Pray for Ian Romaine - DIPG WARRIOR

If you have ever run a race, when you cross the finish line, there is an overwhelming simultaneous mixture of relief of the race being finished, a whole body acknowledgment of the cost the race has taken from your being, and a deep sense of wonder and gratitude that your body, which God personally knit together, could accomplish such a feat. This morning, March 4th, Ian finished his race on this earth. And oh friends, what a race it was.

Our son's life leaves a testimony that echos the words of Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Your continued prayers for our family are deeply appreciated. We are still working on finalizing funeral plans and will share those just as quickly as possible for those desiring to come or watch on live stream.

We know many of you will feel the good and God-given burden to help us in some tangible way. We will communicate specific needs as they arise or come to mind so that the body of Christ can function and shine in the beautiful way God designed it. One of the ways we do know you can minister to us is through your physical presence at Ian's funeral. Being surrounded by those who have helped carry us along through their prayers would touch our hearts profoundly as we run with endurance the race that is set before us.

Rest assured, our sweet brothers and sisters, that we are not looking to God for explanations, because He has met us in this turbulent time of deep need with the mystery of Himself. His nearness to us is tangible, and it is our greatest good.

We love you

The Romaine family

We returned from our flight on Thursday, March 2nd and that night Ian, and mom, were unable to get good rest. Ian's tumor progressed even greater giving him the fight of his life and constant struggle to breathe. We endured the hardest part of Ian's cancer journey all day Friday, March 3. We had Ian's hospice nurse assisting us but we saw the effects of his brain tumor impacting Ian's health. The final fight could have been days or weeks and no one could tell us how long. Friday evening Ian was able to close his eyes and rest, under heavy pain medication, in his own room but still struggling to breathe. Our girls and we all prayed with him and said our goodnights. I administered Ian pain medication at 11:30pm and he was still asleep. I woke up at 3:30am to administer his next dosage of medication to see him open his eyelids just a little. At this point he could no longer move any parts of his body or even his eyes. He could only just stare. I wept for him and cried to our God with him. After giving him the dose of pain medication I stayed lying by his side until 5:00am. I returned to my bed tired and exhausted and in much need of rest. 7:30am came and Hannah went to administer his next dosage to find out that he has passed on from this earth to be with His Savior. The suffering pain has ended and his miracle had come.

I share with you these details because his last week of life was fully lived doing what he wanted to do. He loved the outdoors and wanted to hunt. Through the help of this unique team God had graciously answered his prayer. Even the day of Ian's funeral, on March 11, we made 4 roasts of axis deer meat in the crockpot and fed over 60 family members and friends. the best tasting meat ever! Ian provided the food for our family and for his own funeral meal. No words could express the immense gratitude that we have for the Lord making this trip possible.  

God is sovereign and He knew what would happen to our son. I beg you to listen to Ian's recorded funeral service and hear of the goodness of God. Ian trusted in Jesus Christ as His Savior at the age of 6 and we proclaim boldly that the same gospel hope is available to you. 

Recorded Funeral Service:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHx2RFVhu1A

Photos of Ian's Hunt of a Lifetime:

https://we.tl/t-TsOk4E6fRK

www.Spainmissions.com

On April 20, 2022 our 100% healthy son of 7 years old was diagnosed with DIPG (DIPG.org). You can learn more about the details that transpired at our webpage www.SpainMissions.com which will also provide a timeline of his condition which resulted in his death on March 4, 2023.

Taking a step back:

Make-A-Wish foundation quickly accepted and fast-tracked my son for a wish once we received word from the doctors of Ian's terminal cancer diagnosis. The first thing he shared was his desire to return to Spain, where he was born because we have been church planting as missionaries with for the last 8 years. Because of Covid restrictions they would not allow him to travel internationally. Spain was not an option.

Ian’s second request was to go hunting and kill a deer. Sadly, within their policy they state that the harming or killing of any animals was not allowed. I had taken Ian turkey hunting several times before when he was 6 but we never were successful. He was 7 now and I knew if the opportunity was available that I would take him deer hunting.

Deer hunting came and went in the fall of 2022. He and I sat in a ground blind together and were unable to shoot a deer after trying about 6-7 times. Because of his cancer condition I was going to have to aim and pull the trigger. I couldn't take him out in freezing cold temperatures because his body wouldn't be able to endure the stress and strain. So much was working against us and we were unsuccessful yet we both enjoyed seeing Ian’s grandfather kill his first whitetail buck in his life. 

