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NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Another great news day on Tommy !
Friday, November 10, 2006
Hello to everyone.
I immediately had to let everyone know, I just got news this morning at 7:45A.M. that Tommy is now at 100% donor cells. Thank you Jesus. This now means that his body has all new baby girl blood cells and not his old ones. Now we need to keep the prayers moving toward rapid growth of the new cells to stop this disease in it's tracks! Although his immune system is now completely new, the cells are very young. They need to mature to do their job. That is our prayer goal. His hair is growing back on his arms, legs, head and torso. These are the first areas the new cells help, (the easiest). I ask you all to continue to be prayer warriors with me and for Tommy. I also need to ask you to remember his brother Bobby 13, he has a history of high cholesterol and high blood pressure(yes at 13). I am so blessed to have both of these boys. I couldn't ask for anything more. I also thank the Lord every day for people like you who have helped me more than you know. Your words of encouragement and your prayers have been an extended lifeline for me. You guys have helped me keep my sanity through all of this. Please continue your wonderful prayers and may God bless you all as abundantly as he has me.
Yours in Christ,
Michelle
Great New on Tommy ! God is blessing !
Friday, November 10, 2006
Hi. For those of you who haven't heard anything in a while, I apologise. Tommy was allowed to move home from the transplant housing a week and a half ago. He has been doing really well. We have a few "snags" here and there along the way but overall, he is doing great. His doctor forgets that he is only 92 days out from transplant because he IS doing so well. He didn't go trick or treating for two reasons, one, too many kids and germs and two, I choose not to celebrate that holiday. His faith in Christ is still very strong and he still gives testimony to people. He hasn't had his central line removed yet. There was a small setback with that. His potassium level went dangerously high and he had to have diuretics and fluids through it so they decided to wait a little longer to remove it. He looks good and he picks on his big brother Bobby (13) constantly. He still tires easily and looks pale to me but that is because he has always been dark from the Addison's Disease. His doctor said he isn't pale. I'm just not used to the light complexion on him. His hair is slowly growing. It still looks like baby fine peach fuzz. The hair on his arms and legs is just starting to return. He goes to the hospital for visits every week once or twice a week. He has lost his two front teeth. This isn't from meds or chemo, it's from normal development of a nine year old boy. He was singing "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth". Dr. Staba is VERY optimistic that the Adrenaleukodystrophy is halting. Praise the Lord!
ALL glory goes to him. Thank everyone for the prayers and support. I still ask that all of you continue to pray. This storm can last up to two year before we are clear of the gail winds.I pray for God to send his blessings to all of you, continue to watch over and protect you, and surround you with his love and glory. Thank you all.
You can write to Tommy.
The address is :16 Willow Course
OCala, Fl 34472
Or Email: tommyhopkins9@yahoo.com
Please feel free to write to Bobby as well. I don't want him forgotten in all this mess.
Bob's email: citraviper@yahoo.com
Great New on Tommy ! God is blessing !
Friday, November 3, 2006
Hi. For those of you who haven't heard anything in a while, I apologise. Tommy was allowed to move home from the transplant housing a week and a half ago. He has been doing really well. We have a few "snags" here and there along the way but overall, he is doing great. His doctor forgets that he is only 92 days out from transplant because he IS doing so well. He didn't go trick or treating for two reasons, one, too many kids and germs and two, I choose not to celebrate that holiday. His faith in Christ is still very strong and he still gives testimony to people. He hasn't had his central line removed yet. There was a small setback with that. His potassium level went dangerously high and he had to have diuretics and fluids through it so they decided to wait a little longer to remove it. He looks good and he picks on his big brother Bobby (13) constantly. He still tires easily and looks pale to me but that is because he has always been dark from the Addison's Disease. His doctor said he isn't pale. I'm just not used to the light complexion on him. His hair is slowly growing. It still looks like baby fine peach fuzz. The hair on his arms and legs is just starting to return. He goes to the hospital for visits every week once or twice a week. He has lost his two front teeth. This isn't from meds or chemo, it's from normal development of a nine year old boy. He was singing "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth". Dr. Staba is VERY optimistic that the Adrenaleukodystrophy is halting. Praise the Lord!
