ceiling panel. We asked a nurse to decorate the ceiling to cover up that area. Please pray for her spirits to lift, and that she will rebuild her confidence and her strength.

We can now begin to arrange for church friends and schoolmates to come to visit her, to give her encouragement, stir up her spirit, cheer her up, and let her know she is not alone ... that a lot of people are surrounding her.

Our good friend, David Hosmer, has offered his time to come read some to her. And special thanks to Congressman Mark Siljander and his wife, Nancy, who came from Washington, D.C. to CHOC to visit Melissa and offer prayer for her.

In Him,
Michael

OC Register Article About Today's Car Wash (5/17/08)

Car wash Saturday for Uni High student in critical condition
Posted by bmartinez1 at 5/16/2008 10:29 AM PDT on OCRegister.com

University High School students will conduct a car wash Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to raise money for the family of Melissa Yu, a sophomore at Uni, who is in critical condition at CHOC in Orange. She was hospitalized in February with an infection surrounding her heart; came home in mid-March to strengthen pending heart surgery and was rushed to Mission CHOC six days later with a massive brain rupture and stroke. The car wash will be at Uni High, which is at Culver and Campus.

Update from Steve, Wednesday, 5/14 @ 11:16 p.m.

Dear Friends,

Here are some updates from Michael:

1. Last night, an ultrasound was done and they are waiting for results.
2. A chest X-ray was taken this morning at 5:30 a.m.
3. At 8:15 a.m., an MRI was conducted and they are waiting for results.
4. Melissa’s fever was at its lowest point at 5:00 a.m. this morning (36.9° C or 98.4° F). at 7:20 a.m. it was back up to 38° C or 100.4° F.
5. Feeding was stopped at 2:00 a.m. in preparation for the MRI and resumed after 10:00 a.m.
6. Melissa’s heart rate after 12:30 a.m. was between 108 and 120. That’s a great improvement considering that the day before it was above 130 and last night reached 170.
7. G-tube is scheduled for some time next week depending on the fever and her physical condition.
8. Currently, doctors are suspecting the fever is primarily caused by the brain, called central fever, which controls the body system function. This is damaged because of the brain injury. So, we need to pray for healing of the brain.

Notes:
1. Please pray for Marlene and Michael for strength and guidance as they continue to face challenges.
2. Thank God for Marlene and Michael's unwavering faith in God and His healing power.

Please keep praying for the entire Yu family.

Thanks,
Steve

Wednesday, April 14

I had just a few minutes with Michael this evening and he gave a quick update - Melissa slept thru the night last night (Praise the Lord!) and her fever has lowered (although it did increase slightly this afternoon). She had a battery of tests today - MRI, heart, stomach, chest ... checking everything. Her eyes did acknowledge Michael today and she attempted to move her tongue. Her reflexes are good, although no movement at this time.

Thank you all for your continuous prayers and generosity. They remain strong in their faith and ask the physicians to allow Melissa to patiently recover.

Don’t forget the Car Wash at Uni High this Saturday. Irvine World News has been contacted and I'm hoping for even greater coverage and community support for the Yu Family.

Robin

Melissa Inspires Katharyn in Her Run for Junior Class President

Katharyn Stong's speech given in her run for her high school's Junior Class Vice President

A couple of months ago, one of my best friends, Melissa, was admitted into the hospital for a heart condition. It turned into things much worse, leading to pain, sorrow, grief and emptiness for friends, family, and classmates. This situation has really been a “Shock to the Heart”. At first I felt lost, empty and distant from God. But as time has gone on and I have seen the strength that her family has portrayed and I fell now that God has given me strength to live my life with more compassion and strength than before. And that is why I stand before you today. And although I have always been interested in leadership, I feel stronger than last year; I feel I can lead a school to a great JSB.(prom) I feel happier, more connected to this school because I have seen the unification of my friends as they support me with Mel’s situation. I want to continue to bring that unification to this school, to the next junior class. I promise that I will do my best, that I’ll give you a great JSB with the help of my classmates, I feel this is where I belong. So please, vote for me, a passionate girl who wants to contribute to this school, to the students, to you. I am ready to serve the class of 2010. I have grown a lot since Mel was first admitted into the hospital: in faith, friendship, and community. I know I can serve you well.

Update from Steve, 5/11/08, 8:32 p.m.

