Family sees God’s providence while struggling with tornado aftermath, child’s cancer diagnosis

Brad and Maggie Youngers thanked God when their family survived an April 26 tornado that severely damaged their home.

And they leaned on Him for strength for the rebuilding challenges ahead.

But little did the Youngers know how much more they’d soon be facing.

Temporarily living in a small rental house in Blair and haggling with their insurance company about home repairs, their priorities quickly changed when their 3-year-old daughter, Kashly, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

The middle child of three – with siblings Ty, 5, and Payton, 7 months – Kashly began showing symptoms in early April, including limping and night sweats. 

By early May she was listless and dragging her leg when she walked, her mother said. During a seven-hour emergency room visit, an X-ray revealed a spot on her pelvis. A blood test and an MRI confirmed the diagnosis.

 “When we found out, we just cried and prayed,” Maggie said. “The knowing was the worst part.”

Worries about insurance and home repairs immediately took a back seat. “Our priorities needed to be shifted,” Brad said.

PROVIDENTIAL TIMING

But instead of doubting or being angry with God, the two see the unfolding of events as divine providence at work, given the timing.

Kashly had been experiencing symptoms before the tornado, but those symptoms worsened while she and her siblings were living temporarily with extended family in Kansas immediately after the tornado.

By the time she returned to her parents, who took her to the emergency room at Omaha’s Children’s Hospital, the cancer was detectable through a blood test.

“If we had gone in a day earlier, or the week prior, they would have told us to go home and wait a couple weeks,” Brad said, which would have allowed Kashly’s illness to worsen. “Luckily, we caught it as fast as we could,” he said.

“We truly think God allowed the house to be taken so we didn’t take her to the hospital earlier,” Maggie said. “I think all this happened for a reason, and that’s OK.”

A GREAT SPIRIT

Kashly’s illness is the most common form of childhood leukemia and, of the two types, is the most survivable, Maggie said. “The younger you are, the higher the survivability rate. It’s the best cancer to have as a child, if there is such a thing.”

After only one month of chemotherapy Kashly’s illness was already in remission and remains so two months later, her mother said. But two more years of treatment lie ahead to ensure the cancer doesn’t return.

“We have one more round that’s going to be really rough for two months, and then it’s maintenance from then on,” Brad said.

“Kashly has the greatest spirit for this, and she takes it all in stride,” he said. “She’s just tough.”

Maggie Youngers plays with her daughter, Kashly, with some of the child’s favorite toys. MIKE MAY

That spirit has made her the darling of fellow parishioners at St. Francis Borgia Parish, who look forward to seeing her at Mass, fussing over her afterward and offering their prayers, Maggie said.

“When they found out that something was wrong, and even before that, with the tornado, (it was comforting) to know that so many people who don’t really know her and see her one day a week for an hour cared so much,” she said.

“It’s really been eye-opening how kind everyone is,” Maggie said. “We’ve had people come out of the woodwork to help, sending money, sending her gifts.”

BUOYED BY SUPPORT

Through all the adversity, the Youngers family has been buoyed by the kindness, generosity and prayers of parishioners and how their pastor, Father Damien Wee, has personally ministered to their family.

Two days after Kashly was admitted to the hospital, Brad called Father Wee to request a blessing for her and was shocked when Father arrived within the hour.

“The only reason it took him an hour was that he went to the Catholic bookstore to buy a rosary, a guardian angel necklace and card, and a book,” Maggie said.

Together, they prayed for more than an hour, including praying the rosary, Brad said. “I told Father that his rosary was the most beautiful one I’ve ever seen and he said, ‘Here, take it, I have another one.’” Touched by Father Wee’s generosity, Brad accepted the gift and uses it regularly.

During Kashly’s 12-day hospitalization, Father Wee also made additional visits to the hospital, bringing Holy Communion and sharing his time, comfort and humor.

“He was there for us,” Maggie said. “I’ve never had that kind of connection with a priest.”

A NEW PERSPECTIVE

Throughout their difficulties the couple are seeing opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.

“This has forced us to slow down and re-evaluate how we use our time, talent and treasure,” Maggie said, such as becoming more active in their faith and their parish or being more empathetic and generous toward others.

“It’s been good for us; it’s softened our hearts,” she said.

Her family’s experiences are also helping her learn patience, Maggie said. “We’re typically in control of things, so this is very humbling.”

“We’re still working on our faith and we still have a long way to go,” Brad said.

But through it all, the couple said they have remained solid in their faith and trust in God.

“I’ve never once wondered why this happened to us,” Brad said. “It was going to happen to somebody, so maybe we’re the best people to go through it. I have no doubt God’s intention is good, even if it’s painful now.”

“God only gives you what you can handle,” he said.

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