She is a beautiful and young mother of two young girls (5 and 3) and the wife of Chris.
She is also a friend of friends, a blog reader, a woman who is walking in faith… and one who covets our prayers.
Last fall she was diagnosed with cancer {Synovial Sarcoma} and under went two major surgeries at the Mayo Clinic. Just a couple weeks ago she received the news that a very small spot in her lungs that showed on a scan in January has become several spots and a larger one near her heart and the medical oncologist thinks the cancer has metastasized in her lungs. They opted not to biopsy the spots at this time but do a repeat CT scan in June, but her doctor feels certain the cancer has returned. Her doctor has explained to her that this type of cancer does not respond well to chemo and if she opts to try it it will not save her life, only buy her time.
Montye has appointments with Dr. Gonzalez in NYC today and tomorrow and she is hoping and praying that he can help save her life. You can read more about him and her story on her blog.
We have emailed back and forth a few times and I asked her permission to share her story with you all. This is what she said, “I have felt the Lord’s Peace wash over me this week and I know He is by my side. I have decided that no matter what the doctors say that really in the end it is my Heavenly Father that decides how much time I have left on this earth… and I know He has great plans for me. As for the prayers, I will graciously accept them all. The power of prayer is truly amazing! No need to write back… spend that time with your precious little ones.”
So… my faithful blog readers will you please join me in going boldly to the throne of grace for Montye’s healing, and for the peace of Christ to wash over her, Chris and their families?
kendall boggs
May 5, 2010 at 4:13 pmHey Darbs,
I have followed Montye’s story for a while now and I am praying for her. What a wonderful, courageous young lady she is! Thank you for posting this.
kb
Stefanie
May 5, 2010 at 4:14 pmI will definitely be praying for her, as well as her husband and those sweet girls. Thank you for sharing this story with us so we can help her by praying.
Design Esquire
May 5, 2010 at 4:15 pmI’m praying right now for her and her family. I hope the NYC doctor is able to help her.
MaryBeth
May 5, 2010 at 4:16 pmI know God’s plans are beyond my comprehension but things like this really make me wonder what is going on. I will be saying a prayer for her and her family.
Beth
May 5, 2010 at 4:18 pmIn the name of Jesus, I will pray for her by name, with honor and faith that we serve a savior who heals! Holy spirit chills all over. Her peace is true and she is an inspiration. It puts things in perspectively quickly. Thank you for providing us the opportuntity to hear this need. God will be glorified by hearing all of the prayers from faithful readers of your blog. Blessings.
Ashley
May 5, 2010 at 4:19 pmOn my knees praying now.
Mrs. R
May 5, 2010 at 4:21 pmThanks for posting this. I will pray for her, the family, and the Dr. as well. I do believe in the power of prayer and collective prayer.
Abby
May 5, 2010 at 4:25 pmHer name is lifted. Peace be with her and her family and friends.
Katie
May 5, 2010 at 4:31 pmPraying now and will continue….
Becky
May 5, 2010 at 4:31 pmI pray for knowledge for the doctors and nurses, encouragement for her family, and peace for my new friend Montye. God is The Great Physician!!!!
CeCe
May 5, 2010 at 4:36 pmPraying for her and her family now and will continue. Thank you for sharing her story with us.
kristen
May 5, 2010 at 4:39 pmI’m praying for you, Montye. Thank you for sharing her story on your blog, Darby!
Lillian - Domestic Simplicity
May 5, 2010 at 4:43 pmMy heart just dropped reading this. That you for linking and sharing her story – I will definitely be sending many prayers her way!
Katie
May 5, 2010 at 5:26 pmPraying, praying, praying!
Jessica
May 5, 2010 at 5:30 pmI will pray for her and her family, what an incredibly strong person she certainly has an amazing faith!
Sheila George
May 5, 2010 at 5:48 pmMy thoughts and prayers are with this brave young family. God knows what he needs and she is truly an inspiration. I dont know what I would be doing or thinking if this was me or my family but only hope and pray that I would feel the same way she does. God bless her and her entire family.
Thank you for sharing the story!
Sheila
Phillips Phamily Mama
May 5, 2010 at 6:02 pmDarby-
Thank you so much for posting about Montye. She works at my daughter’s preschool, went to high school and Auburn with my husband. I know you have many faithful readers who will life her up to the Lord.
