Claire Fontanella

Dear Fellow Prayer Line Members.  Back in January I asked if you would all pray for my 17-year old granddaughter, Claire Fontanella, who had been diagnosed with an 'invasive malignant melanoma' on her back. This was not a sun-caused melanoma but rather a fast growing kind frequently associated with adolescents and young adults.  My daughter's family lives in the Charleston SC area, and they were able to take Claire to Sloan Kettering Hospital in NY where they specialize in this.  After surgery they prescribed a new form of chemotherapy - two drugs together in pill form twice a day.  There were all kinds of worrisome side effects with these drugs but so far Claire has not experienced any of them.  Her quarterly blood tests show no bad effects.  She is eating real healthy and has put on some weight.  She will have a CT scan in October.  I just wanted all of you who have kept Claire in your prayers to know she turned 18 in June and this week she began her first year of college at North Carolina State University in Boone, NC.   So many of you have asked about Claire, and Bill and I want you to know we are so grateful for all your prayers on her behalf.  You're a wonderful parish community.  God bless you all.  

Charlene Brannan