Hi Friends,

Marlene would like to take this opportunity to wish all of the mothers a very Happy Mother's Day. She apologizes for not being able to call each one of you and asks for your understanding.

1. Melissa still has a very high fever.

2. Her heart beat is still very high in the 150 range.

3. Melissa hasn't slept for the past 24 hours which means Marlene hasn't really rested either.

4. Melissa now exhibits very little movement and her eyes remain open. Melissa's body appears to be very weak. Obviously, the muscles in her body have atrophied from her being bedridden and without movement for so long. Pray that nutrition in her body will be sufficient.

5. G-tube is anticipated to be inserted this week provided her fever is lower.

Prayer Requests:

1. Marlene is working every day from 9-1 and rushes to the hospital after each work day. Exhaustion is evident. Continue to pray for strength and stamina.

2. Michael would have adequate time to prepare for the ministry.

3. The Yu family will continue to uplift and provide stability to and for each other.

Thank you for your fervent prayers for Melissa and the entire Yu family. May God continue to bless and protect them all during this painful period.

Thanks,
Steve

Mariners Church Advertises Car Wash at Uni.

Notice of the upcoming car wash published on Mariners Church's Hub, the home page for all Mariners Church staff.

Updates from Michael and Steve, Saturday 5/10, 11:48 p.m.

Melissa Update as 2008-05-10 Sat. 11:48 p.m.
Day 74 in PICU, Childrens Hospital of Orange County, California

Dear Friends,

We need to stand together and pray for Melissa’s fever to lower. After more than 4 days all the medication the doctors have tried cannot pull the fever down. The doctors have no answer for us, so we must believe that the only one answer lies in God’s heart. He is filled with compassion, and in His will is able to touch Melissa's so weak physical condition. I remember in the New Testament, Luke 4:38-39, Jesus went to the home of Simon. Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. So He bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her.

Right now, we rebuke Melissa’s fever Melissa in the name of Jesus of Nazarene, Amen. We pray that the fever will no longer have power over Melissa in the name of Jesus who is Christ, Amen. We ask she be anointed with an overflowing of comfort in the name of Jesus who is filled with compassion, Amen. We receive His promises by the faith, proclaim His power to control all the conditions, and ask that Melissa will sleep deeply tonight, Amen.

In Him,
Michael

From: Steven Chang
Date: Sat, May 10, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Subject: 5-10-08 Updates

Dear Friends,

According to Marlene tonight, there isn't a whole lot of new news. Melissa is in a very critical stage with many issues and very few answers.

1. Fever is still very high. Tylenol is administered no longer on an as-needed basis but instead, on an around the clock basis. This is the only thing that seems to decrease the fever.

2. White blood cell count in the brain is very high. Doctors don't know why yet but obviously something is wrong when white blood cell count is high. Waiting for test results.

3. Melissa is already under a very strong, adult dosage of antibiotic. However, the results have not been very encouraging.

4. When elders of the church prayed for Melissa today, she shed tears.

5. When Marlene asked her if she wanted to go to medical school, she longer wants to. At Kaiser, she indicated an interest in medicine. There is at least a response to Marlene's inquiry.

6. Melissa is very weak and so very tired. Pray that she gets some rest. It's natural when we're sick, it's difficult to be comfortable enough to rest.

Bottom Line:

The doctors are still baffled by the lack of response from all the medication. They don't seem to know exactly why the fever is so high and heart beat is so fast. We know and believe that God is the great physician. We need God to intervene in a very desperate way. We must continue to pray for strength and hope for Marlene and Michael as well as God's protection and sovereignty over Melissa.

Thanks,
Steve

Everyone Come to the Car Wash Next Saturday, May 17

Please, please, please come to the car wash. This family needs our support. Please try to make an effort to get there next Saturday. It would mean so much if alot of people came. Melissa is an amazing girl who has had a difficult situation in the last cople of months. Thank you UNI for putting this on and letting the classmates of Mel to do this for her. It really means alot to be there for Mel right now. Thank you!!!! Thank you.

I love you Melissa, you are doing so well...keep fighting girl!!!! You're almost there...keep going.

Love ya,

Katharyn

Update from Michael, Saturday May 10, 12:08 a.m.

