Get Well Melissa

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2010

2010-11-26T09:27:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

We're truly grateful for your unwavering support, heartwarming friendship and especially for your prayers and care for Melissa.

May this year be full of blessings and prosperity for you and your loved ones.

God Bless You!

Sincerely,
The Yu Family

Melissa Discharged from Hoag Hospital Today!

2010-08-30T15:17:00.001-07:00

Monday, August 30, 2010

Dear Friends and Prayer Warriors,

Thank you for your faithful prayers for Melissa, it is very important for Melissa and us. Without your standing with us to pray, it would have been almost impossible for us to have made it to today.

On Tuesday, August 24, Melissa went through a 5 hour very tough and complex heart valve repair surgery. The fact that the surgeons were able to make the necessary repairs gives us great joy and we are truly grateful. On Wednesday, Melissa had to have two bags of blood transfused and began to develop fluid in her chest. On Thursday she had 250- cc of fluid drained, but tolerated it very well.

Her condition is stable now and her cardiologist said everything checks out normal. So, she was discharged this afternoon and is happily at home.

Please continue to pray for her:

1. That her scar will heal well;

2. That she will have good post-op follow ups and her rehab will go well (which will include P.T. / O.T. / S.T.);

3. That she will rest well this evening;

4. That her appetite will continue to improve; and

5. That her joyful spirit will stay with her.

Give all praise, thanks, and glory to our Savior and Lord, Christ Jesus.

In His Love,
Michael and Marlene

Update 8/30/2010 by Paul Bogenrief ("Mr. B")

2010-08-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

I visited Melissa this morning. She was sitting in the chair beside her hospital bed enjoying breakfast (scrambled eggs) and told me she could even order filet mignon if she wanted. She has a beautiful ocean view from her room. She was in great spirits and is looking forward to being discharged ... hopefully today or tomorrow. When she gets home we'll work on submitting an application for a service dog for her. She's really excited about that! In the photo above, Katharyn Stong visits Melissa at Hoag Hospital shortly after her surgery.

Paul "Mr. B" Bogenrief

Update 8/29/2010 by Paul Bogenrief ("Mr. B")

2010-08-29T17:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Melissa is now out of the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit and is in a regular room. She still had a bit of fluid in her lungs today so she underwent some X-rays. She is in tremendous spirits ... talking, laughing and joking with her mom and me. Her appetite is returning and she ate a good lunch today. Marlene said that they are expecting Melissa to be discharged within the next day or two ... though you know how it is in hospitals ... they never tell you anything! Melissa is definitely ready to get on with her life by going to college and (hopefully) getting a service dog from Canine Companions for Independence to help her with her daily routines. I promised to help her with getting a service dog to help her. I think it would make a tremendous difference in the quality of her life.

Blessings, all,

Paul "Mr. B" Bogenrief

Update 8/27/2010 by Paul Bogenrief ("Mr. B")

2010-08-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I visited Melissa this morning and presented her with her Teddy Bear. She was all smiles, talkative and in a great mood. Slowly but surely the tubes she's had to live with since the surgery are being removed. Though she's still in Cardiovascular ICU, it's expected that she will be moved to a regular room as soon as one becomes available. As of today the family is expecting her to remain at Hoag at least through the weekend.

Paul "Mr. B" Bogenrief

Update 8/26/2010 By Paul Bogenrief ("Mr. B")

2010-08-27T08:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I visited Melissa last night. She was still in Hoag's Cardiovascular Intensive Care unit. She looked great ... lots of color in her face ... though she had a rough afternoon having to have 250 cc of fluid drained from her chest. I'm looking forward to visiting her today to deliver a Teddy Bear I made at the Build a Bear Workshop in Fashion Island. It has a heart on its chest which I thought was symbolic of Melissa's now fully functioning heart.

Paul "Mr. B" Bogenrief

Surgery a Success!

2010-08-24T13:27:00.001-07:00

8/24/2010: 1:20 p.m. PDT

Dear Friends and Prayer Warriors,

We checked Melissa in at Hoag Hospital at 5:00 a.m. this morning. At 6:45 she was transferred to the anesthesia area to meet with her anesthesiologist. At this point we went to the waiting room. At 12:45 p.m. Dr. Raney came out and announced, happily, that the heart valve repair surgery had been successful! At this time Melissa is still in recovery. Later she will be transferred to the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) so they can keep a close watch on her vital signs. She will stay in the CVICU for two nights. Praise to our Almighty God for His Great Work in all of this! And thank you all for your fervent prayers ... PRAYER WORKS!

Praising Him,

Michael and Marlene Yu

Heart Surgery Scheduled for August 24

2010-08-19T07:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Prayer Warriors,

Melissa is scheduled to undergo her heart valve repair surgery next Tuesday, August 24. We will be arriving at HOAG Hospital in Newport Beach at 5:00 a.m. in the morning. Surgery is scheduled to begin around 7:00 a.m. and is expected to last four or five hours. After surgery she will be sent to Hoag’s Intensive Care Unit for monitoring. If everything goes as planned and her vital signs are normal, she will be discharged by the weekend.

It has taken us 6 months to reach this point. First, Melissa was referred to Dr. Aiden Raney, a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon. On July 1 Melissa underwent a trans-esophageal echo test which showed that her heart valve is repairable. The prognosis is very favorable with a chance of 80 – 90% that the surgery will be successful. If it is not, doctors will need to replace the damaged mitral valve. Melissa has been really busy preparing for the surgery with lots of tests needing to be run beforehand to make sure she is healthy and strong enough for the surgery.

We ask you to stand with us together and pray for Melissa’s upcoming heart surgery. This is a complex surgical procedure involving putting her into a deep sleep, shutting down her circulation and removing her heart to repair the valve. We believe that for all saints, prayer is very powerful when done in unity. Prayer works. Through all of us uniting in prayer, we can be assured that it will help Melissa’s surgery go smoothly.

Specifically, we ask you to pray for the following:

1. for the surgery team ... all of the doctors and nurses... that they will work in unity and harmony during the surgery;
2. for Melissa to maintain a strong and joyful spirit;
3. for the chief cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Aidan Raney;
4. for the supporting cardiologist, Dr. Pravin Shah, who is teaming with Dr. Raney;
5. for Melissa’s post surgery recovery ... that she will be able to rest, tolerate the pain, and that her scar heals well;
6. for Michael, Marlene and the family, that we will have enough wisdom and energy to handle all things.

Thank you for your prayers, love and time. May God bless you all.

Emmanuel,
Michael & Marlene Yu

Melissa Graduates from High School Today

2010-06-22T07:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Prayer Warriors,

Melissa has been busy between school and therapy. Her days begin with four hours of school followed in the afternoon by acupuncture treatments, physical therapy, occupational therapy and hand rehab. Her slow but steady step-by-step positive recovery is very encouraging to us. She is very close to being able to take care of her daily routine. Recently, she was able to shower twice all by herself, and she can now move her right hand and leg herself ... this is tremendous progress – a miracle, really. Doctors had told us that she would be paralyzed for life, but through prayer and faith, she has proven the doctors to be wrong.

Today, however, is especially important. Today, Melissa will graduate from University High School in Irvine. She will walk onto the stage and receive her high school diploma. Despite her ordeal, she is graduating on time with her class! Praise God!

We thank all of you for your love and prayers. We’d like to give a special thank-you to Doug Coe from the National Prayer Breakfast and International Foundation, whose letter gave Melissa much encouragement.

Your continued prayers for Melissa are greatly appreciated. Please pray particularly for her heart valve repair surgery which we expect to do this summer.

Emmanuel,
Michael Yu

Message from Michael Yu - May 14, 2010

2010-05-14T17:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Prayer Warriors:

Thank you for your love and prayers for Melissa. She is now expected to have heart surgery to repair her damaged heart valve this summer, so we ask that you continue to pray for her.

Taiwan's GOOD TV produced a special program "Miracle Girl – The Melissa Yu Story" which aired on May 13. You may view the program (it's in Chinese) by using the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjFFukWZeE0

May all the glory be to the Lord our Savior Jesus Christ. May the Spirit touch your heart and bless your life. Let us trust in the Lord our Savior. Never give up. Always believe that God can and does work miracles. Keep a joyful heart all the times under any circumstance and receive comfort from our Counselor through His Word.

God bless you and have a wonderful journey in life.

Michael Yu

Happy 18th Birthday Melissa!

2010-04-27T21:59:00.000-07:00

Melissa's family hosted a beautiful birthday party in the park for Melissa last Saturday! Here are a few pictures of the big event. Her actual birthday is April 28th, so make sure you wish her a great day!!

Update from Michael and Marlene February 3, 2010

2010-02-03T08:15:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your faithful prayers for Melissa. Thanks to your prayers and support, her 18th surgery went very well last Wednesday.

We checked into CHOC last Wednesday morning at about 7:30 a.m. and went through all of the required pre-operation examinations. At about 10:30 she was anesthetized and the surgery began at 10:45. The surgery lasted about two and a half hours and was completed by 1:15 p.m. She remained in recovery until about 3:00 p.m. and then was transferred to her room. When she awoke, she was in some pain but, praise the Lord, the pain did subside. Melissa was discharged Thursday afternoon. At her doctor visit on Friday everything was fine. We will visit the doctor again this Thursday (2/4).

During the surgery, the doctor inserted a tiny telescope through her mouth into her throat. Then, he cut her neck skin about 10 cm to cover the hole and stitched the opening to close it.

Once again, thank you for your prayers. Please continue to pray for Melissa as she still faces two more surgeries: the first to close the G-tube hole in her stomach, and the second to replace her damaged heart valve.

Emmanuel,

Michael & Marlene

Melissa Update - Friday, January 29, 2010

2010-01-29T09:57:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

Melissa was admitted to CHOC (Children’s Hospital of Orange County) on Wednesday morning for her 18th surgery to close her tracheocutaneous fistula, the opening created during her tracheotomy, which has not closed on its own.

