Blood Drive at St. Joe's Hospital in HS

Fr. Bill has remained in the hospital this week due to his count levels.  He is in isolation right now but asks for prayers and fasting on Fridays for him.  There will be a blood drive in St. Joe's Mercy Room here in Hot Springs, on Wednesday, October 19th from 9AM-2PM and Thursday, October 20th from 7AM-2PM.  You can walk-in or call for an appt at 877-340-8777.  Please request that the donation be made in the name of Fr. Bill Thomas. Thank you for all your prayers and best wishes for Father.
 

Follow-up Treatment

Fr. Bill was out of the hospital for 3 weeks.  He celebrated the weekend Masses on October 1st & 2nd at St. Mary of the Springs.  On Monday, October 3rd, Fr. Bill returned to St. Joe's hospital for a week of follow-up chemo treatments.  We expect him to be released this weekend and coming by the office as early as next week.  He just asks for continual prayers and fasting on Friday for him.  Diane Pollock

Welcome Home!

Father is home.  On Saturday he was released from the hospital. 

He is under strict doctor's orders for rest, he cannot have visitors.  He asks us all to keep praying and fasting for him.

If you would like to make a meal and bring it by the Church Office, we will get it to him.  Remember, meals need to be diabetic friendly.  Father prefers chicken or fish to red meat.  Call the office before you begin cooking, we want to make sure each day is covered.  Office is open 8 AM til 4 PM Monday - Friday.

Wednesday Afternoon

Fr. Bill called today and said he has not forgotten us.  He said to continue the prayers as he is doing along with his spiritual reading.  They did another bone marrow test yesterday and do not have the results back yet.  His 2 sisters were here over the weekend to visit and he enjoyed seeing them.

Friday Update

Father checked in with the office this afternoon, he was in good spirits.  He said that his numbers are up and that is good!

Russellville Blood Drive!

Pints and Prayers for Father Bill

Blood Drive, Russellville!

Saturday, October 8

8 AM - 2 PM

St John Catholic Church
1900 W. Main St.
Russellville, AR 72801

For more information contact Craig Brabel at 479-964-0063

Mid-week Update

Father called the office on Monday, it was good to hear his laugh.

He had a very important visitor on Sunday, Bishop Anthony Taylor.  (The Bishop was in Hot Springs to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Sister Martha's religious vows.)

To quote Father "I am still on retreat, and praying for all of you."

A message from Fr. Bill -

“I am doing as well as can be expected, becoming a bit weak from the treatments.

The nurses are like angels, they take good care of me and are very patient with me.

I’ve not lost my hair!

Please pray for me and fast a little on Friday for a miracle.

I am praying for you.”

A Visit from Fr. Bass

Fr. Mike Bass visited with Fr. Bill yesterday.  Fr. Bill is tired, but still in good spirits - and he still has a full head of hair.

Your prayers mean so much to Father.

From Fr. Bill

On being asked, Fr Bill says as to how he is:

"I am on the Mountain, with St Joseph and the Blessed Mother, keeping the vigil."

Thursday Morning

Fr. Alan shares the following update "Fr. Bill has had no severe adverse reaction to the treatment thus far.  He is very relaxed and is not anxious."

Fr. Bill continues to ask for our prayers, he spoke with the St Mary's office this morning and sounds tired but great!  He does not have the name of the specific type of Leukemia, the treatment is a constant 7 day/24 hour drip of medication. 

Let's keep the prayers going, and remember - tomorrow is Friday - Fast for Father.

Blood Drive!

Prayers & pints  for Father Bill

One way to help Fr. Bill is to donate blood or platelets.

Any donor who comes in and states they are donating on behalf of Fr. Bill will have a form filled out crediting their donation to him.

Blood type doesn’t matter.

Donors should make a commitment for a specific time by calling 1-877-340-8777 to schedule an appointment.

When donors arrive and beginning of screening, they must tell the screener they are there to donate for Fr. Bill Thomas.

For those who donate be sure to:

*eat a good meal the night before of meat, fish or poultry, dark green vegetables like spinach and a normal breakfast and lunch

*drink lots of water and cutback on caffeine as it lowers iron and shrinks blood vessels

*bring their photo ID—driver’s license

Many Thanks to the Hot Springs Knights of Columbus for coordinating this effort.

Thank you for your concern

Fr. Bill is settled comfortably in the hospital.  Fr. Alan has visited with him, bringing the thoughts and prayers of all.

An email has been circulating stating that Father has internal bleeding.  Please be assured, the intensive diagnostic tests revealed no internal bleeding. 

Father has been diagnosed with Leukemia. 

With the nature of both the illness and the course of treatment, his immune system is vulnerable and for that reason he cannot have visitors.  He knows that his many friends want to show love and support, in response to this Father has asked that we fast & pray on Fridays for his recovery.

In lieu of cards or flowers he asks that donations be made to St Mary's church to keep flowers on Mary's altar.

Leave your message for Father Bill here on the blog, we will see to it these messages are given to him.

Ave Maria!