PLEASE PRAY FOR MELISSA

Dear Friends and Family,

Melissa had another surgery on Thursday (5/8) to place a shunt inside her body to allow brain fluid to drain to her stomach. Friday morning the doctor adjusted the shunt valve to compensate for more brain swelling.

Melissa’s high fever is the biggest concern for her doctor. The fever began Wednesday and by Friday reached the highest it’s been … 105.4°F (40.8°C). At 11:00 p.m. Friday her fever was still over 103.1°F (39.5°C). Additionally, her heart rate remains very high … between 150 to 173. We really need to pray for her fever to lower and heart beat drop to below 110.

God has sent us to prayer school to shape our faith and spirit through Melissa’s situation, let us stand in the gap and continue to pray until this battle is won.

In the Old Testament, God answers Joshua’s prayer on the day the Lord gave the Amorites over to Israel, by making the sun stand still over Gibeon, and the moon stop over the Valley of Aijalon. (Joshua 10:12-13). We believe in and serve the same God, He who is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8), and we proclaim by faith through our prayers to command Melissa’s fever and heart beat to lower. Please say “Amen” in agreement with me in this.

We implore God to supply us with His grace and strength hour-by-hour to enable us to face all difficulty and challenge that lies before us. Thank you for all of you who stand with us together as one Body of Christ. I feel that God loves to see this ... may He be glorified.

I believe God will give Marlene the most wonderful Mother's day blessing ... to see Melissa on the way to recovery. I wish all the sisters in Christ have a most blessed Mother's day ever.

"The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

In Love and In Him,
Michael

Message from Irvine Swim League Re: Car Wash

From: Thiessen, Pauline
Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 8:35 AM
Subject: Message to all Irvine Swim League Teams

All Team Presidents:

Please forward and distribute this e-mail to your team's family roster.

The attached flyer is an announcement of a car wash/bake sale fundraiser, sponsored by the UHS chapter of the Make-a-Wish Foundation, to be held on Saturday May 17th, 8:00 a.m.+ at University High School for Melissa Yu, a critically ill Irvine teenager.

Melissa Yu is a former ISL swimmer for the South Irvine Dolphins team and her older brother has also been an ISL swimmer and coach during the past few years.

Since January, the Yu Family of Irvine have been living through every parent's worst nightmare - a child suffering a sudden catastrophic and life-threatening illness. Please take time out of your family activities on 5/17 to come by and support these teens who are trying to do what they can to help out the family during a difficult time.

Pauline Thiessen
Executive Director
Irvine Swim League

Update from Steve, 10:30 a.m. Friday 5/9/2008

Dear Family and Friends,

Sheue-Ling (Marlene's sister) spent the night with Melissa last night. Here are her observations:

1. Melissa did not sleep at all again last night. Rest is a key component for Melissa.

2. Fever is high … between 102.9° and 104.4° F.

3. Heartbeat is also high … between 145-151.

4. Blood pressure is slightly high at 145/83.

5. She is on Fentanyl again. This is the medication that is 10X stronger than morphine.

6. Melissa’s legs are shaking, but according to the nurses this is the normal effect of one of her medications.

7. The nurses will increase her dosage of Methadone which will hopefully cause less shaking. But we’re not sure what symptoms or side effects would be.

8. At this time, Melissa expresses no responses in her arms.

9. Sheue-Ling was not able to communicate with her at all even though Melissa was awake.

10. The nurses are having some difficulties finding a place to draw blood from Melissa.


Please keep praying for her.

Thanks,
Steve

Car Wash for Melissa

Students from University High School will be holding a car wash for Melissa!

Saturday, May 17th 8am- 4pm
University High School

Please stop by and have your car washed! All proceeds will go to to the YU Family.

Call 949-735-8477 with questions!

Update from Michael and Steve - 5/7/08 9:46 p.m.

Melissa Update Wednesday 05-07-08 8:55 p.m.
48th consecutive day in PICU at CHOC, Orange, California
71 cumulative days in ICU

Dear Friends,

Melissa finally slept this afternoon at 4 p.m. with medication. She had not slept for 24 hours, and she needs this rest.