Schedule:

1. 2010-01-27 (Wed. 7:30 am [23:30 pm Hong Kong; Beijing; Taiwan]). Check in and pre-op test and exam.

2. 2010-01-27 (Wed. 10:15am [2010-01-28 Thu. 2:1 5am Hong Kong; Beijing; Taiwan]). Surgery begins.

3. 2010-01-29 Fri. Noon. Check out; return home.

Prayer Requests:

1. Pray that the operation is successful and without further complications;

2. Pray that God will provide Melissa peace, comfort and strength, and will relieve her fear;

3. Pray that Melissa’s recovery will be smooth and normal;

4. Pray that the Holy Spirit anoints her with joy.

Emmanuel,
Michael Yu

P.S. CHOC prohibits visitors due to H1N1

Update Sunday, November 8, 2009

2009-11-13T13:22:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Fall is here, the weather is getting cooler, daylight savings time has just ended, the days are getting shorter and Thanksgiving is approaching. Many of you have been e-mailing me since my last update on March 1 asking how Melissa is doing. I am more than happy to share with you all the joy we have in her progress.

HEALTH

Melissa continues to receive physical therapy (“PT”) and occupational therapy (“OT”) three times each week and acupuncture treatments twice each week. Her physical condition is stable. Two weeks ago she began walking with a cane unassisted and can walk upstairs about 5 steps. We are so thankful and joyful for these amazing improvements. Her appetite is good and she can eat almost anything now.

Melissa visits her cardiologist once a quarter. Her heart has enlarged a bit, but the good news is her cardiologist believes it’s probably due to her walking rather than relying so much on a wheelchair.

On Friday, July 31, her Mickey Button G-tube was removed. Praise the Lord, no more tubes are attached to her body. In past 8 months she’s visited her pulmonary and otolaryngology specialists several times for follow up examinations of the open hole in her trachea (this hole is referred to in medical terms as a “cutaneous trachea fistula post tracheostomy”). Though the trachea tube was removed on December 15, the hole still has not yet closed. On Monday, October 19, at her last visit to her otolaryngology specialist, it was decided she would need to be re-admitted to CHOC for surgery to close the hole. This will be done as soon as we can schedule it.

Power Chair

After waiting more than 3 months, Melissa finally received her power chair on Wednesday, October 21. She is so excited! This improves her mobility so much that she’s able to ride her power chair from home to the therapy unit located at University High School! Last Saturday, November 7, she even rode her power chair to school to attend some activities.

School

During the spring semester, Melissa was able to increase her time at school from 3 to 4 periods. She loves math and photography and is eager to learn. She is an aggressive learner and is determined to improve in all areas. By June she was finally able to write all 26 letters of the alphabet with no mistakes. She spends a lot time doing homework and studying, and is very serious about studying every subject. Her new photography class presented a challenge with a really heavy assignment. Melissa needed to take a lot of photos, so we spent a lot of time taking her to the park, mall, shopping centers and other places. It was so much fun for all of us.

Melissa’s Story TO AIR on Radio and TV!

GOOD TV is a 24-hour television station in Taiwan. In early September the station sent a team from Taiwan to Irvine to film Melissa’s story. The program is scheduled to air in April, 2010 in a “Real Story Blog” broadcast. On Friday, November 6, Los Angeles local radio stations AM 1300 and AM 1600 interviewed me to share Melissa’s story. This program will air on Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 26 at 10:00 pm. Both of these programs will be broadcast in Chinese. Our prayer is that Melissa’s true story will touch many souls, and give encouragement and hope to families and patients. May God be glorified!

Prayer Requests
1. That Melissa’s heart can tolerate her increase walking, and her damaged heart valve can be repaired.

2. That Melissa will be able to walk without assistance more and be able to walk upstairs to her own room by the end of the year.

3. That the surgery to close the hole in her trachea can be done by December.

4. That her spirit, knowledge and physical capabilities will continue to improve daily.

5. That her transition from high school to college will be smooth.

YOUR Prayers ARE Working

With the help of your faithful prayers for Melissa, we are experiencing how God works to answer prayers for Melissa. Let His power continue to overflow in her life to shine for Jesus. We all dare to ask this without ceasing.

In this Thanksgiving season, I would like say thank you sincerely and humbly with all my heart. Without your prayers, love, and support, we don’t know how we could have made it this far through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. May God bless and empower you and continue to enrich your life.

In Him,

Michael

Update from Michael: Sunday, November 8, 2009

2009-11-11T12:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Fall is here, the weather is getting cooler, daylight savings time has just ended, the days are getting shorter and Thanksgiving is approaching. Many of you have been e-mailing me since my last update on March 1 asking how Melissa is doing. I am more than happy to share with you all the joy we have in her progress.

HEALTH

Melissa continues to receive physical therapy (“PT”) and occupational therapy (“OT”) three times each week and acupuncture treatments twice each week. Her physical condition is stable. Two weeks ago she began walking with a cane unassisted and can walk upstairs about 5 steps. We are so thankful and joyful for these amazing improvements. Her appetite is good and she can eat almost anything now.

Melissa visits her cardiologist once a quarter. Her heart has enlarged a bit, but the good news is her cardiologist believes it’s probably due to her walking rather than relying so much on a wheelchair.

On Friday, July 31, her Mickey Button G-tube was removed. Praise the Lord, no more tubes are attached to her body. In past 8 months she’s visited her pulmonary and otolaryngology specialists several times for follow up examinations of the open hole in her trachea (this hole is referred to in medical terms as a “cutaneous trachea fistula post tracheostomy”). Though the trachea tube was removed on December 15, the hole still has not yet closed. On Monday, October 19, at her last visit to her otolaryngology specialist, it was decided she would need to be re-admitted to CHOC for surgery to close the hole. This will be done as soon as we can schedule it.

POWER CHAIR

After waiting more than 3 months, Melissa finally received her power chair on Wednesday, October 21. She is so excited! This improves her mobility so much that she’s able to ride her power chair from home to the therapy unit located at University High School! Last Saturday, November 7, she even rode her power chair to school to attend some activities.

SCHOOL

During the spring semester, Melissa was able to increase her time at school from 3 to 4 periods. She loves math and photography and is eager to learn. She is an aggressive learner and is determined to improve in all areas. By June she was finally able to write all 26 letters of the alphabet with no mistakes. She spends a lot time doing homework and studying, and is very serious about studying every subject. Her new photography class presented a challenge with a really heavy assignment. Melissa needed to take a lot of photos, so we spent a lot of time taking her to the park, mall, shopping centers and other places. It was so much fun for all of us.

MELISSA’S STORY TO AIR ON RADIO AND TV!

GOOD TV is a 24-hour television station in Taiwan. In early September the station sent a team from Taiwan to Irvine to film Melissa’s story. The program is scheduled to air in April, 2010 in a “Real Story Blog” broadcast. On Friday, November 6, Los Angeles local radio stations AM 1300 and AM 1600 interviewed me to share Melissa’s story. This program will air on Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 26 at 10:00 pm. Both of these programs will be broadcast in Chinese. Our prayer is that Melissa’s true story will touch many souls, and give encouragement and hope to families and patients. May God be glorified!

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. That Melissa’s heart can tolerate her increase walking, and her damaged heart valve can be repaired.

2. That Melissa will be able to walk without assistance more and be able to walk upstairs to her own room by the end of the year.

3. That the surgery to close the hole in her trachea can be done by December.

4. That her spirit, knowledge and physical capabilities will continue to improve daily.

5. That her transition from high school to college will be smooth.

YOUR PRAYERS ARE WORKING

With the help of your faithful prayers for Melissa, we are experiencing how God works to answer prayers for Melissa. Let His power continue to overflow in her life to shine for Jesus. We all dare to ask this without ceasing.

In this Thanksgiving season, I would like say thank you sincerely and humbly with all my heart. Without your prayers, love, and support, we don’t know how we could have made it this far through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. May God bless and empower you and continue to enrich your life.

In Him,
Michael

Update From "Uncle" David - 5/19/2009

2009-05-20T09:28:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends,

On the road home tonight the light turned red at the corner of Campus and University approaching UCI. Sitting on the bridge over the Santa Ana creek there is a momentary respite watching the water fowl play in the placid waters of the creek. You can almost hear the deep throated chirping of the bullfrogs, except for the air conditioner, the country music station playing Willie Nelson, and the intrusion of the white van pulling up on the right side of my car.

A square faced, jutting jawed and cheeky smile of a Chinese man resting his chin on the door frame starring in my direction jolted me back to reality. It was my friend Michael Yu, and his 15 year old Melodie with a Cheshire grin waiving at me. Behind them, a wheel chair was bolted into the middle row: Melissa was waiving as if with pom-poms to get the attention of her "Uncle David."

They were on their way home from an acupuncture appointment after a full day of high school classes. Next it was gas for the van, feed the kids, then off to Awana Girls Club at the church. Life seemed almost normal.

The light turned green and a waft of fresh cool air blew through the window, along with wonder and amazement at the events of the last year and a half.

On the evening of Good Friday, 2008, Melissa Yu was struck with the first of two grotesquely debilitating brain aneurisms. That evening, life changed forever in the Yu family. The doctors said she would not live. Michael and Marlene clutched steadfastly to their faith and hope that God would bring their daughter back to them. Every minute of every day, Michael and Marlene were at the her bedside, never flinching, never failing in their belief. Not only has Melissa recovered, she returned to her high school classes in mid-March, 2009.

Life has seemingly returned to normal at the Yu household. Except that Melissa's bedroom is now in the family room just off the dining room and next to the kitchen. It is the only room in the house large enough for the hospital style bed and medical equipment necessary for Melissa. It is also the social and emotional center of life for the Yu family now. Not only is it Melissa's bedroom it is still the family room with the big screen TV and X-Box for everyone to come and play, including Melissa.