-Carey
Sarah
May 5, 2010 at 6:09 pmMontye and her family will be in our nightly prayers. I do hope she gets more reassuring news from the doctor in New York. Her words are powerful and I am in awe of her strength. My husband was recently diagnosed with cancer of the small intestine. He had surgery to remove his tumors and cancerous lymph nodes and is now undergoing chemotherapy. My point in sharing this is he recently met a nurse who had had breast cancer and is in remission but she met her best friend at our oncologists office who had cancer but of the lungs. She was told there wasn’t much that could be done, but 5 years later (which is considered remission in the cancer world) she is staying strong. My point being is doctors don’t always have the answers and the power of prayers, positive thinking, family, laughter, diet, so many things can aide in the treatment of this disease.
Chelsea
May 5, 2010 at 6:23 pmDarby,
What a small world! Although, I should know…because God is so much bigger than I’ll ever comprehend and He is always surprising me. 🙂 I have been a reader of yours for the last few months after I started blogging more often and found you and your sister! My mom, sis & I love to read both of your blogs…and just adore you & your families. I have just learned of Montye’s situation b/c I went to high school with her younger brother and he sent out an email for us to be praying her. Thank you for putting this out there so the world can be praying for this family! ~Chelsea
Sarah
May 5, 2010 at 6:47 pmMy heart is breaking for her. Thank you for using your blog to share prayer requests like this. It’s so easy in the blog world to make life look perfect, but I really appreciate the fact that you are faithful to bring us back to reality and remind us of what is really important.
I have been “officially” in remission from non-hodgkins lymphoma for almost 3 months now. God is our Great Physician. May He grant healing to this precious lady.
Tara
May 5, 2010 at 7:01 pmpraying fervently for complete healing and continued faith and strength that only comes from Jesus…
Mendi
May 5, 2010 at 7:37 pmAbsolutely…praying right now. Thank you for sharing that we can lift her and her family up.
abby
May 5, 2010 at 7:38 pmThank you for sharing this. I will be praying for her whole family!! This puts Mother’s Day in perspective.
katie r
May 5, 2010 at 7:40 pmpraying.
Alexis
May 5, 2010 at 7:50 pm‘If this is what it takes to praise you…Jesus bring the rain’. I think of this song whenever I or loves one face challenges. No challenge is too great for our Lord and Savior but let these challenges bring glory to Him. She is in my prayers.
Cat Moore
May 5, 2010 at 8:18 pmWow! Just went to her blog for the first time. In tears now. Thank you for posting and I will most certainly be praying for her, her family, and for healing.
Molly
May 5, 2010 at 8:31 pmpraying for montye & chris, family & friends. the peace & the healing of Christ over her.
Jean Anfindsen
May 5, 2010 at 8:40 pmI began praying before I completely finished reading your post and will continue to ask for God to heal and comfort her.
Shannon King (Denver)
May 5, 2010 at 8:41 pmWhat a beautiful family! I am praying for Montye and her sweet family!
farah
May 5, 2010 at 8:49 pmPsalm 86:6
Hear my prayer, O LORD; listen to my cry for mercy.
I will cry out for mercy for Montye. Thank you for sharing.
Lauren
May 5, 2010 at 9:13 pmPrayer is a powerful thing…..and yes I will be in prayer for Montye, her husband, and her 2 little girls. Our God is an AWESOME GOD.
Cami
May 5, 2010 at 9:14 pmPraying for Montye and her family.
Ruth Ann
May 5, 2010 at 9:20 pmI will pray without ceasing. I find myself very busy with my kids and teaching 1st grade, so I pray in what I call ‘snippets’ or small phrases that I just lift to the Lord whenever I can. It is like a prayer that is on-going all through the day, keeping Him beside me all day.
Sonya
May 5, 2010 at 9:23 pmI am praying for Montye.
Liz
May 5, 2010 at 9:28 pmLord, have mercy on Montye, on her husband and on her daughters.
Jessica
May 5, 2010 at 9:37 pmPraying for this sweet family! I can’t begin to imagine… Jeremiah 29:11-13 comes to mind – He does have a plan for Montye, Chris and their two sweet daughters. I’ll be praying for God to use Dr. Gonzalez to bring healing to Montye. Thank you for sharing so we can lift her up in prayer during this very difficult time. I’ll be watching for news from the appointment!
nicki
May 5, 2010 at 9:59 pmWhat a stong lady Montye is! I pray to God for a peaceful time she has with her family over this challenge time in her life. God is Grace!
