January 18, 2026
I’m supposed to be updating you on how I’m feeling almost exactly a year after we went to the hospital and received Oliver’s cancer diagnosis. MLK Jr. weekend, snow in the forecast, dinner with the same friends—our weekend looks almost identical to this time last year. I’m supposed to be telling you about the deep gratitude and appreciation I have for our community, our friends, the prayers, the meals, and the many ways you have carried us through this year.
Those things are still true. And yet, I am devastated to share that Oliver’s cancer has come back.
We noticed some slight bulging in his right eye and were able to get him to the ophthalmologist the very next day. He had an MRI at UNC on Friday, waiting until 2:00 p.m. to go back. Through it all, he continues to be so patient and easy-going—especially for a two-year-old who couldn’t eat or drink until his sedation that afternoon.
The MRI showed what appear to be leukemic tumors in the orbit and skull. A bone marrow biopsy will be done on Tuesday to confirm. Thankfully, he is not experiencing any pain at this point. We will likely begin treatment in the next one to two weeks and expect it to follow a similar course to last year: several cycles of chemotherapy and, if we are able to get him back into remission, another bone marrow transplant.
There are no words. We are numb. And yet, as much as I want to curl up in a ball and go to sleep, we have to keep going. We are praying for God’s strength to get us through this hour, this day. We are holding tightly to the promise that He is near to the brokenhearted—that He holds our tears and feels our pain. This world is full of pain and brokenness, and we look forward to the day when God makes all things new—when there are no tears, no cancer, and no death.
Please pray for:
Our team—wisdom as they make decisions for best next steps.
Short hospital stays and longer periods at home.
Remission would be easy to achieve again.
* PS: If you know of anyone in the Raleigh area that is good with kids and is looking for some part-time hours, please email me at jessica.ann.morrel@gmail.com *