Each morning after washing her face and arms, Melissa wheels herself to the breakfast table, feeds herself and talks to her sisters. Bah-BAH then piles everyone in the van, locks the wheel chair into place and its off to school. At the end of classes Melissa clamors for more. She loves school and her friends.

In the evening, Melissa demands that she help with dinner, and sets the table from her wheel chair. I spoke to her in Chinese, and she immediately responded in English. If you Listen intently you can discern through her slurred speech that she is quick, bright and articulate.

Doctor Louden calls Melissa his miracle girl. There are many miracles of which to tell, not the least of which is the steadfast love and devotion the Yu family has for each other.

Thank you for your prayers and concern for Melissa and the Yu family over the last year and a half. Please continue to pray for them as the next stage of their new journey unfolds.

- David Hosmer

Kasey's School Photo Project about Melissa

2009-04-17T09:01:00.004-07:00

2009-04-17T09:01:00.003-07:00

2009-04-17T09:01:00.001-07:00

2009-04-17T09:00:00.003-07:00

2009-04-17T09:00:00.001-07:00

Update from Michael, Sunday, March 1, 2009

2009-03-02T11:15:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends,

We have been so caught up with Melissa's constant progress, we just haven’t been able to update you sooner. Thank you for the love and concern you have shown for Melissa.

Melissa is now able to voluntarily lift her right foot up off the ground, and to move her right arm upward a little. It is wonderful see her be able to begin moving the right side of her body because this demonstrates that that her brain is adjusting to the damage caused by the aneurism and is shifting functions to other areas of her brain. Melissa is also starting to learn to walk again! For all of this we praise the Lord.

On Wednesday, February 25, we had second IEP (“Individual Education Plan”) meeting with her school. We did not know how long it would take before she could return to school as there were endless forms to fill out, and release statements from doctors to be obtained. Much to our surprise and delight, we have come to an agreement with the school and Melissa will be beginning part-time schooling on Monday, March 2.

This is not the only great news. Her therapy organization will be opening a new facility at University High School also on March 2, so now Melissa will be able to both attend school and receive therapy at the same place. We thank God for intervening to enable us to have this wonderful plan. University High and the Irvine School District have been very kind to Melissa, and are providing her with a special assistant when Melissa arrives campus. They also have made arrangements for transportation for her. Starting this week, Melissa needs to get to sleep early, so she can get up and be ready for the school bus to pick her up at 6:58 a.m. every morning. This is so exciting, so we’re pretty sure she’ll be too wired to get to sleep early the first couple of days!

Melissa has also returned to her weekly small group Bible study, which she really looks forward to. Being able to look forward to something is also a breakthrough because it means that she is beginning to remember more things in her routine schedule. She has been working at this during her therapy sessions and it appears to be paying off well.

On Friday, February 20, Melissa received a Bible and notebook from Becky Tirabassi. Mildred started reading book of Luke to Melissa. We can feel Melissa's faith being regained and revived. God's Word with all the stories of healing, miracles, and parables, have fed her Spirit.

We are also excited for another new milestone. She has been out of school for almost 13 months and during that time has become very fond of her home-hospital teacher Sharon Curl. Sharon is such a wonderful teacher and friend, and she will be missed.

Prayer Requests:

1. That Melissa will adapt to her daily routine at school, her physical capability will continue to improve, that she will be able to learn and retain what she is taught, and that the high school students will accept her.

2. That Melissa’s damaged heart valve can be repaired.

3. That Melissa will be able to walk by the end of March.

4. That her trachea hole can be closed.

5. That her spirit, knowledge and physical capabilities will continue to grow daily.

In Him,
Michael

Help Me Help Yu

2009-02-15T23:45:00.001-08:00

Here is the video of the slide show used during the Help Me Help Yu benefit concert.

Melissa Returns to Small Group this week!!

2009-01-29T21:50:00.001-08:00

Update from Michael - January 19, 2009

2009-01-20T11:29:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends:

Thank you for prayer and support. The benefit concert in Mariners Church, “Help Me Help Yu,” had a huge turnout, with the majority of those attending being teens. Many of those in attendance were undoubtedly not church-goers and had probably never attended a concert in a church building … particularly one as spectacular as the Mariners Church Student Center. The Student Center offers two indoor basketball courts, two game rooms, two auditoriums and a large reception area. Outside there is a food island surrounded by a stream and water falls along with a cool skate park.

Melissa had lots of fun and was quite busy greeting visitors and having her photo taken with everyone. Tina and Taneen, two high schoolers, organized this event with a zero dollar budget. Amazingly, they were able to accomplish their mission.

The Orange County Register newspaper published a big column about the event on Sunday, January 11, and the Irvine World news published a cover story on it on Wednesday, January 14. Many young people who attended are hoping Tina will put on a second concert!

This evening (1/19), Mom came back and asked Melissa if she had had any visitors during the day. Surprisingly, and for the first time, Melissa remembered all of her visitors’ names (without help)! This is the first time since this all began that she has been able to recall a current event all by herself and this is a very positive sign that her memory is improving.

Tomorrow (1/20) will be first day for the home-hospital teacher to come and teach Melissa at home. Melissa has already made herself flash cards to help her with her spelling. Today, she told Mom that it is still very hard for her to spell. This is her first major challenge before going back to school. Please pray for her to maintain a good, positive attitude toward overcoming these and future obstacles.

Prayer Requests:
1. Melissa has 3 times per week out-patient therapy.
2. Melissa has 2 times per week acupuncture therapy.
3. Melissa start home-hospital teaching program.
4. Melissa can resume going back to school in February.

God Bless and happy Lunar year!

In Love,
Michael

Help Me Help Yu Concert Tonight!

2009-01-09T13:11:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

Melissa's high school friends are holding a special concert "Help Me Help Yu" to help raise funds for Melissa's needs. The concert is tonight, Friday January 9th beginning at 6:30 at the Student Center at Mariners Church in Irvine. Mariners Church is located at 5001 Newport Coast Drive. The Student Center is actually right off of Turtle Ridge Drive which intersects Bonita Canyon. For directions you can go to:
www.marinerschurch.org/pages/gettinghere.html

There will be five bands performing: Ready Set, Down for the count, The Jakes, Polaris at Noon and Sun From Shadow.

There will be a raffle of signed merchandise from Switchfoot, OneRepublic, Cobra Starship and other bands, coupons from In-n-Out and Sprinkles cupcakes. Cookie Lee Jewelry will be selling merchandise and will be donating 50% of the profits to Melissa Yu's family.

The concert is free, but donations to the Yu family will be greatly appreciated!!

You may get more information from Irvine World News at www.ocregister.com/articles/concert-school-set-2275743-bands-night

God bless you and we'll see you there!

In Him and In Love,
Michael

Update from Michael - Tuesday, 01-06-2009

2009-01-06T13:37:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

Happy New Year! Life has calmed down a bit for us after the holidays. No more big shopping trips and feasts. Melissa has gained her appetite back tremendously. Last night she said to us, "I am not hungry, but I feel like I want to eat." She smelled Aunt Sheue-Ling's delicious food being prepared in the kitchen. It's more good news because her sense of smell is sending the right signals to her brain.

Since school is out and her two younger sisters are hanging out in the house more often, we often hear Melissa instructing them. They love Melissa so much and do everything she says without complaining, just like before. After all, she is their "big sister" and they do obey her.

On New Year's Eve, Melissa reminded us to stay up late for the count down, but none of us made it to midnight that night.

Melissa has returned to IM-ing (instant messaging) and Facebook and we hear her laughing all the time in front of computer. Her sister, Melodie, is her "on-call computer go-to" person.

We do see more of Melissa's frustration at not been able to express herself verbally. Just imagine what it’s like for a teenage girl not to be able to communicate everything she wants to express. This is very difficult to us to see as well.

We are meeting with school staff at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow, January 7, to begin developing an IEP (Individual Education Plan) for Melissa. We are looking forward to this big day. We pray that the Uni. high staff and teachers will be able to develop a wonderful plan to help her in continuing her education and in her recovery process.

Melissa is now done with her in-home therapy program and will be starting outpatient therapy. This requires a lot of traveling and the weather has been kind of cold. Please pray for her health and her fighting spirit.

Prayer Requests:

1. We will be able to attend outpatient therapy in Mission Viejo 3 times per week.

2. Melissa will resume going back to school this month, that her Individual Education Plan will meet her needs and that she will not be discouraged and will continue to have a desire to learn.

3. Her No.6 and No.7 facial nerves will not fully function causing double vision. Pray for her brain to continue to recover from its injury and that these facial nerves will recover their full functionality.

4. Continue to pray for her right hand and right leg to gain strength, our goal is that she will be able to walk by March.

In love,
Michael and Marlene

A Thank You From Michael and Marlene

2009-01-05T11:22:00.000-08:00

Dear all meal planners,

Thank you for faithful support and for providing delicious food for our family during the past year. Lur family would like to thank all of your love and kindness. Melissa has now been back home for 3 months, and we are slowly but steadily re-establishing our daily routine. Starting 2009, we will pick up our "normal" family chores, including cooking and packing school lunches. We just want to tell you how much we appreciate your thoughtfulness in taking care of our family.

May God bless you and reward your labor.

Happy New Year.

In Him,
Michael and Marlene

Update from Michael - 12-17, 2008

2008-12-17T12:19:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends:

We all have experienced excitedly waking up early for planned trips because we do not want to be late. Well, Melissa did the same, waking up at 5:00 a.m. on Monday morning in anticipation of her visit to CHOC (Children’s Hospital of Orange County) for her bronchoscopy procedure to remove her tracheotomy tube. Her eyes were wide open and she had a big smile on her face. We could tell she was really excited.

The tracheotomy tube was successfully removed and now Melissa can now "officially" have her necklace back on her neck. Many doctors told us that Melissa is their success story of the year. Melissa's improvement made the CHOC medical team thrilled and happy. They feel the reward of all their hard work.

