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| Abplanalb Family with Amos' quilt at an Evie Clair concert |
A few months ago I received an email from Jennifer Kelly. She was a member of Duncan's ward when they lived here in Hawaii. She shared with me that she had been following The Duncan Project and wanted to nominate her Uncle, Amos Abplanalp, who had been diagnosed with colon cancer. This amazing tribute written by her and her sister is from her first email.
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| Amos in the early stages |
On April 3, 2016, Amos experienced sever abdominal pain. Thinking his gallbladder was the culprit, he went to the ER. He and his family received the unfathomable news that he had Stage 4 colon cancer with metastasis to his liver and peritoneum. Urgent surgery was performed to attempt to remove the tumor. It was unsuccessful and a procedure to allow his intestines to function was performed instead. He began chemotherapy some after. To date, he has survived nearly one year of unsuccessful chemotherapy. He is awaiting further treatment to slow the growth of the tumors in his liver while researching clinical trials in which he may be eligible to participate.
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| On the way to church with the whole family |
Amos has endured unspeakable pain, fatigue and significant lifestyle changes. Through all of his challenges, he has not lost faith. He continues to serve as the Bishop (spiritual leader of his Latter Day Saint flock). He was called to serve just before his diagnosis and after the diagnosis was offered the opportunity to step down as the Bishop. He declined, offering that the Lord knew what was happening in his body when He called him to serve. Amos continues to fulfill his duties to the best of his abilities.
Regardless of the venue, Amos is loved by those he meets. Teaching and coaching wrestling at Gilbert High School, he provided much guidance and acceptance to his students and athletes. They were heartbroken when he completed his degree in Psychology and accepted a job with the corrections system. Though hazardous that job may be, he guides and shares life experiences with the inmates.
Amos' life has been about service. Service to his children and wife by attending as many activities as possible (even if that means a nap on the couch in the foyer) and observing date night as often as possible. Service to his family by working through every symptom he can. Service to his ward family through continued guidance and leadership. Service to friends and family through his example of faith and endurance.
The future may be darker than he anticipated and it is my hope that he will have just a a little comfort knowing how others see him. They see his fight. They see his fatigue. They see his struggle. They also see his strength. They see his goodness. They see his unwavering dedication to Jesus Christ. The want to share their love and prayers that angels will be round about him.
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| Amos' favorite color was orange |
This sweet family is loved and supported by so many people while they are temporarily separated from this great husband and father. His family, including his nieces, adored him as you can see by their tribute.
I spent some time reading about Amos today at teamamos.com. I was so inspired. His influence lives on.
Love in the stitches.....