ALL glory goes to him. Thank everyone for the prayers and support. I still ask that all of you continue to pray. This storm can last up to two year before we are clear of the gail winds.I pray for God to send his blessings to all of you, continue to watch over and protect you, and surround you with his love and glory. Thank you all.
You can write to Tommy.
The address is :16 Willow Course
OCala, Fl 34472
Or Email: tommyhopkins9@yahoo.com
Please feel free to write to Bobby as well. I don't want him forgotten in all this mess.
Bob's email: citraviper@yahoo.com
Pre-entry Deadline for Race entended to Dec 6th !
Friday, November 3, 2006
I have extended the pre-entry deadline until December to give drivers a chance to evaluate there trucks after running the November 25th FASCAR event at New Smyrna or the FASTRUCK event at Charlotte County. I will except them if postmarked by the 6th and in my hands the 7th. None will be excepted on the 8th.
Any questions call Rick at 407-497-0448, thanks Rick.
Little Tommy gets to go home !
Monday, October 16, 2006
Folks, Little Tommy is going to get to go home. Since a story ran in the paper up there a lady rented her house to the family at a very affordable price. It is a new house and has the cleaness that Tommy needs. He can now go outside a little and see people a little. If more than four people he must wear a mask. The blood transfusion is showing 91-96% of the transplanted blood and cell is in his body. It will take up to six months for the true results of if they can fight his bad cells. He is showing a few small signs of nuerlogical problems and the doctor said he faces the possibility of more damage before the cells can work. Over all he is very upbeat and happy. They plan to take the feeding tube out of his stomach this week also. This is the first big step in an answer to all the prayers. The doctor said unless something goes wrong Tommy should be able to be with us at the December Hopkins Family Truckers 200 race. I will take steps to assure a clean enviroment for them. If someknows of a Motorhome place or you may have a new one that we can park in the corner at Orlando for him to stay in for most of the event, please let me know. We do plan to bring him out on the track with the Nascar drivers and so you all can see this great little guy. If you would like to send a letter or card here is the address.
16 Willow Course - Ocala FL. 34472 I know he and the family would like to hear from you. I plan to make a visit one of the coming Sunday afternoons to visit with my little pal and his family. I will update you all more then. Thanks for your continued prayers and support for the family and this event to come. Rick Bristol
Nascar Craftsman Truck Driver David Starr now confirmed !
Monday, October 16, 2006
Nascar Craftman Truck Driver David Starr who drives the Toyotaforklift.net truck for Jeff Hammond will be attending the Hopkins Family Truckers 200 in December. Special thanks to his agent Eric Lansing and to my Boss Rick Pacanowski for helping to make this happen. Hope you will get your tickets and be there !
Live Pit Stop off, 1/2 way break a go !
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Due to safety concerns we will not have the live two tire stop. It would be unsafe and I do not want anyone hurt. It will also save the team trying to find pit crews, guns etc. 1/2 way break will be 10 minutes. You can change two tires, refuel truck, clean windshield, air pressure adjustments and refill drivers fluids only. We will do this on the front stretch on the bandalero track in front of the crowd. We will have a place for tires, tools and fuel in the infield. If you have to pit during the race for repairs or other problems, you will be allowed 2 people per truck in safe area for pit needs and to do the 1/2 way service. This will be explained better at event. Also please remember that pre-entries are due by Nov 1st. The order I recieve them determines pit entry on friday morning the 8th and decides duplicate numbers. Any further questions or concerns please call me 407-497-0448. Tickets are now on sale and can be ordered at the same number $20.00 grandstand pass good for both nights. Two day pit passes are $45.00. Both will save you $5.00 if wait and buy at gates. It will also save you time in line. Thanks Rick Bristol
David Reutimann To Attend Hopkins Family Truckers 200 !