Elaine
May 5, 2010 at 10:06 pmGod is bigger than cancer and any of us. He can do all things miraculous and is the THE Healer. He works through us to glorify Heaven and all of eternity. I am praying right now for the power of a miracle, Lord be willing. I know sometimes we feel so small, but our God is so BIG and He loves us beyond any of our comprehension.
Melanie Gore
May 5, 2010 at 10:07 pmI will be praying for her tomorrow.
Kristi
May 5, 2010 at 10:13 pmThank you for posting this. I am certainly praying for this beautiful woman and her family. Sometimes we don’t understand why, but it’s in His hands.
Kristi
Christy
May 5, 2010 at 10:13 pmPraying, praying, praying.
Jesse
May 5, 2010 at 10:18 pmShe will be in my prayers this evening!
Melissa
May 6, 2010 at 12:24 amI will be praying for her too. My mother in law has cancer in her lungs, small spots, with a big tumor behind her heart. The cancer metasized to her brain. This all happened last year, since then she has been going to MD Anderson. On the last visit they gave her good news that the cancer was shrinking. Prayer is powerful, I will tell my family and friends to pray Montye.
Isabel
May 6, 2010 at 4:40 amDearest Darby,
I will devote my night prayers for Montye. She is so brave.
May God cusp her and her family with strenght and hope.
Let’s not forget that miracles, happen every day.
All my best wishes to Montye, her husband and children and to yours too.
xxx
Isa
(from L.A)
mary katharine
May 6, 2010 at 5:44 amWhat a humble reminder of the gift of life and health this morning. Thank you for the post and the call for the body to lift her up.
Ashley Eiler
May 6, 2010 at 6:57 amthe incredible part about this story is that montye had the same incredible spirit in college that she does today in the face of a trial… it didn’t take this trial..praying for an amazing woman!
Laura
May 6, 2010 at 7:42 amThank you for sharing her story. The power of prayer is amazing!
Jill Cribb
May 6, 2010 at 7:44 amMatthew 18: 19″Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” – John Wesley writes:That is, to worship me. I am in the midst of them – By my Spirit, to quicken their prayers, guide their counsels, and answer their petitions.
There is power in prayer….I am praying for Montye & her family.
angela
May 6, 2010 at 7:51 amI set aside time to pray for her…this woman I don’t even know. After all, we share the same Father. Thank you for caring so deeply.
Susan Kokat
May 6, 2010 at 8:01 amBeautiful, kind soul. So much love in my heart for Montye and her family. Thank you for posting.
Donna
May 6, 2010 at 8:56 amMy prayers go out to this mother and her family! Thanks for sharing!
lizziefitz
May 6, 2010 at 9:00 amindeed ,I will.
emily
May 6, 2010 at 9:36 amI was up for my by baby’s early morning feeding and felt like I should focus on praying for the families who have lost their moms this mother’s day, or those who may. I love when the Lord confirms His voice, and I know it was Him putting that into my heart. I will be praying for this gorgeous lady and her family and the rest of those families who find Mother’s Day a little bit hard to celebrate this year.
Tina Hester
May 6, 2010 at 10:30 amI am struck with the awareness of the priveledge we have as fellow believers to join together in prayer for this family. And how this amazing technology(the internet)is being used for God’s glory.Am praying for healing, hope, and peace for this precious beautiful family. Thank you Darby for sharing her story.
McCall
May 6, 2010 at 11:12 amMy prayers are with her and her precious family. Our God is always faithful, and, THANKFULLY, He is always in control. Thank you for sharing her story with me.
Erin
May 6, 2010 at 11:29 amThank you for sharing Montye’s story. My heart aches for her and her family. I will be thinking of them and hoping that they can find a way to beat this.
Allison McLendon
May 6, 2010 at 11:32 ampraying……….
Amee Love
May 6, 2010 at 1:38 pmThank you so much for sharing this Darby. I will pray for Montye, her husband, and those 2 precious children.
Kristen
May 6, 2010 at 2:08 pmPraying boldly for her and her family!
Hillary @ The Other Mama
May 6, 2010 at 3:18 pmWill be praying for the family and doctors. Thanks, Darby!
wonderwoman
May 6, 2010 at 3:20 pmMy brother’s oncologists highly recommended LIFE OVER CANCER by Dr. Keith Block. See also ANTICANCER, A NEW WAY OF LIFE by David Servan-Schreiber. Great reading for those facing this diagnosis, and those who simply wish to avoid it altogether.
