Prayers for Taylor - and all sick kids

The news must have hit Taylor Radtke's family like a body blow from a heavyweight fighter - the tumor is back.

Eighteen months after a tumor originally considered inoperable was removed from Taylor's brain by doctors in Phoenix, comes word that a new one has developed. Also, a severe infection is threatening the bones around vital parts of the 9-year-old Johnsburg girl's brain.

Amy Mack reported in Sunday's Daily Herald that the devastated family headed back to Phoenix over the weekend in search of another miracle. Her first medical procedure is Wednesday; the first surgery is set for the following day.

"Pray. Pray for Taylor," said her dad, Jeff.

So, that's what we'll do, and we urge everyone who rallied to her aid in October 2007 to again keep her in their thoughts as she fights the latest bout with the disease.

Because, in case you've forgotten, Taylor's heart-wrenching story was overwhelmed only by her bravery and the impressive outpouring of the community that came to her aid.

Taylor suffers from a tumor caused by fibrous dysplasia, an unusual bone disease. It can affect any bone, but in Taylor's case, nestled into her clivus bone, supporting the structure of her brain. Scarlike tissue develops in place of normal bone. When the bone grows, the softer tissue expands and weakens the bone. The growth was pressing on Taylor's carotid artery and a nerve that regulates eye movement.

Daily Herald stories about Taylor and her battle in 2007 generated dozens of suggestions and ultimately linked the family to Dr. Robert Spetzler and Dr. Peter Nakaji with the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix. They agreed to do the surgery. And, out of the trauma, the Radtke family learned they were not alone. Co-workers donated vacation time, family and strangers teamed up for fundraisers. Help and prayers came from across the country. Corporations donated private jets.

That story had a happy ending when doctors were able to remove the tumors. However, they warned the family the condition could return.

Their worst fears were realized recently after continued sinus infections. Extensive testing revealed infection throughout her sinus cavities, threatening the mastoid bones located behind each ear. Worse, scans revealed the original tumor had returned along with a new tumor.

As the family heads off in search of another miracle, the help has already started anew. Friends were able to get four one-way plane tickets relatively cheaply, and they have donated housing for at least three weeks.

Sadly, Taylor is not alone. There are many other children and families facing difficult or life and death challenges these days. And, like Taylor's family, which will have many needs in the coming weeks, they need our support - and prayers - just as you've given the Radtkes.