This morning at 4:00 a.m. her fever returned. By 5:00 a.m., the fever had reached 40.3° C (104.5°F) and her heart rate was between 150 and 173. The doctors tried many medications but could not get the fever down, even with ice packs on her body. The neurosurgeon came at 7:00 a.m. and ordered a CT Scan. CT Scan showed an accumulation of fluid in her brain. The doctors will once again perform brain surgery tomorrow (Thursday, 5/8) beginning at about 6:30 a.m. The neurosurgeon will place a permanent shunt inside her body which will allow brain fluid to drain from her brain to her stomach directly. Please pray that the surgery will go smoothly and for an improvement of her fever and weak condition.

Blood lab results now show she has bacteria infection in her trachea area. She is being treated with an antibiotic called Meropenem.

Gastro-tube surgery has been postponed due to her current condition.

Her face seems less swollen than it has been.

I am so heartfelt that over million believers continue to pray for Melissa faithfully. This counts every one of you. Through Melissa, God draws us together as a body of Christ: we are one body, one God, one Lord, one Spirit, one faith. Believe the power of God will renew, restore, rebuilt, redo everything possible in Him for Melissa, and through her we may join together to experience what a powerful God we have.

God bless Melissa and all of us.

Michael

Additional note from Steve:

1. Since Marlene has gone back to work, please pray for her focus. Also, pray that God will protect her physically. Praise God that her co-workers have been very understanding and supportive.

2. Michael has taken on much more active role since Marlene has returned to work. Pray that God will continue to grant him strength.

3. Continue to pray for Maurice, Melodie and Mildred as they are growing up so quickly during this time.


God bless Melissa and all of us.

Thanks,
Steve.

Update from Robin - 5-7-2008

Dear Friends & Family,

We had a short visit last night with Melissa, Michael and Marlene - it was wonderful to see Melissa alert and responding through her eyes as we shared stories of love and care on her behalf. Marlene and my daughter, Marissa, both saw Melissa try to mouth "thank you" as we told of the many acts of kindness and generosity.

Following our visit, I asked Marlene and Michael for their needs and as they always say, "we only ask for prayer for Melissa". They remain selfless, lovely, secure in their faith and confident that Melissa will heal in God's timing. When I prodded further, they shared three prayer requests:

• Wisdom in making decisions concerning Melissa's care (they have several critical decisions to make and this is all very new to them);
• Natural absorption of all fluids and reduction of swelling of Melissa's brain;
• Healing of the soft tissue on Melissa's brain
I would also ask for prayer for Marlene as she has returned to work part-time (9-1 daily) and it's been difficult for her not to be by Melissa's side and participate in all the conversations with doctors & nurses. Although she does feel assured knowing that Michael is there when she can't be.

Please continue to lift the Yu Family up in your prayers. Michael and Marlene also thank you for your generosity and acts of love - many from people they don't even know. Marlene is worried about thank-yous and keeping track of everything that everyone has done - I assured you would be fine and understand that she needs to concentrate only on her family.

Many of you have asked how you can help. Here are some ideas:
• Meals are being provided 3 days a week through May and the June calendar will be released shortly. If you would like to participate, just let me know (reeny13@msn.com) or use the website sent earlier by Elder Joe.
• Marlene did receive paid family leave for 5 weeks (she wants to save a week in case Melissa needs heart surgery later this year), but they still have many financial needs. You can send a check payable to Marlene Yu or to Asia Fellowship Foundation and send to my home address, 21 Springflower, Irvine, CA 92614. If you write check to the AFF, please be sure to note "Michael Yu Living Expense" on the check’s memo line.
• One of the small groups at Mariners would like to sell t-shirts to raise money for the Yu Family. On front "We love YU", on back "Melissa's Fight". Of course, being teenagers they didn't realize that you need to have money, to make money and that there would be expenses upfront. If you have a source for inexpensive t-shirts or would like to help "sponsor" this endeavor, please let me know. Melissa's small group at Mariners had a bake sale last Sunday and raised over $500, and an anonymous donor matched every dollar raised!!! The kids have many wonderful ideas.
• Continue to pray faithfully. This is our biggest resource!
Thank you again for the outpouring of love and support!

Robin Robinson
reeny13@msn.com

Updates from Michael and Steve - 5-5-2008

Melissa Updates as 2008-05-05 Mon
Day 46 in PICU of CHOC, Orange, California

Dear Friends,

We celebrated Mother's day one week early yesterday, thanks to Sheue-Ling, my sister-in-law, who came to stay with Melissa to enable us to have wonderful dinner with my Mom and family.