Katie
May 6, 2010 at 4:34 pmHey Darby~ I just read her post and it made me sick to my stomach and I cannot stop the tears. She is such a strong person and it makes my heart hurt for her and her family. I will be praying for her. I will be praying for her children and for her husband. This must shatter his poor heart.
Kelly@TearingUpHouses
May 6, 2010 at 5:16 pmOh my. I will certainly pray for her.
Kelly
Judy
May 6, 2010 at 6:08 pmWhenever I read anything like this, it makes my problems seem so insignificant. What a precious family and I love how Montye has expressed her trust in her Lord. Truly, it is in God’s hands. I will keep this family in my prayers.
Judy
Jennifer
May 6, 2010 at 6:11 pmpraying, and will continue to do so!
Jennifer Little
May 6, 2010 at 7:34 pmMontye will be in my prayers. Its strange and wonderful how someone in her position can strengthen other people’s faith.
Brittaney
May 7, 2010 at 7:08 amWow! This post hit me hard. I am currently sitting in my classroom trying to fight back tears. Montye and her beautiful family will definately be in my prayers.
My stepfather was diagnosed with Glioblastoma (brain cancer) last January and the doctors only game him 3-6 months to live. A year and a half later and he only has a small spot on his brain and is living his life to the fullest. Prayer is the most POWERFUL medicine!!!
Cazra
May 7, 2010 at 8:15 amPraying for a supernatural healing that only comes from our Heavenly Father. May he give the doctors wisdom beyond their training and give her (and her family) a peace that surpasses all understanding.
Thank you for sharing.
khaliah
May 7, 2010 at 8:21 amHeart felt story, It sounds similar to the cancer Lance Armstrong had in his lungs. He had a special piece of medical equipment put into his chest. She should look into this or read his book “its not about the bike” since he is a cancer survivor. I think the book would give her motivation. Please keep us posted. I’ll email her with the treatment Lance Armstrong went under and we all know how that turned out. God bless this women and her family.
Khaliah
chris
May 7, 2010 at 8:21 amI’m so sorry to hear about your friend. I feel like we all are touched by cancer these days with friends, relatives being diagnosed with this terrible disease. My mother had brain cancer and thankfully, today, you would never know it. She recovered completely. I also have a friend who I met 3 years ago. When I met her, her husband had recently died of lung cancer and through these past few years she has pulled her life back together only to be diagnosed herself with stage 3 pancreatic cancer a few months ago. Her friends, family, and the local community have pulled together and are planning a benefit and raising money for her medical expenses and to help secure the future of her two children. I will certainly pass along the information that you posted about your friends doctor in NY, as well as the helpful references that some of your readers posted in the comments. The community of those who are linked to cancer in one way or another is massive and when we join together, we are stronger and the outcome can only improve. The website that was created to support my friend is https://gonzalezbenefit.yolasite.com/.
Jennifer
May 7, 2010 at 4:55 pmPraying now…. may god be with her and her family, this stroy has truly touched me. thank you for posting it. GOD BLESS US ALL.
Tricia
May 8, 2010 at 2:59 pmPraying for Montye and her family.
Montye
May 8, 2010 at 7:39 pmI cannot begin to tell you all how much your prayers and well wishes have meant to me and my family. I am in awe of your kindness.
Matthew 21:22
And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.
We received very promising news from the doctor in New York. I start a program this week to restore my body back to full health. It is going to take about two full years, but there is HOPE! Praise the Lord!!!
Emily L.
May 11, 2010 at 9:50 pmWhat a strong women she is. I just saw that she posted she has hope, what wonderful news 🙂 I hope and pray the best for her and her family.
molly
April 11, 2011 at 9:01 pmhi darby,
i have been following montye ever since you posted about her last year. she hasn’t blogged in a few months – really unusual. i’m hoping that you have an update on her. i’m worried about her. if you have any news i would love if you would send it on.
i love your blog.
molly
anonymous
July 7, 2011 at 1:51 pmMontye was a dear friend to my family. Montye was a special person with tremendous faith, pure kindness, an infectious smile, and a beautiful spirit. She lost her courageous battle with cancer on July 6. I know that our Heavenly Father was waiting for her with his arms wide open to welcome her Home. We now need to lift up her precious family in prayer. Praying that God will wrap his loving and comforting arms around Chris, their adorable little girls, and their extended family and help them get through this very difficult time.
anonymous
July 7, 2011 at 1:54 pmJuly 5, not July 6. my apologies.
Erika
July 17, 2011 at 6:09 pmPraying for Montye’s family..