real i2U

Ashley Thurman opened her email just as most of us do everyday. But one email in particular stuck out to her…

Five year old Graham had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. After numerous treatments with little success, Graham and his mother Judy came to Bloomington for treatment at the Midwest Proton Radiotherapy Institute, more commonly known as MPRI.

“I received an email from a staff member at SOCC explaining Judy’s and Graham’s situation and asking if anyone would like to volunteer to help them out for a week or so.” Ashley responded to that email and began to really understand what i2U is about.

She started babysitting Graham so that Judy could run errands and have some alone time. “Graham and I would sit and play with trucks and cars or watch videos. He loved Little Einstein videos!” Every time Ashley saw Graham he had a smile on his face.

Ashley reached out to a family in need and has since made a personal connection with them. “I have talked to them since they’ve been back home. Graham is supposed to be coming back [to MPRI] for a follow-up appointment in July, and Judy said she would give me a call to let me know how he is doing.”

God’s hand and His presence are in this new relationship between a brother and two sisters in Christ. “I feel like God led me to them, being able to help them however I could. I see God at work through this ministry at the church that enables families like Judy’s and Graham’s to have a support system when they can be far from home.”

It started with an email and ended in so much more. Ashley gave Graham a familiar face in an unfamiliar place. Judy and Graham taught Ashley to be content with what God has given her. They each got out of their individual boxes and all got i2U together.