Since yesterday afternoon, Melissa has made great improvement. Her fever is gone, H/L blood pressure is normal, brain pressure ICP index is normal, heart beat is back to 110 and below. Around 4:00 p.m. she awakened and was very conscious. She responded clearly to my questions by moving her eyes and squeezing my hand.

I said to her, "Melissa, you mention earlier you plan to go to Hong Kong to learn Cantonese dialogue during the summer. When you get up, do you still want Dad to take you to Hong Kong?" Melissa squeezed my hand in response. "Melissa, you had asked me to buy a convertible BMW for you when you get your driver’s license. I told you no way … you’d better work and save money buy one for yourself. Now I’ve changed my mind. I will buy one for you when you get your driver’s license!" Again, she squeezed my hand. "Melissa, when Dad grows old in the future, you will take care of me, okay?" Melissa looked at me with great concentration without responding. I asked this question three times, but she still didn’t answer. Sheue-Ling (my sister-in-law) stood by my side and said, “Melissa, when your Dad grows old, you’ll take care of each other, okay?" Melissa squeezed my hand again! Oh, I thought, now I’ll have to prepare to keep in good shape and excellent health.

After dinner, Marlene, Melissa’s older brother, Maurice, and I went back to the hospital. Maurice reached down and took her hand. Melissa held his hand very tightly because they are very, very close to each other. Both of them were crying. Maurice told her he will come every Tuesday and Thursday after school to stay with her. Melissa squeezed his hand and blinked her eye in agreement.

I give all the thanks and praise to glorify our Lord Jesus, also thanks for all of you involve the prayer.

Michael

Dear Friends,

Happy Cinco de Mayo!! Today's updates from Marlene seem to be more positive beat.

1. Melissa's weaning from Fentanyl is progressing smoothly. Symptoms are minimal. Melissa is awake but still tired.

2. Doctors are concerned with the shunt. Since it has been exposed for quite some time, the possibility of infection is present. The options are either remove it or place it inward. If removed, it suggest her body is capable to absorb and drain naturally. This would be great progress.

4. G-Tube may have to be done as soon as next Wednesday. The NG was switched from left nostril to right because there are signs of infection forming.

5. A dentist came and provided a new mouth guard/retainer to prevent Melissa from biting her tongue. Her teeth positioning has been altered because of the severe biting.

6. A new pick line on her right arm will be placed tomorrow.

7. The strength in her arms is still weak. Continue to pray for healing as the weakness was primarily caused by seizures.

8. Overall, her condition seems to be improving and her body signs are returning to near normal. What she needs now is plenty of rest.

9. Melissa misses her friends dearly. Marlene will be arranging some visits from her friends.

10. Blood pressure appears to be normal.

11. Temperature is still low grade fever at around 100° F or 37° C. During the day, the fever naturally decreased slightly without any Tylenol. This is good news.

12. Blood drain is yellowish … not redish. Let's pray for clear fluid.

Other Notes:

1. Although family visits are great, Melissa wants visits from friends, her peers. So please respect Melissa's request as her energy is limited and adequate rest is imperative. We need to allow her to gain enough strength to see her friends.

2. Continue to pray and see what time frame we can help out during the week so Marlene and Michael can take care of their daily errands and tasks.

3. Pray that her brother, Maurice, and sisters, Melodie and Mildred, will remain strong.

Thanks,
Steve

Update from Michael - 5/4/2008

Melissa Update as 2008-05-04 Sun
Day 45 in PICU of CHOC, Orange, California

Dear Friends,

1. Melissa started withdrawing from Fentanyl today (05/04 Sun). This drug is 10 times stronger than morphine. Therefore, pray that her body can adjust smoothly from withdrawal of such strong drug. Some of the symptoms could be fever, sweat, shakes, diarrhea.

2. She still has a fever of around 38.6° C/101° F. Doctors still don't know the cause and how to decrease this fever except by Tylenol at this point.

3. When Melissa was awake during today, she was very weak. Hardly any strength in her arms.

4. Melissa has lost quite a bit of weight. The concern of the doctors is so much weight in such a short period of time. She just started back on the tube feeding.

5. Heart rate and brain pressure appear to well within the comfort level.

6. Pray for healing on her tongue as she bit very hard and the cuts are rather deep.

7. The blood drain in her brain did show improvement today as it appeared yellowish which suggests the bleeding in the brain has decreased. Let's continue to pray that the bleeding will stop completely.