Due to the procedure, Melissa was not able to eat on Monday morning. But when she was finally allowed to eat, she ate so much the nurses were absolutely astonished by her appetite! They laughed, telling us that her next visit to CHOC will be to remove her G-tube.

On Monday evening, Melissa heard that a Woodbridge high school girl was also in CHOC’s intensive care unit. Melissa went to her room on her wheelchair to visit and pray for the girl. The girl’s family was gathered in the room and Melissa's presence was a comfort to them. We were glad to be there with them. We pray this family will experience our Lord just like we did. At this point we don’t know who the girl is or what her condition is.

Melissa now knows and remembers CHOC medical staff personnel. She likes CHOC and does not want to get discharged. What a typical teenager! They just flip-flop their minds all the time!

After one day of observation, Melissa was discharged on Tuesday around noon. We celebrated by taking her to a restaurant where she ate a lot!

The Irvine School District is working on her returning to school after the holidays. We are in the process to get a release authorization and will have to make a few more calls before it is certain.

Just a reminder, there is lots of traffic this time of the year. Please take few extra minutes to arrive at your destination safely.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas !

Michael and Marlene

Update from Robin 12-12-2008

2008-12-13T13:31:00.001-08:00

Please continue to pray for Melissa and family. Marissa and I had a brief visit Sunday evening and were so surprised to see the progress that Melissa has made. She is truly a miracle! Please read the recent update from Dad.

Michael is doing a great job tracking Melissa's progress and getting her therapy, to Dr. appointments, etc. while Marlene has returned to work full-time. Marlene misses out on all the "daily activities" with Melissa but is so grateful that she has returned home and they can resume a family life together. They are also so humble and thankful for the support that each of you have provided through prayer and resources. You have no idea how much every little thing means to them.

I was so impressed when I shared with the Yu's about another family from Irvine, who's senior daughter was injured in an ATV accident in early Fall and is recovering from massive head, neck and other injuries that has and is experiencing many of the same trauma that Melissa and family have endured. The Yu family had heard about Heather and look forward to meeting Heather and family and sharing their journey during an upcoming trip to CHOC and Bridges. WOW, we knew Melissa's life will impact others and this is only the beginning.

Thank you to each of you that have supported the Yu family - rejoice! Our God is good and worthy of all the praise and glory! May God continue to bless and enrich each of you as we celebrate the true meaning of this special holiday.

Robin

Update from Michael - 12-12-08

2008-12-12T12:55:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends:

We are excited to announce that Melissa is scheduled to have her tracheotomy “trach.” tube removed this coming Monday, 12/15. On Wednesday morning (12/11), her pulmonary doctor, Dr. Hicks, ran several tests and came to the conclusion that the trach. tube can be removed safely.

It's amazing to us, how much we have experienced in the past 2 months since Melissa’s return home. She has been eating, reading, speaking, and actively participated in providing her opinion on everything. Believe us, she is a teenager! She watches her sisters to make sure they do things correctly. She makes sure the house is spotless. If see sees any trash, she make sure it gets picked up in no time.

She experienced a wonderful surprise party last Saturday, December 6. More than 50 school and church friends came to celebrate Christmas with Melissa, thanks to Hannah Feldman's coordination. We were thrilled to have all the guests. Melissa told her therapists she was happy the whole weekend. Sunday after attending the early church service (Melissa has been attending church on Sundays since November 23), Melissa went and cheer Uni. High's car wash fundraiser. Even though it was quite cool last Sunday, Melissa refused to go home. She wanted to hang out with all of her friends. After the car wash, she reminded us to attend Mariners Church's Christmas Tree Lighting.

Thanks to the many Uni. High friends who have come faithfully every day to help Melissa practice her speech. As a result of their help, Melissa can write more words and pronounce much more clearly. Thanks to Emi Komiya and Natalie Hannah, who organized and recruited: Tess Nelson, Allison White, Charlotte Mountain, Becca O'Leary, Nicky Shane, Arshia Neghadar, Shaina Seidenberg, and Jessica Choi.

Melissa has been working hard to stand up with minimal support this week. She has repeatedly exclaimed "I want to walk!" She reminded me that when Jesus hear a paralyzed man’s plea, He cured him and ordered him to walk immediately. Friends, we see God performing miracles every day and we are experiencing them.

May each one of you experience His mighty power in your daily life. May His face shine on every one of you. May God protect you and give you good health.

God Bless!

Michael

Prayer Requests:

1. That the minor surgery to remove Melissa’s trach. tube on Monday goes smoothly.

2. That her right arm and leg gain strength so she can walk again as she so wants to do. Every day, we want see another miracle come true.

3. For her busy daily schedule; that she will have enough energy to face twice a week physical therapy (P.T.), occupational therapy (O.T.), speech therapy (S.T.), acupuncture, and the many doctor appointments.

4. That she will be able to start her school program next week.

More Christmas Party Pictures

2008-12-10T08:46:00.002-08:00

Melissa's Christmas Party with Friends

2008-12-10T08:46:00.001-08:00

Update from Steve, Wednesday, 12/3/2008

2008-12-03T09:39:00.000-08:00

Dear Family & Friends,

During this season we indeed have a lot to be thankful for as a family. Melissa has been a true testament of God's mercy and Grace. Michael and Marlene have been empowered by God's strength, wisdom and power. Melissa has been attending Mariners Church for the past 2 Sundays.

Melissa continues to show signs of a typical teenager:

1. She went shopping on Black Friday. Instead of waiting for Christmas, she wanted her new clothes immediately.

2. Eating In-N-Out burger (just the meat and tomato) and French fries.

3. Concerned about her outer appearance. She wants to look pretty.

Academically, 10 classmates have volunteered to come by the house to tutor certain areas of school work. This is one of the many ways God's mobilizing His presence through Melissa.

Marlene went back to work full time on Monday.

Pray for endurance and flexibility in her schedule to accommodate the many doctors appointment for Melissa. Her supervisor appears to be very understanding of the situation. Thank God for the power of prayer.

Thanks,

Steve

December Meals for the Yu Family

2008-12-01T13:27:00.001-08:00

Dear all,

Another month has gone by and praise God that Melissa is on the road to recovery. Thank you for your support in the past.

We still need your help since Melissa is having many therapy sessions. Dinner deliveries will ensure Marlene that her other kids are fed.

Would you please consider cooking one meal for Jesus and delivering it to he Yu family?

To sign up for the month of December, simply go to the following web site:

http://www.efci.org/EFCI-EM/Yu_scheduler.html

Click on UPDATE and log in to Google Calendar (E-mail: blessmyu; password: efci4myu)

Remember: ONLY sign up for MONDAY/WEDNESDAY/FRIDAY.

If the calendar system is too time consuming for you, you may also call me and I can update the calendar for you. I can be reached at 949-856-3026(H) or 949-351-1274(C).

May the Lord bless you and continue to sustain Melissa and her family.

In Christ,

Felicia

Post by Mr. B 11, 29, 2008

2008-11-29T13:41:00.000-08:00

Post by Mr. B - 11-23-2008

2008-11-23T18:47:00.001-08:00

Praise God! Melissa, you are such a testimony of a godly young lady! Praise that you could be with us for Thanksgiving to Him for all He has done...and for You, and Your Life! I have been praying for you, but we have not yet met.

Janice Munemitsu

Post By Mr. B - 11-23-2008

2008-11-23T14:11:00.001-08:00

Melodie Yu, Paul "Mr. B" Bogenrief, Hannah Feldman, Maurice Yu, Marlene Yu, Hannah VanSant-Ouellette and Erin Tsai celebrate Melissa's return to Mariners Church, Sunday, November 23, 2008!

Post by Mark and Jeannine Powers

2008-11-17T08:59:00.000-08:00

Michael,

I just wanted you to know that Jeannine and I have read every email and have kept Melissa in our prayers since the beginning of this ordeal. I have also enlisted the prayers of the Ambassador to the US from Zambia to pray and have passed on your emails to her. She and her family have been praying as well.

I know that through this ordeal God is working .... I just wanted you to know how much your daughter has impacted my life spiritually.

Our love and prayers,

Mark and Jeannine Powers

Update from Steve, Saturday, November 15, 2008

2008-11-17T08:51:00.000-08:00

Update from Steve - Saturday, 11/15/2008

Hi Family & Friends,

Just got off the phone with Marlene and she provides the following updates:

1. Melissa was discharged this afternoon from CHOC after a few days stay following her two surgeries. The bone for her skull was successfully placed back. However, she is still experiencing quite a bit of pain. The level of medication is being reduced but pray for her endurance and pain tolerance. The MIC-KEY* tube installation was completed but since her appetite is good, most of her food intake is now by mouth. However since Melissa doesn't like taking medicine, the tube can be used for that. Praise God.

2. At 4:00 p.m. this afternoon, Melissa was able to drink juice through a straw for the first time. This is encouraging.

3. Melissa complained her right leg was experiencing a little pain. Normally this would not sound good, but the fact that she realizes there is pain implies the brain is transmitting communication which was missing before. To clarify, there was sensation in the right leg before, but now the brain is transmitting signals.

4. The staff at CHOC calls Melissa the “miracle baby” based on she has been able to get through so far. Let's continue to thank God for His provision and protection over Melissa and the entire YU family.

Keep praying for Melissa's road to recovery. Next immediate goal is to be able to enjoy a 20 juicy piece of steak. When ready, I will provide the steak (for Melissa only!!). Melissa, please make it soon.

Thanks,

Steve

Update from Michael - Wednesday, November 13, 2008

2008-11-13T09:26:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Melissa’s two surgeries yesterday went well. The first surgery, performed by neurosurgeon Dr. Loudon, to replace her left skull began about 8:50 a.m. and ended about 10:40 a.m. The MIC-KEY* G-tube installation was completed by 11:05 a.m. by her G.I. doctor, Dr. Katz. Both doctors reported that their surgeries went very well.

