Giving back to the Zapata Family

In November, Leah and her husband Milton learned that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. For those of you who know Leah, you know what an absolute joy she is: she’s kind, caring and always looking out for others. She’s also humble and never asks for help.

In addition to being a wife, raising three children, and working full-time, Leah is pursuing her undergraduate degree part-time. (In fact, she just finished this semester with a 3.8 GPA!)

Leah has initial surgery scheduled for December 22. Please lift Leah and her family in prayer in the coming months as she fights this battle.

Would you also please consider a donation to help the Zapata family? Battling breast cancer, even with medical insurance, is costly. Add to that the cost of college courses and books, and raising kids - it’s just a lot. Anything you feel called to give will be a great blessing for this amazing family.

Please read Leah’s post from Facebook when she announced her diagnosis:

Friends and family, Milton and I would like to share some news with you.

Last month, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

With so many dear friends going through breast cancer treatments these past few months, I felt strongly compelled to get my first mammogram ever. I was not having any pain, any symptoms, or any discomfort. I scheduled the mammogram appointment purely out of deep and utter respect for my dear friends who are fighting this fight right now. An act of solidarity, if you will. I wanted to let them know that their pleas for others to get checked were HEARD.

I thank the LORD for Kara Davis, Dawn Geschiere and Renee' Ketner being willing to share their journeys so openly these past few months. You ladies quite literally helped me find something that I had NO IDEA was there!

I have surgery scheduled for December 22, then a course of treatment will be chosen after it's determined to be invasive or not.

At this time:

- we ask for prayers for the surgeon and the nurses that their hands will be skilled and their minds will be focused.

- we ask for prayers for our children as we continue the conversation with them about all of the possible treatments and outcomes.

- we offer up prayers of thankfulness that both Milton and I are employed by amazing organizations that are completely supportive of us and any time away that we need.

- we ask for prayers that the surgery and all the necessary treatments fall within the scope of what is covered by our health insurance.

The Lord has carried us through many things during our marriage journey. He is BIGGER than our worst days. He is also BIGGER than our best days. We are not defined by any of those days. We are defined by the one who created us and loves us.

He knows the plans He has for me. I trust Him.