After an MRI in late November 2022 we learned that the swelling and inflammation around Ian's brain tumor had decreased. Unexpectedly, in December my son Ian began to regain some of his strength and stamina to endure longer air travel. On Dec. 13, 2023 we began exploring if it was plausible to fulfill his wish to return to Spain to be with his friends and be back in his home that he knew. He also expressed his desire to share with his friends of Jesus who is Ian's Lord and Savior.

Also in December of 2022 after seeing his stamina to travel improve, I began searching for help and some sort of way to answer my son's wish to hunt and successfully kill a deer. I came across "The Hunt of a Lifetime Foundation" who help children like Ian to make his dream become a reality. We were readily accepted and assisted with the help of Tina Pattison and Dan Wilhite with hopes to give Ian a successful trip to kill his deer…on his own accord!

Ian had lost strength through his cancer journey and the first symptom that occurred was double vision. His one eye became weak and thanks be to God that when a situation like this occurs that the body naturally will try to correct itself although there are still limitations. Ian would not be able to look down a rifle scope and shoot a deer on his own. The other concern I had was that Ian didn't have the strength of a normal now 8 year old to shoulder a rifle and pull the trigger without possibly injuring himself. Dan W. was excellent pointing out the use of a tripod to stabilize and hold the rifle for Ian. Dan also reached out to Digital FOV and immediately purchased Digital Crosshairs to mount to the scope with hopes to provide Ian with the opportunity to view and put a deer in his sites on his own.  

I want to express my thanks to "Hunt of a Lifetime Foundation" for raising the awareness of children and youth that would like to explore God´s creation and hunt an animal with respect. Thank you to Tina for reaching out to us and connecting us with the Torres family. Thank you Dan for coordinating the purchase of the Digital Crosshair equiptment so Ian could be in full control of his hunting experience.

I want to express my sincere thanks to Digital FOV for creating such a device that helped my son have such a successful hunt that allowed him to shoot a deer on his own. Yes, with assistance because of his deteriorating physical condition but Ian was elated with the work that he had done. Without your technology and product Ian would not have been the one who could fire his weapon on a deer. 

I want to thank Preston McDaniels who spent several days with us as a photographer and videographer for Ian's hunt. Preston also devoted extra time during the week to assist us and record more footage after we were given the extended time on the farm. https://www.mcdanielsmedia.com 

I want to express our heart filled appreciation to Ron and Dane Torres who went above and beyond to help not only my son Ian but my entire family to receive a hunt of a Lifetime. A memory that will last a lifetime!

I would like to extend our gratitude to the Torres family who surpassed our wildest expectations of the hunt for Ian. First, our family's priority through Ian's cancer journey was to stick together and build lasting memories. We were offered by the foundation the expressed offer that we all do this hunt together and that we would just have to cover the expenses for the remaining family members. This was what we wanted and before we could speak up to Ron and ask he was already on the phone with me trying to convince me that their goal with the hunt is to make it a family experience. No convincing was needed and I gladly accepted his vision for the trip. Ron even took the step further and said he would pay the airfare for my 2 young girls and wife so the expenses wouldn't inhibit our ability to come. Ron and his wife Dane prepared breakfast, lunch and dinners offering us a taste of the Bayou cuisine which was fun for us all and Ian. Their hearts were poured out to make Ian's and our hunting experience one that could not be forgotten. Their generosity and time was not overlooked and we are forever grateful for them treating us like their own family. We now have a love and bond through this experience with them that will not be erased.

Ian was able to successfully shoot and kill an Axis doe on the 4th day of the scheduled trip. Even after all the effort to shoot a buck we headed to the airport with contentment as a family with good memories for us all. By God´s own providence, we all sat on the airplane ready to depart only to find out that there was a problem with the door. We sat on the plane for over 3 hours until all passengers needed to disembark and wait for the aircraft to be prepared to fly again. A 12:52 pm flight was delayed over 7 times and waiting until 10:27 pm for the final "delayed" departure was not going to work. The new arrival time into Charlotte at 1:16am in the morning and the need to still drive over an hour to our home would not work for my boy who was already physically exhausted and hurting because he sat on the plane upright for so long without much relief or help from the airline. Ron was very gracious to offer us a place to stay back on his game farm for the length of time we desired. This brought great comfort to us with the hopes of getting Ian the much needed rest to his body while also exploring the opportunity for him to hunt for a buck just a few more times. We are blessed to have been given the opportunity to take the time as a family and enjoy the game farm and take things at Ian's pace. We never felt pushed or pressured by Ron and he was very gracious to us by extending his place for our family. We were supposed to fly back home on Sunday, Feb 26 but extended our stay until Thursday, March 2.