At about 11:30 a.m., we were allowed to visit Melissa in the recovery room. She was alert, but in a lot of pain, so they administered a couple of doses of morphine to ease the pain. At about 1:30, she was transferred to the ICU ward, room 620 for a 2-3 day post-op. recovery.

in Him,
Michael

Update from Michael - November 12, 2008

2008-11-12T11:21:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

Melissa is going to have her 16th and 17th surgeries today beginning at 8:30 a.m. California time (Thursday, November 13, 00:30 a.m. Taipei, Hong Kong, Beijing, Asia area time).

During the first surgery, the surgeons will re-attach her left skull which was removed after her aneurism on March 21 to allow her brain to swell without being damaged. At this time, her surgeon feels comfortable that it is safe to perform this surgery, and we are excited to have it put back for Melissa, too. This is not only "safer" for her, but now she can also continue to grow her long hair to where it was before all of this happened.

The second surgery is to replace the old-type G-tube for a MIC-KEY* Button. The current G-tube is long and easily gets caught during many activities. Replacing this tube with a detachable tube and button will be a great improvement and much less of an inconvenience. The great news is that Melissa might not need this new tube very long. She is now eating better, has a greater appetite, enjoys a variety of food, and chews much better. She is working very hard to reach her goal of enjoying her favorite dish, steak.

Following these surgeries, Melissa will remain at CHOC for 2-3 days for routine observation. Please pray for the surgery to go smoothly and successfully.

Over all Melissa has made great improvements:

* she stopped vomiting 2 weeks ago;
* her appetite has increased and she is able to take more and more food by mouth, allowing us to cut her G-tube feeding by half;
* she can sit on the wheelchair up to 4 hours now and even roll herself in the chair;
* her speech has improved and she can sing songs from a CD given to her by her friend, Brendan.

Melissa still has a long journey to be able to retain words and recover her language usage. Many times, we have seen her suddenly become sad after visitors leave. With tears in her eyes, she looks at us and just silently shakes her head. She wants so much to be able to express herself, but she just can’t.

During these tough times we lead her in prayer … it’s really the only thing we can do for her. We believe that God can repair and heal the damaged area, and we pray for his mercies on her.

In Him,
Michael

Happy Halloween Melissa

2008-10-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

Our small group trick or treated to Melissa's house last night. She was in great spirits and did not want us to leave! It is great being able to see her personality come out again! We love you Melissa!!

Help Provide Meals for the Yu Family - November

2008-10-29T10:08:00.001-07:00

Dear all,

With Melissa’s two surgeries scheduled for the 2nd week of November,
we still need to continue to provide meals for the Yu family.

I myself can cook once a week, Debbie is committed to deliver Chef Chen's
food on Wednesdays, all I need is FOUR PEOPLE PREPARING ONE MEAL either
on Mondays or Fridays, then we can cover the month of November.

Would you please help?

To sign up for the month of November, simply go to the following web site:

http://www.efci.org/EFCI-EM/Yu_scheduler.html

1. Click on the UPDATE and login to Google Calendar. (Email: blessmyu password: efci4myu).

2. Click on the right arrow for move to November.

Remember to ONLY sign up for MONDAY or FRIDAY.

If the calendar system is too time consuming for you, you may also call me at 949-856-3026(H) or 949-351-1274(C) and I will update the calendar for you.

May the Lord bless you and continue to sustain Melissa and her family.

In Christ,
Felicia

Update from Michael, Friday, May 24, 2008

2008-10-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

I would like share with you two very exciting things that have happened this week.

Early in the week Melissa was feeling down. She wants so much to be able to talk to her friends, to stand up and to walk into the back yard. But then things started to happen....

On Thursday, Melissa happily tasted real food by mouth after a successful swallowing test. She couldn’t wait to have some Campbell’s clam chowder, and she was able to taste many other foods. She was so excited .. though there will be no steak quite yet as chewing is still difficult for her. The G-tube will still supply the bulk of her nutrition until she is completely able to transition to eating by mouth, but being able to take at least a little food by mouth is so satisfying for her and gratifying for us.

Another exciting milestone was reached when she learned how to master her wheel chair using her left side. She was able to navigate back and forth down the hallway and to turn to avoid running into the walls.

We’re all so excited about these events.

So, Melissa has taken more steps closer to our prayers for her. We all glorify the Name of God for this progress and we continue to praise Him always!!

In Him,
Michael

Update from Michael - 10-23-2008

2008-10-23T13:58:00.000-07:00

We went back to CHOC last Thursday (October 16) for visits with a neurosurgeon and G.I. doctor. They have scheduled Melissa to have two surgeries the second week of November. The first surgery will be to replace the piece of skull that was removed months ago to allow her brain to swell without damage. During that surgery they will also replace her shunt with a new design that will have a valve to control the fluid levels in her brain so she doesn’t feel faint when she sits up. The second surgery will be to replace her gastrostomy or “G”-tube with a Kimberly-Clark MIC-KEY* low profile design (www.mic-key.com). The MIC-KEY* is a barely noticeable device that will allow us to feed Melissa more easily and keep the feeding device cleaner.

Prayer Requests

Please pray for the upcoming surgeries, that God will guide the surgeons’ hands and that Melissa will tolerate the procedures well.

Please also pray that Melissa’s once or twice a day vomiting will subside and that her stomach will be able to tolerate feeding.

We are very thankful for all of your support, love, care and prayer, definitely we give all of our heartfelt praise, thanksgiving and glory to our Lord Jesus and Almighty God.

God bless you all.

Michael

Update from Mr. B, Thursday, October 9, 2008

2008-10-09T08:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I was blessed to have a chance to visit Melissa on Monday shortly after she returned home from HealthBridge. She was alert, smiling and enjoying seeing her friends and family.

She gave me a big thumbs up when I arrived, but gave me a thumbs down when I told her I was going to post this photo. Sorry, Melissa!! We all love you!!!

Update from Mr. B Wednesday 10-8-2008

2008-10-08T11:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

On Tuesday Melissa was complaining of heart discomfort. As a precaution, she was taken back to CHOC for an examination by a cardiologist, returning home about 4:00 p.m. Tuesday. She slept very well Tuesday night.

Michael reports that she is feeling very good today and is enjoying visits from her friends.

Update from Robin - Wednesday, 10/8/2008

2008-10-08T09:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

A few people have asked if we are still helping the family with meals -- yes, we will continue to provide as the family adjusts to new conditions and still has needs. The last week of October still has October 27, 29 and 31st available. If you are interested, please let me know or log onto the calendar at http://www.efci.org/EFCI-EM/Yu_scheduler.html

May God continue to bless you and your families for being prayer warriors and providers for the Yu family.

Thank you,
Robin

MELISSA IS AT HOME! Update from Michael

2008-10-07T09:12:00.000-07:00

Monday, 10/6/2008

Dear Friends,

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! Melissa was discharged from HealthBridge Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital today and arrived home about 5:00 p.m. We rejoice that she is finally back home … something she and we have longed for for months.

God did answer prayers. Melissa is really a miracle. She was hospitalized for 223 days, has gone through 15 surgeries and has suffered a lot of pain. But the Spirit of God has anointed her with power and joy. Melissa smiles constantly every day. We owe that all to God's mercy and grace plus the prayers of so many of you who faithfully lifted her and us in your prayers.

I ask you to continue to pray for Melissa. She still has faces two major surgeries. One is the surgery to replace her left skull which had been removed to allow her brain to swell and not be damaged. The second is the heart surgery where her damaged heart valve will be replaced.

Prayer Requests

During the past three days Melissa has had three episodes of bad vomiting and complains that her heart feels uncomfortable. Last week she had some bleeding in her stomach due to high acidity and was prescribed an antacid. Please pray for Melissa’s heart and stomach.

Our insurance company is not willing to cover home nursing care, so we’ll need to take over the duties of feeding her, giving her medicine, changing her diapers, etc. This is not easy, so please pray that Marlene and I will have the ability and strength to handle this work well.

God bless you all, and thank you for walking with us through Melissa’s journey.

In Him,
Michael

Update from Steve, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008

2008-09-27T12:35:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I had a brief update from Marlene tonight.

1. Melissa is progressing well. She has her temperament like a normal teenage kid. Praise God!!

2. Anticipated date of discharge is October 6. She is deemed medically available to be discharged. Paperwork for this process is about 2 weeks.

3. Melissa is able to stand for several seconds which will help greatly when transitioning from the bed to the wheelchair and vice versa.

4. Ramp at home is almost ready. Her room is almost ready.

5. Michael and Marlene are seeking care giver agency. The costs associated with this are not covered by insurance. This care giver will have a live in arrangement.

6. All scheduled therapies are going well. Melissa has a strong desire to improve.

7. She has private tutors for school subjects.

8. Strength on the left side of body is getting strong. Continue to pray for the right side which is still experiencing very little strength.

9. Melissa has quick responses and still smiles a lot. I'm sure she can't wait to go back to the comforts of her own home.

10. Can't remember which movies but Melissa has favorites.

Let's continually be thankful and remember the mercy and grace God has shown to our family and especially watching over Melissa.

Thanks,
Steve

Update from Michael - 9/16/2008; Comment from Robin

2008-09-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

INTRODUCTION BY ROBIN

We continue to thank God for the miracles in Melissa's life and pray that her healing and recovery will progress. Thank you Lord for such patient and wonderful parents! Please grant them peace, guidance, courage & strength and all the support they need from family and friends. Special thanks to those that have provided meals and resources for the Yu family. It is all appreciated beyond words we can express.

Robin

UPDATE FROM MICHAEL:

HealthBridge Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital
393 S. Tustin St.
Orange, CA 92686

Dear friends,

Melissa was discharged from CHOC today and went back to HealthBridge to continue her rehabilitation.

