NOTE FROM THE MACS STAFF

La'Cyrus' story was written before he passed away. We will update his story as soon as we receive more information from his family.

Praise the Lord. I want to take this opportunity to tell you a brief story about La'Cyrus and how his illness took place. He was born on April 19, 1995, weighing 6 lbs. 9 ozs. He was always a happy healthy little boy. At age 3, he broke the big bone in his left leg. During this break, we found out that he had soft and fragile bones which could easily be broken. So as a little boy growing up, wanting to do all the things little boys do, he was limited. We were afraid to let him play any sports or horseplay. Although La'Cyrus was limited from a lot of things, he has had a GREAT life. For enjoyment we have more family activities.

When he started school, he grew very close to his teachers' hearts. Some would say they loved him as if he were their child and I appreciate those who showed and gave their love to him.

As time went on, in August of 2007, La'Cyrus was in the 6th grade. His teachers were wonderful and have compassion for what they are called to do. August 25, 2007, was the last day La'Cyrus was in school.

On Saturday, August 26, 2007, he woke up early that morning crying. He said he could not see clearly and he was numb on the whole right side of his body. We took him to his family doctor who ordered an MRI. When the test results came back, we were referred to Jackson, MS. There, at Blair Batson, they did many tests and found that La'Cyrus had lesions in his brain stem and at the base of the brain. He was admitted that same day.

They continued to do more tests to see if they could operate or do a biopsy. We found out it was inoperable due to the location. The plan was to treat him and pray to see a decrease in the lesions or treat them until they were gone. La'Cyrus is being treated for ADEM (Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis). This causes the central nervous system to not function like it should. La'Cyrus has a problem with balance when walking, he has double or blurred vision, the right side of his body is weaker than left, his hearing in his right ear is dull, his appetite is poor, and his memory is not the same.

In April 2008, La'Cyrus returned to the hospital due to his heart rate dropping below 40. He was in ICU for several days. The doctors have sent him home and now we wait to go back to see his neurologist soon. We were told the lesions have spread.

Recently, it was also discovered that La'Cyrus has Multiple Sclerosis.

Why did this happen? I don't know. What I do know is, God is in control of this situation and yours too. Whether happy or sad, sick or health, poor or wealthy, black or white, God has the final say. So why complain?

As each day passes, I see new miracles each day. Just another smile from La'Cyrus brightens my day. I find myself being thankful for what is, than what is not.

Please continue to pray for La'Cyrus. Prayers move mountains.

He loves getting mail. Even though he can't read as well as before, he enjoys having someone read the cards and mail to him.

(..... to be continued .....)