Monday, October 2, 2006
It was confirmed today that Nascar Craftsman Truck and Nascar Bush series driver David Reutimann will attend the Hopkins Family Truckers 200 December 8th & 9th at Orlando Speedworld. David, a native of Zeypherhills FL. and son of Legendary driver Buzzie Reutimann is scheduled to drive full time in the Bush series for Mike Waltrip and the Aarons dream machine in 2007. He may also be chosen to pilot the Burger King/ Dominos Pizza Toyota in the Cup series as well. " I am so excited to have David be a part of this, he is such a great person and wanted to help as soon as I asked. We will get down the final details as to time and all a bit later. We are also working still on a possible of a few more drivers being there as well. More could come in the next weeks. The timing is perfect as the Craftsman Truck Banquet is here in Orlando on Sunday the 10th.
A note from Tommy
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Hi everybody. I feel okay. I miss everybody. At least I get to go outside now. There were two baby tree frogs at the apartment yesterday. I couldn't touch them though. I can't wait until I can hold them again. I love everybody. I'm sending big hugs. Love , Tommy
Please keep praying for this little guy !
Laps being sold now for $10.00 per lap !
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
The 200 laps are being sold for $10.00 per lap that would be $2000.00 in lap money if we can sell them all. Those who payed for laps or wanted laps will be given a lap for each $10.00 they gave. The only laps that will remain $25.00 will be lap 100. Call me at 407-497-0448 if you can sponsor laps or e-mail me at rbmini68@aol.com. I only need your name and info right now and how many laps you want I will collect it all a bit later. You can pay now if you like. Thanks Rick Bristol
Pre-entries decide the following !
Tuesday, September 5, 2006
The pre-entries decide the following :
1. Any duplicate numbers are decided by pre-entry orders.
2. Pit parking order on Friday is determined by pre-entry order.
Pick pits according to pre-entry dates.
If you have any further questions please call Rick Bristol
407-497-0448 or e-mail him at rbmini68@aol.com
Update on Tommy Hopkins
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Hi everyone..
I want to let everyone know Tommy is in transplant housing now. He still goes to the hospital everyday to every other day for blood and platelets. The doctor just informed me two days ago that from the preliminary tests, it looks like 87-90 % of the white cells they tested are the new stem cell transplant from Tommy's "new" sister. That is wonderful news.
We still have a very long road ahead and prayers are still desperately needed. We still have high risks of infections, rejection etc. It will be at least six months until we know if the new cells have stopped the ALD. In the meantime, the ALD can still progress but we are still standing strong on the promises of our Father of total healing from the top of his head to the tips of his toes. Things get hairy and scary but we can't waiver in faith or prayer.
He is doing well all things considered. He is anxious for pets and to run around and be "normal" again. It gets hard to control him because he forgets about the central line in his chest and the pic line in his arm. He plays video games, watches movies and takes short walks or drives. No more than ten minutes from the hospital but at least he can see the birds, squirrels and sunshine again.
We are grateful for friends, family and especially prayers. Things are tight right now. The insurance wouldn't pay for the transplant housing so we're struggling for funds big time but the Lord never gives us more than we can handle and I have to believe that.
He takes several medicines several times a day. Immunosuppresants, antibiotics, steroids and growth factor injections in his stomach. He's a tough little boy and he amazes me everyday. Bobby is doing ok. He gets frustrated too by everything. He needs to be on line for home school through the state and that's a problem. Does anyone have an 8th grade curriculum? Books for eng,sci,soc,studies and math? I can do it without the computer but can't afford the books right now. He can't wait for Tom to be able to play again too. He's lonely for Tom and worries about him a lot. Bobby has grown up so much in light of all of this. It hard for everyone.
All things considered, everyone is doing okay and we are grateful for our blessings each and every day. We pray every day, several times a day with thanks and to ask the Lord to find us worthy of his blessings. We love all of you so much and thatnk you for standing by us and with us through this storm. We lift all of you up in prayer too. In our hearts and prayers, and all our love always..
Shelly, Tom, and Bob
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