Last Tuesday (09/09/2008) she had undergone her 15th surgery, this time to replace the shunt in her brain. Following the surgery she experienced three days of vomiting. For the past two days she has not been able to sleep. The doctors don’t know why but will give her a sleeping pill if she cannot get to sleep tonight.

Things For Which We Give Thanksgiving to God:

1. Melissa is more alert and more able to communicate clearly.
2. She smiles every day.
3. She always shows “thumbs up” when asked how she’s doing.
4. She is ready to start drinking some liquid.

Things to Pray for:

1. That the rehab. program can fit her needs and help her recover better.
2. Her heart can tolerate her current heart rate.
3. That she will be able to sleep well every night. This is very important for her recovery and so that she has sufficient strength for the next day’s rehab. program.
4. That she can have at least 30 minutes of school time every day at rehab. center, that she will enjoy the class, and that the school district will assign a special teacher to come every day.
5. That she will either gain sufficient strength for her damaged heart valve to be replaced or that God will perform a miracle and heal the damaged heart valve so it can close properly and tightly.

In Him,

Michael

Post Surgery Update from Michael - 9-11-2008

2008-09-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

Update from Michael Yu 9/11/2008 @ 9:00 a.m.

Dear Friends and Family,

Here is the post-surgery update for Melissa.

The replacement surgery lasted 90 minutes, concluding at 9:15 p.m. last night. When Marlene and I were finally allowed to visit her in the recovery room at 10:00 p.m. her face looked weak, swollen and pale.

Praise the Lord, however, over-all the surgery is went well. Melissa did not sleep very well last night due to pain and bleeding in the surgery area as well as in her G-tube area.

Thanks to the Lord, her spirit is still very positive even though she is really uncomfortable. Melissa is very quiet today. I held her hand and we prayed together. She felt comforted and closed her eyes immediately, then we concluded the prayer and she said “Amen” with me.

We trust in our Lord to do impossible and miraculous things in Melissa's life through your faithful prayer.

Please continue to pray that her spirit, mental and physical conditions all stay healthy by God's mercy and grace.

In Him,
Michael

Update from Robin and Michael - 9-9-2008

2008-09-10T08:46:00.000-07:00

Dear family and friends,

Please urgently and earnestly pray for dear, sweet Melissa as she undergoes yet another brain surgery. My heart is heavy as I send this email. Melissa has made progress and we have rejoiced during the last two weeks. Lord, we ask for your mercy on this family and your healing powers over Melissa. I pray that in the morning I'll be able to share good news.

Thank you all,
Robin

-----------

Dear friends,

Melissa will undergo her 15th surgery tonight (9/9/08) to replace her brain shunt for the 4th time. Her surgery will begin at 7:00 p.m. Please pray for her surgery team and for neurosurgeon Dr. Loudon, and that this surgery will be the last one needed to replace the shunt.

After my last update, Melissa began vomiting every day, felt dizzy, and had an upset stomach. These symptoms lasted a week. This morning the doctors conducted a nuclear shunt test which revealed that her brain pressure was very high, the shunt was completely clogged and her left brain was swollen and very firm. The doctors felt the shunt needed to be replaced immediately.

Melissa will stay at CHOC for one week to recover and be observed.

Thank you for praying for her recovery.

God bless you all.

In Him,
Michael

Update from Michael - Monday, September 1, 2008

2008-09-02T15:33:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Three weeks have passed since my last update. Time is just flying by now. In this update I’ll tell you about some exciting things that have been happening as well as ask for your continued prayers.

Things For Which We Praise and Give Thanksgiving to God

1. Melissa has gained weight and grown taller! Her weight is now 97.9 lbs. as compared with May 13 when her weight was only 89.76 lbs. She is now 167 cm. tall (5’ 5.7”)as compared with April 7 when she was 162.56 cm. (5’ 4”).

2. As “Mr. B” reported to you, she can now sing “Happy Birthday to You” all the way through, loud and clear. Singing is one of the speech therapies they use here and she can now sing three songs.

3. She can speak few words and count numbers. She can say a few words clearly: “Mama,” “Amen,” “Hallelujah,” “uno” (Spanish for one), “bye,” “no,” and of course, being a teen, “money!” The last time Mr. B was here she recognized him and when asked who he was, said “Mr. B” very clearly.

4. She smiles and giggles every day.

5. She can sit upright in her wheelchair 2 hours every day.

6. Her neck muscles are getting stronger and can support her head for half hour periods.

7. Her memory is about 95% or above. She is very sharp and can remember all her friends, schoolmates, etc. She can also recognize photos and when we say the name of the person in the photo she can recognize it right away. Also, when we say a word she can point to it on a sheet.

8. Her swallowing has improved. Beginning this week we will begin feeding her apple sauce.

9. Even though she can’t eat solid food yet, she really wants to and begs us for it … that’s a very good sign.

10. She now sleeps very well, from 10 p.m. to the next morning at 8 or 9 a.m.

11. She likes jokes and wants me to tell her a new one every day. If you have any good jokes I can tell her, please e-mail them to me (2michaelyu@gmail.com).

12. Her right hand and right leg are just beginning to regain some feeling. Even though it is very little, it is an important beginning. And for this we raise the LORD.

13. The doctors have told us many times that Melissa’s left brain was totally damaged by the two aneurisms and that she would never speak or be able to learn ever again. But God has answered our prayers, and we thank the many of you who have been diligently praying for her. The doctors are amazed that she can speak and is learning.

Pray Requests：

1. It is our dream to bring Melissa home this month. Please pray that we will be able to get the special bed she needs, a wheelchair, medical supplies, a nurse and therapist so we can get her home this month.

2. We are preparing our side yard for wheelchair access. Please pray that we can finish this project within 2 weeks.

3. Pray that Melissa’s heart valve damage can be healed or that she will become strong enough to receive a replacement heart valve. We are in the process of obtaining a second opinion from UCLA.

4. School starts this Thursday. Pray that the school district can send a teacher to tutor her and that she can maintain enough energy to learn.

5. Her brain continues to recover well. Pray that we will be able to put her left skull back within 6 weeks.

Since her condition is a lot of better, we more than welcome you to visit Melissa to offer prayer, jokes and encourage words. She especially misses her schoolmates, friends and her church small group.

May God bless you, and His name be glorified.

In Him,
Michael

Melissa and Jana 8/29/08

2008-09-02T14:42:00.000-07:00

Melissa is still in Healthbridge Rehab center, but as you can see by these pictures, she is doing so much better. She is completely alert and she can even talk a little. She says thank you, goodbye, and closes her eyes when we pray! It's so nice to see her smile! She loves visitors, so keep them coming! Love, Jana

Melissa is Smiling!

2008-09-02T14:41:00.001-07:00

Time To Sign Up for September Dinners for the Yu Family

2008-08-30T14:16:00.000-07:00

From: R. Robinson [reeny13@msn.com]
Sent: Saturday, August 30, 2008 11:38 AM
To: reeny13@msn.com
Subject: Sign up for September (9/1/08 -9/29/08 only) for dinner delivery to Pastor Yu's family

The September calendar is now open. The Yu Family continues to need our prayers and support. While Melissa is starting to make very small steps of improvement (more alert, some movement with left side, ability to shake head yes and no), she has a long way to go. Marlene and Michael are strong in their faith, but physically are weary and need our continuing support. If you can provide a meal, it would be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.

Robin Robinson

Dear all,

Another month has gone by. Maybe you are a bit weary. But we must press on! Thank you for providing dinners for Pastor Yu's family in the past. If you don't know what to cook, being a driver will be helpful also.

Vicky, the owner of Chef Chen's has been gracious to donate dinners for the Yu family. However she does not have time to deliver. So a new option is to sign up for a date, then call Vicky around noon on that day and tell her the time you’d like to pick up dinner for pastor Yu's family.

Chef Chen's
5408 Walnut Ave # B
Irvine, CA 92604
(949) 786-8898
(714) 878-3910 (Cell)

To sign up for the month of September, simply go to the following web site:

http://www.efci.org/EFCI-EM/Yu_scheduler.html

Click on the UPDATE and login to Google Calendar.
(Email: blessmyu password: efci4myu)

Click on the right arrow to move from August to September.

Remember to ONLY sign up for MONDAY/WEDNESDAY/FRIDAY.

If the calendar system is too time consuming for you, you may also simply reply this email and told me which day(s) you would like to sign up and I can update the calendar for you.

I can be reached at 949-856-3026(H) or 949-351-1274(C).

May the Lord bless you and continue to sustain Melissa and her family.

In Christ,

Felicia

Update from Paul Bogenrief - Monday, August 25, 2008

2008-08-25T15:01:00.000-07:00

Dear friends of the Yu Family,

I had a wonderful visit with Melissa at HealthBridge today. When I entered her room she broke out in a broad smile that just lit up the room and simultaneously reached over and turned off the DVD player she was using. She actually was able to say a few words, like "yes" and "no" and of course, “Mr. B” ... and even sang Happy Birthday. Though she can speak a little, it is hard for her so she prefers to answer yes or know questions by making hand/arm motions and by nodding or shaking her head. For “yes” she moves her left hand and arm up and down. For “no” she moves her left hand and arm in a sideways motion. She can also shake her head up and down for “yes” and back and forth for “no.” She has quite a bit of movement on her left side (arm and leg), but not so much on her right side. Her right arm is becoming constricted. Her elbow is bent so that her forearm is up against her bicep and her hand is curled closed. Michael took her arm and moved it down so that it rested across her stomach and unclenched her fist. We talked about all kinds of things … her family, the church and how soon it would be before she could return. She giggled when I told her I was keeping her Port Mariners photo I.D. taped to the wall in my office next to my desk so she’ll have it when she returns. When it finally came time for me to leave she genuinely looked sad, so I’m assuming she enjoys having visitors.