Michael

Bake Sale for Melissa --TOMORROW!

I wanted everyone to know that Melissa's small group is doing a bake sale for the YU family tomorrow 5/4 before and after the high school service at Mariner's church. We will be set up in the community center from 9:45-noon, so please stop by and help us to raise money for the YU family. We will also have a donation box.

Thank you so much, Jana (Melissa's small group leader)

Update Saturday May 3 - 1:00 p.m.

Dear Friends,

Many people have called and e-mailed me to check Melissa's status. They have told me that checking on Melissa's progress has become their daily must-do. I am so touched by all of your support.

On Thursday, May 1, Melissa began biting her tongue and bleeding badly after withdrawal from induced coma medication. On Friday, May 2, she did it twice again, deeply. A dentist was called in to make a bite mold so he could fashion a retainer that will prevent further tongue biting.
Melissa has had a high fever for three days now, between 38°C (100.4°F) to 40.6°C (105°F).

Today we ask for special prayers that the retainer will solve the tongue biting issue and that her fever will return to normal.

Thank you for your faithful continuing prayer for Melissa's recovery.

May God reward you with us together on Melissa's recovery journey.

Michael & Marlene

Melissa Update as of Thursday Evening (5/1/2008)

Hi Friends,

Some updates from Marlene tonight.

1. Melissa is waking up but still appears to be very tired.

2. Since she has been awake, she has been biting her tongue, which has resulted in significant bleeding. They will be putting in a mouth guard to protect her tongue from biting.

3. Fever is still slightly elevated at 38° C (100.4° F). She's been receiving Tylenol but this cannot be a long term solution due to the potential for liver damage.

4. Melissa was able to respond to Michael this morning and Marlene this evening. Both of her arms appear to show movement.

5. Both of her arms are pulled to her chest at times and no one knows what this means. Melissa exhibited this position prior to her seizures last week. Let's pray that this does not indicate further complications.

6. Brain drain still reddish. Keep praying for yellow fluid which will indicate normalcy.

7. Marlene is back to work on a 20 hour/week basis. Pray for her endurance as well as Michael's.

Thanks,
Steve

Update from Michael - 5/1/2008, 9:08 a.m.

Day 42 in CHOC PICU, Orange, California

Dear Friends,

Yesterday afternoon around 2:45 p.m., a group of 7 specialists (neurologist, cardiologist, hematologist, Director of PICU, social worker, case manager, and nurse) sat down with Michael and Marlene to go over some Q & A. According to Marlene, the answers and time line were satisfactory.

Melissa is trying to wake up today. Her eye lids are extremely heavy but she is trying to wake up. The medication is a very heavy dosage and therefore, is taking a longer period of time to wake up.

1. Seizures are affecting the right side of the brain which includes speech, learning and physical capacity. The extent of the potential impairment is uncertain until Melissa is able to respond. Seizures can be controlled by medication.

2. The cardiologist was rather surprised that Melissa's heart is relatively stable given the tremendous pressure of the past several weeks. The heart valve damaged by the endocarditis still needs to be replaced in due time. Currently, the timetable is at least 3 months to allow the heart to stabilize. This is the most optimistic time frame for the heart valve replacement. Further questions concern the ability of the heart and the brain to coordinate functions. In other words, can the brain tell the heart what to do?

3. The Director of PICU wants Melissa to be off the ventilation machine. The tracheotomy will be kept open for near future access. A humidifier will be added in order to moisten the air intake.

4. Currently, NG (nasal gastro...) is implemented for her feeding tube. In due time, she will need a simple operation called gastronomy which includes placing the feeding tube near the stomach. There is no time urgency or pressure for this. Given the lack of coagulation, this procedure will be put off until it is absolutely necessary.

5. The hematologist states the platelet count is abnormal, causing the inability of her blood to clot. Therefore, any unnecessary procedures will be placed on hold.

6. Around 10:00 p.m. last night, Melissa had been totally taken off Pentobarbital. Because of the heavy dosage, some adjustment symptoms are visible, such as fever 38.5 C (101.3 F), increase in brain pressure (went from 4 to 11), some diarrhea, and slight shivering. Pain relief medicine is being used to counter.

Please pray for smooth transition from total withdrawal of Pentobarbital.

In Him,
Michael