I am here to update you on the status of the Bollinger family, in particular, 11-year-old Caden Drew, the oldest child, who continues to recuperate from burns over 80 percent of his body, after some teenagers set him ablaze nearly a month and a half ago.

Caden faces a very long, painful hospital stay, but doctors finally feel the worst is behind him now.  He will more than likely need more surgeries and/or continuing treatment and therapies for years; this isn't over for him, no, not by a long shot.  The fact that he's survived this long goes to show you just how tough he really is.  The little guy really wants to live, and it's amazing to see!

The family continues to struggle with ever-mounting medical bills.  A fund has been set up; donations have been pouring in, and seeing it is Christmas, toys and games for the children have been coming in as well.  It looks like Ashlynn and Eagan will have a Christmas after all, as will Caden (although he probably won't feel like celebrating:  he's probably spaced out from all the drugs they've been giving him for pain control, infection, and fever, and he continues to sleep most of the time).

Meanwhile, my family continues to lift the teenagers who set Caden ablaze in our prayers; we pray that God will change their hearts and minds and ultimately come to apologize to the Bollinger family for the pain/suffering they caused their eldest child.

I have also been doing this blog, as a way of letting friends (and even strangers) know how young Caden is faring since his horrible accident that wasn't even his fault.  I pray that Caden continues to improve; right now his condition has finally stabilized enough to where we don't have to worry so much about whether he will make it or not.

He can still have complications, but we are believing for a miracle and a healing for Caden.  We believe that God will bring him through this ongoing problem and that He will use Caden for His glory, as a way of testifying to people about the power of the human spirit.  I mean, look at Joel Sonnenberg.  He was burned over 90 percent of his body after being involved in a car wreck w hen he was nearly 22 months old, and now he's going around the country, sharing the gospel and telling his story.  He's also written a book about his life.

I will continue to keep you all informed as to how Caden is doing in the weeks/months ahead.  I ask that you continue to keep them in your prayers; they really can use a divine touch from God!  I greatly appreciate it, and I know they will, too, especially since Christmas is only three days away!  May God bless you, and thank you for praying for such a deserving family!

~Dareen Willis-Culver.  :)