On Saturday, August 23, Marlene, Melodie and Mildred Yu joined me at the quarterly graduation/matriculation at Canine Companions for Independence (www.cci.org) in Oceanside. CCI provides service dogs to people with disabilities other than sight disorders. With a CCI service dog, Melissa could gain independence that she wouldn’t ordinarily enjoy. The family was excited about the prospect of getting a CCI service dog for Melissa. Melissa was especially excited about the prospect of having a dog to keep her company and sleep with her. Sunday at church Melodie proudly wore her CCI tee shirt that she got at the graduation.

Melissa said she is really looking forward to being able to eat an In-n-Out and pizza! We had quite a giggle over that.

All in all it was a positive weekend. Please continue to pray for Melissa and her family.

Paul Bogenrief
Student Volunteer Coach
Mariners Church, Irvine, CA
mrb@marinerschurch.org

Update from Michael - Wednesday, August 13, 2:15 a.m.

2008-08-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

HealthBridge Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital
393 South Tustin Street
Orange, CA 92866
Room 6

Dear Friends,

I’m sorry I haven’t updated Melissa’s story for a while. It has been very busy for us. Here is the latest:

1. Melissa experienced a high fever (105°F) from 7/22 to 7/27. Lab tests revealed a bacterial infection in both her brain and trachea area. In addition to being treated with antibiotics for three weeks (ending 8/10), she underwent two surgeries - the first on Monday, July 28 to remove the shunt and clean out the bacterial infection, and the second on Monday, August 4 to replace the shunt. Both surgeries were successful.

2. For five days (8/4 - 8/8), Melissa suffered continuous vomiting … losing all her food and medicine. Following prayer and an adjustment in her feeding speed and volume, she improved completely.

3. Her neurosurgeon says that her brain is stable and she can go home in the very near future.

4. Cardiologists continue to evaluate her heart (one of her heart valves was damaged by the endocarditis she suffered at the beginning of the year). At this time, a heart surgery to replace the damaged valve may not be possible. Simply put, her body is too weak and this surgery poses too great of a risk. The CHOC team is referring her case to UCLA for a second opinion. If the mitral valve cannot be replaced, her high heart rate could cause death within 1-2 years.

5. Many arteries in her brain appear to be narrowing. This is definitely not a positive sign. At this point we’re not sure what can be done about this.

6. Melissa was discharged from CHOC on Monday, August 11, and transferred back to HealthBridge Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital to continue her rehab. journey.

7. Melissa has shown great improvement in physical therapy, occupation therapy, and speech therapy.

Praise and Thanksgiving:

1. Melissa is smiling her great smile every day since last Saturday (8/9).

2. Even though Melissa has suffered great damage to her brain (50% damage), her memory is totally preserved … she remembers and recognizes everything.

3. Through therapy she has gained strength in both hands and legs. She has been able to push her DVD player’s start and stop button by herself.

4. She played Connect Four checkers game (the vertical four-in-a-row) and won the game.

5. She can give you high five and shake hands.

Prayer Requests:

1. Pray for strength and that we will not grow weary physically.

2. Pray for Melissa to sleep. She has not slept, or even closed her eyes since last Saturday (8/9).

3. Pray for the medical teams at CHOC and UCLA as they evaluate Melissa’s eligibility for a mitral valve replacement

4. Pray that Melissa’s heart will remain strong.

5. Pray for a miracle … that the mitral valve will grow back and heal itself. This is impossible from a medical point of view, but we know nothing is impossible for God!

6. Pray for her cramps to stop. These are very painful for her.

In Him and In Love,
Michael

Prayer Request

2008-08-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

Marlene is asking for prayer for Melissa today. Melissa has not slept since Saturday. She looks great, but none of the family feels very good. Please pray for rest for Melissa and her family.

Update from Michael - Sunday, August 3, 2008

2008-08-03T09:50:00.001-07:00

Dear friends,

Melissa’s fever continued for 6 days (above 105F), before it normalized on July 27.

On Monday noon, July 28, Melissa had two surgeries. One was to remove the shunt in her brain, due to bacterial infection. Lab results show her brain and trachea area are okay now.

Praise the Lord, the antibiotics worked, so for the past 5 days, blood and brain fluid lab results were negative.

Tomorrow morning, August 4 at 10:30 a.m., Melissa will have her 14th surgery. This time the doctors will put in a new shunt (her third).

On Wednesday, August 6, her medical team will meet discuss Melissa case. During this meeting they will finalize her heart valve replacement schedule. Following that, she will have surgery to replace her skull (removed early in her treatment to allow her brain to swell without creating too much pressure against her skull).

Please continue to pray for Melissa. Ask God to strengthen her body so she can tolerate so many surgeries and medications. Ask the Holy Spirit to anoint her with a joyful spirit; that she may understand that God has wonderful plan in her life.

May His name be glorified!

In Love,

Michael

Update from Michael - Thursday, 7-24-2008

2008-07-24T11:20:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

Yesterday, Wednesday, July 23, after suffering for two days with a fever of unknown origin, Melissa was once again transferred back to CHOC from HealthBridge. Motrin and Tylenol were ineffectual in reducing the fever and her heart rate was steadily above 150.

A blood culture revealed that her bacterial infection was active again so she is being treated with antibiotics.

Her left brain also began swelling again, so the neurosurgeon adjusted the shunt valve on Wednesday evening.

Thanksgiving:

We do have things to be thankful for, despite all of this:

1. Since July 6, Melissa has been very alert and has smiled a lot.

2. Melissa has been able to hold your hand upon command.

3. She has been able to swallow.

3. Melissa has enjoyed watching comedy movies.

Prayer Requests:

Please continue to pray:

1. for Melissa's total recovery

2. that the shunt adjustment will reduce her brain swelling

3. that we, her family will get enough rest and be able to maintain our energy

4. that Melissa’s faith remains strong

5. that the seizures she has had involving her right hand and leg can be controlled

6. that the surgery to replace her damaged heart valve can be done ASAP

7. that our plan to bring Melissa home in late August can be realized.

In Love,
Michael

E-mail from Felicia Lin Regarding Meals for the Yu Family

2008-07-18T16:05:00.000-07:00

Dear All,

Another month has gone by and, Praise the Lord, Melissa is back to HealthBridge Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital in Orange.

Thank you for providing dinners for Pastor Yu's family in the past. If you have not done so, we need your help!

It is time to sign up for the month of August.

Simply go to the following web site: http://www.efci.org/EFCI-EM/Yu_scheduler.html

Click on the UPDATE and log-in to Google Calendar (Email: blessmyu password: efci4myu).

Click on the right arrow for move from July to August.

Remember to ONLY sign up for MONDAY/WEDNESDAY/FRIDAY.

I can be reached at 949-856-3026(H) or 949-282-7611(C) if you have any questions.

May the Lord bless you and continue to sustain Melissa and her family.

In Christ,
Felicia

Update from Michael - 7-10-2008

2008-07-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

HealthBridge Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital
393 S. Tustin Ave., Orange CA

Dear Friends,

There have been several developments in the last few days for which we praise God.

1. Melissa expressed voluntary smiles during visits starting last Sunday. She had big smiles when visitors came, and when they joked with her.

2. She was able to voluntarily lift her left arm up about half way, when you say “shake hands” she will do so. This showed great strength improvements on her left side.

3. She was able to follow commands when given. For example, Melissa lifted her leg up and down when asked to do so.

4. Her eyes are able to move from side to side and are no longer just fixated on the left side. This movement began after the latest shunt replacement which alleviated the brain pressure.

5. Melissa is more able to give signs of her discomfort. For example, on July 4, Melissa showed signs of a lot of stress. Of course, that was very concerning so a nurse came in and offered some anti-anxiety medication to calm her down. But that wasn't the problem. Then we noticed Melissa had been staring at the tubing leading to the trachea for about 1/2 hour. When we checked it, it was drying out. So, from this we can conclude that Melissa is showing great signs of consciences and awareness.

6. A major concern for her now is that an angiogram done on Monday, July 7, shows that the walls of her arteries are thinning. In fact, three out of the four major brain blood vessels are too thin. This could easily lead to a stroke. Doctors are trying to prevent any possible ruptures or clogs. Please specially pray for this.

7. On Wednesday evening, Melissa was discharged from Children’s Hospital and is back at HealthBridge again, where she will start her new rehab. program.

God continues to amaze us with His power and mercy for Melissa. Please continue to pray that Melissa's condition will stabilize so amazingly that she can go back home and rehabilitate in the comfort of her own home.

In Love,
Michael

Great News

2008-07-09T21:09:00.000-07:00

Today is Wednesday, July 9

I went and saw Melissa tonight for the 1st time in 2 weeks. WOW! What a tremendous improvement. When I walked in the room I could see her look at me and smile, I got tears in my eyes just seeing how well she is doing!I saw her laugh, wink and cough--she is totally alert.

She is doing so well that tonight they are moving her back to HealthBridge for more rehab. Her mom told me that they have started to re-model the downstairs of their house to accommodate Melissa and they hope to have her at home by August! Things are really looking up.

It was great to see her doing so well and I will never forget Melodie & Mildred reading all of the latest "teen" magazines to her--she loved it! Her mom said that she is now watching a lot of "girly" movies and will only watch certain channels (ex: if the cooking channel is on, she looks the other way!) Now that's our Melissa :)

We are blessed to be a part of this miracle!
Jana

Update from Michael - 7-3-2008

2008-07-03T14:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Some updates on Melissa's condition:

1. On Monday, June 30, Melissa had surgery to replace the shunt in her brain. The surgery went well.

2. She had Some bleeding in the stomach area on Tuesday (it has been 1 1/2 week since the operation to remove the aneurysm). Doctors re-stitched the incision today.

3. Our health insurance has a limit on her care at HealthBridge, so we are not certain if she will be able to go back at this time.

