Update #1

As many of you know, the Koontz family found out last Friday that Stewart has a brain tumor on his pituatary gland. It is 4.5 centimeters. After a few years of struggling with daily night sweats, and a recent bout with shingles (to name a few symptoms), Stewart finally was sent for an MRI last Wednesday, July 15th. ( Following his yearly physical.) The Endocronologist's office told Stewart that they would be calling the the results the following day. After not hearing from the office that day, the Koontz family hoped and prayed that "no news was good news". The following morning, Stewart, Denise and Jasmine traveled to Waco to have breakfast with a dear friend and pastor who was in town from CA. While there, Stewart recieved the phone call with the news that indeed a tumor had been located and needed to be removed urgently. Needless to say, any type of tumor is frightening, especially in the brain.

The last week has been challenging. The Koontz's are so extremely thankful for the support of their church family at North Fort Worth Baptist Church. The prayers, meals, desserts, flowers and visits just in the last week have meant more than words can express.

Probably the hardest part of this whole ordeal has been waiting for an appointment with the neurosurgeon, and finding out when the actual surgery will be. Today, July 24th, Stewart and Denise met with Dr. Cravens in downtown Fort Worth. He will be performing the surgery. Stewart will be admitted into the hospital on Tuesday, July 28th and the surgery is scheduled for Thursday, July 30th. According the the surgeon, the surgery may be moved up sooner if possible. As of now, however, this is the information we know for sure.

Please continue to pray for the Koontz family as they prepare for the surgery to remove this tumor. Please pray that it will be benign after the biopsy is complete. Pray that the Denise, Tiffany and Jasmine will have peace and strength this coming week and they prepare for this upcoming time of difficulty. GOD IS IN CONTROL! The Koontz's know that He is watching over Stewart every step of the way and has a reason for allowing this to happen.

Also, please remember Stewarts mom, Sherry Osborn, and sister, Louise Ayres and they travel to Fort Worth tommorow and later this week from New Mexico to be with the Koontz's during this time. Thank you all who have taken the time to read this and pray. May you be blessed today.