Dear Silvercrest Ward,
I am forwarding this email from Bishop Lynn Olsen of the Canyon View Ward, since many of you know the Olsens so well.
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I am sending this email to make you aware of a sensitive issue regarding my wonderful wife, Hope. As many of you know, she has had several health issues over the last few years. A year ago, we noticed that she had a difficult time pronouncing some syllables. Her speech has continued to worsen. It has been a long journey consulting with several doctors over the last year trying to diagnose the problem. A few weeks ago, after being examined by three different neurologists, we received a conclusive diagnosis that she has ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) known more commonly as Lou Gehrig’s disease. http://www.alsa.org/about-als/what-is-als.html
We don’t know how fast we will see a further decline in her health, but many that have talked with her have noticed and wondered what is wrong. We feel like we would be missing an opportunity to have your thoughts and prayers on her behalf if we didn’t make you aware of this situation. Hope is struggling not having the ability of being able to visit and communicate with you like she has for so many years.
We are asking you as a ward to join with us as a family to fast and pray for Hope this coming Sunday, May 17, 2020. Please pray and fast that she will receive love, support and blessings of health and comfort, and as I have told members of our family, it’s okay and appropriate to pray for a miracle. Every additional day Hope has with us is truly a wonderful and cherished blessing.
Hope is at a high risk of serious health issues if she contracts COVID-19, and since she has a hard time talking, it would be appreciated if you would like to reach out to her, to please do so via text, email or note/card.
Thank you so much for your friendship, kindness and compassion.
Bishop Lynn Olsen
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As an additional note to Bishop Olsen’s email, we are aware of others in our ward and stake that are in need of your fasting and prayers. Could you also remember them as well and collectively help the windows of heaven open for Hope Olsen and those in our ward and stake
Thank you
Bishop Bickmore