We believe Ian's tumor began progressing gradually around the 1st of February, 2023. I had some hesitations of even continuing on this hunting experience because of the decrease of strength in Ian's right side of the body which would ultimately allow him to physically pull the trigger (which was a requirement of the foundation. Dad could not shoot the animal for him). Ian was already semi-paralyzed on his left side of his body for many months and his stamina to endure outings began to decrease. It was awesome that we could fit Ian's wheelchair and support his neck and head while waiting for the opportunity to shoot a deer. Ian enjoyed traveling in a Polaris to go out and explore the 500 acre property with hopes to seek out a kill. He was always asked before going out if he wanted to hunt and he always answered yes. It was during our trip at the Magnolia Game Farm we began to see Ian's strength take larger strides of decline. He could no longer speak but only utter sounds. He was unable to support his head up in a normal position. By the end of the trip he wasn't able to eat normal foods and was on a puree and liquid diet. Our week on the game farm with the Torres was bitter-sweet. We were blessed by their family and all they offered to us but we were also bearing the weight of the quick decline of Ian's little body. I mentioned this and our concern to them and we did the best to give comfort and rest to Ian. On the final evening we stayed on the farm Ian was able to successfully shoot and kill a Black Buck buck which tickled his heart. In God´s timing, he was able to kill a beautiful deer that he had been tracking all week.

We thank the Lord for answering our prayers even the prayers of His children!

Since returning from Spain in April, 2022 a consistent request of Ian and his sisters was their desire to return "home" to Logroño, Spain.  To be back in their own bedroom, play in the places that they know and more importantly spend time with their friends whom they know. We are blessed that Ian was given the strength to travel the distance and enjoy his time.  We are very grateful for the work and help that Grandpa was able to do so that our children's need could be met and so that we could return with some awesome memories and stories!

This trip would not have been possible without the support of the missionary team in Logrono. They are a primary example of how the Lord has shown His tender care for us, by giving us teammates who are our brothers and sisters that we deeply trust and depend on during this tumultuous time. They came alongside us in BIG ways while we were in Spain and it was encouraging to be with them again.

“How was your trip?”, has been the question of many, and I find myself without words adequate to describe the depth of what God did. As is His way, how He works isn’t just unidirectional but on levels infinitely far above what we can see or comprehend. Because of this, “It was good,” just doesn’t fit. Was it favorable? Agreeable? Satisfactory? Having everything desired or required? No, it was not good. It was extraordinary, exceptional in every way.

Before leaving we determined the gospel would be the central theme of our trip and to share it boldly every chance God granted to sow the seed of truth in the hearts of our loved ones. With that as our measure we can cry out “YES!!” God is using this tragedy to fling doors wide open and we were able to clearly share the good news of the gospel REPEATEDLY! I remember three days after our arrival, we had had no less than 5 opportunities to witness to friends already, and I looked in the mirror, completely humbled and I thought, “Why has God been so good to me?” I was shocked by this thought. What was it that made me feel so blessed when my life feels so marked by suffering? The gospel. Not just that I have been personally saved by its truth and power, but that every time I share it, I experience an unbelievable and unmatchable joy. Friends do not miss out on this in your own life!

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Cor. 12:9)

We are excited to pursue Ian´s wish to return to Spain so he could see his friends and visit his home.  All of our children have been asking the question, "When can we go back to Logroño?".  Ian was in no shape to make this trip last year and Make-a-Wish was also unable to provide an international trip. We will be returning to Logroño for a short trip from January 17 - February 1, 2023. We are excited that Grandpa (Charles Mingonet) will join us on this adventure.  

We are thankful to share that some of the funds that were given here in this campaign have allowed us to fund our trip to Spain.  Thank you for giving and making Ian´s wish come true.  We are making all the planning on our own, hoping for the best and planning for the worst case scenarios.

Since December we have been able to go to the local YMCA as a family two times a week and we all have enjoyed staying healthy and building up our strength. Ian has been very motivated to get stronger and better. We have much to be thankful!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Jg91GRWeDbE&feature=shares

Please keep us in prayer as we take each step in this trip wanting to be used by God and seeing to the best care for our children. 

Did You Know: We were surprised to see Steve and Sandy Aholt, long time friends and still serving missionaries (formerly to Papua New Guinea), at my brother John´s funeral in Springfield, MO.  It was so special and encouraging to us. We give praise to God as we appreciate them and their prayers.