4. Melissa had elevated temperature last night (Wednesday), but it came down today.

5. Overall, continue to pray for stabilization in Melissa's condition so she can soon go back to the comforts of her home for rehab.

6. Melissa has an angiogram scheduled for tomorrow to see if she has any more aneurisms.

In Love,
Michael

Update from Michael, 6-22-2008

2008-06-23T14:04:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

After 6 hours of surgery, the surgeons were able to successfully remove her mycotic aneurysm. This was a complicated surgery, but by God's grace and with all of your prayers, it went very well. Thank you for your faithful prayers.

Melissa will stay Childrens Hospital of Orange County for a week to recover and be observed, so please continue to pray for her recovery, and that God relieves her pain when she coughs (her stitches are in her stomach area so coughing is vrey painful for her. Please pray for God to comfort her, and release and reduce her pain.

May God continue to bless you through your faithful prayers.

In Him,
Michael

Update from Michael, Saturday, June 21, 10:30 p.m.

2008-06-22T07:06:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends and prayer warriors:

Once again I sincerely ask you to pray for Melissa. She is going to undergo major surgery tomorrow morning.

This is a critical time for Melissa. She is scheduled for surgery at 9:00 a.m. Sunday morning (6/22) to correct a mycotic aneurysm. The aneurysm is located behind the colon. Surgery would be performed by cutting through the belly button. The surgery is major and inherent risks are great. Pray that God continues to deliver Melissa from danger. Pray particularly for God's guiding hands over the surgeons and wisdom for the medical staff to perform this surgery.

The same time we praise to the Lord, that He helped us find out about the mycotic aneurysm by His mercy. On Friday, Melissa was originally scheduled to have surgery to replace her clogged shunt which had causes swelling in her left brain. Before surgery they did an ultrasound and found a 3 cm size aneurysm by coincidence. I believe this coincidence was the work of God. According to the doctors, normally an aneurism as small as 1.5 cm will rupture, but Melissa’s is twice that size. If it were to have ruptured it is likely that she would have died. So we give all the Thanksgiving and praise to Him.

Michael

Update from Michael - 6-19-2008

2008-06-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

Day 15 in HealthBridge Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital
393 S. Tustin Ave., Orange, CA 92866

Dear Friends,

I am so glad to report to you how God's continual blessings flow to Melissa and our family. Her improvements are indeed miraculous.

1. On Sunday (6/22), the doctors are expecting to discontinue all drug-based medication. Pray that Melissa will continue to breath on her own in spite of absence of these medications.

2. The swelling in the brain seems to have increased. On Wednesday, June 18, her CT Scan showed the shunt was clogged. On Friday (June 20 @ 1:30 p.m.) she will have surgery to replace the shunt

3. Physical therapy is going well. Pray for her neck strength when she sits up. One major hurdle and benchmark would be her ability to sit up.

4. Melissa is now able to breath on her own for 10 hours per day.

5. Melissa received a new bed which will allow easier physical therapy maneuvers.

Overall, Melissa’s condition is has been stabilizing and improving over the last couple of weeks. Praise God!!

Prayer Requests:

1. That the minor brain surgery to replace her shunt on Friday, June 20 @ 1:30 p.m. will be successful.

2. The house is going through some termite work. In addition, the downstairs bathroom will be reconfigured to allow Melissa's usage. Pray that timing will be conducive to Melissa's eventual homecoming.

Pray for God's continued protection over Melissa.

In Him,
Michael

Update from Michael - 6/13/2008

2008-06-19T12:51:00.001-07:00

Melissa Yu Update as 2008-06-13 Friday
Day 9 in HealthBridge Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital
393 South Tustin Ave
Orange, CA 92866

Hi Friends,

Praise God that Melissa is progressing positively:

1. Melissa shows more stamina with physical therapy.

2. Melissa has gained 7.25 lbs. She had dropped to 89.76 lbs. on in May 13, and as of June 9 was up to 97.1 lbs.

3. She is able to hold her head up on her own for a longer period of time while sitting up.

4. She is breathing on her own for an hour in the morning and another hour in the afternoon/evening. The rest of the time is with ventilator. The assisted breathing ensures that her heart will not be overworked.

5. Melissa has physical therapy 4 times per week, speech therapy 4 times per week, occupation therapy 3 times per week, at about 30-60 minutes each time, depending on her condition.

6. Yesterday we put her in a reclining wheelchair and took her outdoors.

7. She is able to take a bath every day.

Prayer Requests:

1. That Melissa continues to improve and stabilize.

2. For physical strength for Michael and Marlene. This journey has been exhausting and our life style has been materially altered.

3. For God’s protection over Melissa.

God is good and gracious.

In Him
Michael

Notes From Mr. B, Robin and Michael - Melissa Transferred to REHAB!

2008-06-06T08:11:00.000-07:00

June 6, 2008 @ 8:00 a.m.

Note From Mr. B:

Quite a day for the Yu family yesterday. Melissa has been discharged from CHOC and moved to HealthBridge Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital. Here’s the address and telephone number. Visiting hours are 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., but it would be a good idea to call first to make sure she’ll be available for visiting and not undergoing physical therapy.

HeathBridge Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital
393 S. Tustin Ave. Room 12
Orange, CA 92866
714-289-2400

Note from Robin:

Much joy today for the Yu Family! Melissa has been moved to her new home, HeathBridge Rehabilitation Hospital, a CHOC rehab facility. in Orange. It's a beautiful "cottage-styled" home with a lovely yard and Melissa is in one of 27 rooms (very lucky to be there). Marissa, Taylor and I arrived this evening to say hello and have a short visit with Melissa and Marlene. Marlene was lovingly stroking Melissa and comforting her in her new surroundings -- wonderful to see only a couple of machines in the room. Melissa looked beautiful, peaceful and had small movements with her legs and arms throughout our stay. I know Marlene and Michael long for her to be home with their family. Please continue to pray that she makes steady progress and is returned home soon!

A huge thank you to all our prayer warriors and family and friends that continue to support the Yu family with meals, gifts, etc. their needs remain great. The high school girls are still seeking a donor to help sponsor t-shirts "We Yu" and any assistance or connections anyone may have would be greatly appreciated. A special thanks to Janice Munemitsu who has already contacted Mr. B at Mariners with a wheelchair!

God Bless You All!!
Robin

Note from Michael:

Melissa Update as 2008-06-05 Thu
Day 100 in PICU at Children Hospital of Orange County, California

Dear Friends,

Praise the Lord! I am thrilled to report to you a most wonderful milestone for Melissa! She was discharged from PICU at Children’s Hospital of Orange County today at about 5:00 p.m., after 100 days stay in PICU. Melissa has been transferred to HealthBridge Rehabilitation she was transfer to HealthBridge rehab. center where where she will be undergoing rehab. 3 hours per day.

Thank you for all your prayers for her. Please continue to pray for her until she is totally restored to normal … even stronger than before.

I will provide you more details and prayer requests later.

God bless you all, let us praise Him.

Michael

Update from Michael, Wednesday, June 4 @ 10:14 p.m.

2008-06-05T07:57:00.000-07:00

Day 99 in PICU, Children's Hospital of Orange County, California

Dear Friends,

God continues to be good and merciful to Melissa and us. Here is the latest:

1. The doctors placed Melissa back on the ventilation today after she breathed on her own for about 48 hours. This was done because Melissa had over an hour of physical therapy and decrease in medication and the stress had caused her to sweat profusely for 3 hours. In order to prevent her lungs from over-working, ventilation was placed back on. This is very positive.

2. We are currently considering Melissa’s eventual placement at Health Bridge rehabilitation center. This is an in-between home and hospital facility where Melissa can receive physical therapy and doctors feel Melissa can benefit the most. Positive attributes of this facility are a) its very clean; b) it is located just 5-7 minutes from CHOC; c) it has a contract with our insurance provider, Kaiser, which eases the insurance complications; d) ICU doctors from CHOC also cover that facility; e) Melissa can have her own room with a parent being able to spend the night.

Though Marlene and I would much rather have Melissa at home, we realize that we can’t be hasty or it may cause negative impacts on Melissa's recovery efforts.

3. Her most recent MRI of her brain stem was good. The doctors are continuously seeking answers as to why Melissa is not able to move her arms very much and why her reflexes are not as good as they would like. One of the speculations is that the shunt has some blockages. The doctors were pleased to note that Melissa resisted the doctors hand pressure. When the time is appropriate, perhaps the doctors will perform minor surgery to replace or clean the shunt.

4. Pray for Melissa’s continued recovery, in particular, that she will regain movement in her arms, be able to swallow and will recover her ability to speak.

5. Additionally, Melissa will need some equipment in rehab not provided by insurance, such as a wheelchair.

Although Melissa has shown drastic signs of improvements, please don't forget to praise God for His mercy and protection over Melissa.

In Him,
Michael

Update from Steve, Tuesday, June 3

2008-06-04T07:42:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update from Marlene this morning.

1. Melissa was able to breathe on her own for over 13 hours (as of 8:35 this morning).

2. Heart beat is below 100 which seems she's ver calm.

3. Throughout the night, no cough at all.

Let's keep praying for continued improvements and stabilization of Melissa's conditions.

Thanks,
Steve

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

2008-05-31T09:26:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-22T07:24:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-21T08:34:00.001-07:00

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.

2008-05-20T10:21:00.001-07:00

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.

2008-05-19T12:10:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-18T07:29:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-17T10:41:00.001-07:00

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

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

2008-05-17T08:08:00.001-07:00

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)

2008-05-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-05-15T14:25:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-15T10:01:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-05-12T13:24:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-05-12T08:19:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-05-11T07:15:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-05-10T07:09:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-09T13:23:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-09T10:24:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-08T15:27:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-05-08T08:33:00.001-07:00

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

2008-05-07T15:46:00.001-07:00

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

2008-05-06T13:06:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-06T13:05:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-05-03T18:25:00.000-07:00

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)