Joni Eareckson Tada Having Major Surgery Today - June 28, 2010

The 1980 movie Joni told the true story of Joni Eareckson, who on July 19, 1967 broke her neck in a diving accident.  Since then, Joni Eareckson Tada has become a Christian ministry leader and quadriplegic disability advocate.  It was announced last week that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

This past Friday, Doug Mazza, president and COO of the International Disability Centre of Tada’s Joni and Friends ministry stated “Joni is to undergo several more tests, followed by surgery within the week.  The extent of the cancer will not be determined until the procedure.”  According to an announcement on her website, the surgery will take place today.

Tada and Ken, her husband of 28 years, said that they were trusting God through this.  They also said that doctors told them that there have been more breast cancer treatment advancements made in the last five years than in the previous 150 years.  According to Joni “though cancer is something new, I am content to receive from God whatever He deems fit for me.  Yes, it's alarming, but rest assured that Ken and I are utterly convinced that God is going to use this to stretch our faith, brighten our hope and strengthen our witness to others.”

Her popular radio and TV programs that feature inspirational stories are a part of her International Disability Center.  The Center serves the disabled through a variety of encouraging ministries.  Joni believes that her battle with cancer will expand her ability to minister to those facing other health issues.  “We've always prized the ministry God has given Joni and Friends to people facing a variety of disabilities; everything from autism to Alzheimer's, from spina bifida to spinal cord injury,” said Tada. “Now I have a chance to truly empathise and journey alongside, affirming that God's grace is always sufficient for whatever the disease or disability.”

Updates about Joni’s health and progress will be available on the “Joni’s Corner” section of the website www.joniandfriends.org.  Messages from well wishers and promises of prayer support can be left there as well.

Treatments will begin following today’s surgery.  The regimen will depend on the outcome of the surgery.

Joni’s husband Ken commented “We are confident Joni is in very good hands.”

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