Ian's August MRI had revealed a lot of fluid and swelling around his brain tumor. This was the reason for the clinical decline of physical strength and endurance in the months of July, August and September. Doctors were unsure if the fluid around his tumor was swelling and inflammation caused by the tumor growing or if it was necrosis (death of brain or tumor cells) from the radiation.

Thanks to our friends who have given financially we have been able to provide Ian with alternative & natural medicines with the primary goal to naturally reduce swelling & inflammation around his tumor and provide Ian with physical comfort. These supplements are not cheap and we thank many of you that have sacrificially contributed.

At the end of November we took Ian to Duke Medical Center to receive a scheduled (3 month) MRI followup on his brain. The result of his MRI revealed a significant decrease of fluid around his tumor, Praise the Lord! This has been encouraging to us since we have seen a slight increase of Ian's strength and stamina in the month of November. He still has most of his physical limitations but it has been encouraging to see Ian with more energy and enjoying each new day. 

What's next: From a medical standpoint, the effects of radiation could begin to wear off and his tumor may go into progression anytime soon.  No one knows what tomorrow will hold but we are giving God thanks for every day we have together.  

Please continue to pray for Ian and for wisdom for us as we navigate the days ahead.

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Every day has its challenges but this past week has been exceptionally so as we have begun preplanning funeral and burial arrangements for Ian. Although we are not there yet it has been helpful to make some of these decisions now so we won't be forced to later under pressure.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEza4Kr8HhxPc5IF_KXf6P08ikP-g7s7T

What a humble time to wish Ian a Happy Birthday this year.  The Lord has grown Ian´s heart mightily. Though the fiery trials of life he is a growing young boy who has a tender heart unto the Lord and is always willing to give and share the things that are his. We find great peace and comfort knowing that Ian has placed his faith in Jesus Christ, the one who lived a perfect life and died and paid the ultimate for his sins. Glory be to God for the resurrection of Jesus that gives us the blessed hope of eternal life.

John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

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https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEza4Kr8HhxPc5IF_KXf6P08ikP-g7s7T

Qué momento tan humilde para desearle a Ian un Feliz Cumpleaños este año. El Señor ha crecido poderosamente el corazón de Ian. Aunque las pruebas ardientes de la vida él es un joven en crecimiento que tiene un corazón sensible al Señor y siempre está dispuesto a dar y compartir las cosas que son suyas. Encontramos gran paz y consuelo sabiendo que Ian ha puesto su fe en Jesucristo, el que vivió una vida perfecta, murió en la cruz por sus pecados. Gloria a Dios por la resurrección de Jesús que nos da la esperanza bendita de la vida eterna.

Juan 11:25-26 Jesús le dijo: Yo soy la resurrección y la vida; el que cree en mí, aunque muera, vivirá, y todo el que vive y cree en mí, no morirá jamás. ¿Crees esto?

On April 23, 2022 the Lord relocated our family from Spain to Cincinnati, OH to seek medical attention for Ian's diagnosis of DIPG. Certainly this road has been grueling and difficult but we are thankful for family, friends and our church who have encouraged us along the way.  We find it difficult to express our raw feelings with words and we are thankful that our Heavenly Father knows our hearts. We have been encouraged by those who came to visit us as well as the many cards and care packages sent to us in a time of need.  The following video is a remembrance of our time in Cincinnati from April 23 through July 2, 2022.

A Time of Encouragement

Romaine Dude Perfect Encouragement

On June 25th the Dude Perfect team showed up to the Rupp arena in Lexington, KY as part of their "That's Happy" tour this summer.  Ian and the entire family were given tickets by Platform Tickets, their event coordinators. They also got us VIP tickets for a "meet & greet" with the entire group.  We were asked to wait until last because the DP team wanted to spend extra time with us.  We had about 15 minutes of their time talking and enjoying a time of fellowship with them. The sweetest time with them was gathering around and praying for Ian.  There wasn't a dry eye left in the room and it really touched our hearts of the testimony this group has for the Lord. 

The event show was wonderful and at the end Tyler shared a little of their testimony and faith in Christ.  The following video explains more about his faith in Christ:

What they believe:
https://dudeperfect.com/video/what-we-believe

The Rupp Arena coordinators also gave us VIP tickets to enjoy some food, games and a relaxing time prior to the event which was a wonderful experience.

(We had tickets to see this group last summer, while on furlough, but the tour was cancelled due to Covid. This is a family friendly group of guys who love to have fun while also spreading the love of Jesus.)