A day of praise and thanksgiving

For months, 5-year-old Aubrey's world has been filled with challenges quite unlike the vast majority of girls her age. Shortly after her first birthday, it was discovered that Aubrey has a rare genetic mutation called "TERT," which means her body did not create blood platelettes at normal levels. Over the years her platelette count continued to drop. Aubrey underwent tests and procedures including seven bone marrow biopsies and three blood platelette transfusions. Since July her "home" has been a room at Duke University Hospital. She, daddy Nick and mommy Jeanette have continued to walk together on a months-long journey that included medical teams, chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.

From the beginning, this family's journey has been made hand-in-hand with Jesus, and on Monday, September 20, the following entry was made on Aubrey's CaringBridge journal:

Please join us for a day of praise and thanksgiving

Who: Aubrey Steen, Child of God

What: Aubrey Steen being discharged

When: Tuesday, September 21, 2010 (approximately 2 p.m.)

Where: Duke University Hospital

Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Floor

Why: By God's grace and love, and because engraftment is better than 98 percent

R.S.V.P. To God by the power of prayer

Praise be to God! On Friday, September 17, father Nick had reported that Aubrey's engraftment analysis test showed "she really got 100 percent. There were no recipient cells detected, meaning all cells found that could be analyzed were the donor's: none of Aubrey's could be found. And in this crazy, mixed up world of bone marrow transplants -- not finding any of your own DNA is a good thing. No, it's a great thing!"

The road to full recovery for this sweet child of God, and for her parents, will include daily visits to the hospital. There will be parental tasks including daily blood draws and IV infusions. Aubrey's "team" of prayer warriors, located all around the country, will continue to intercede on her behalf ... but evidence of The Healer's power is real. It is measurable. To Him be the glory! Thank you, Lord!