After a strong dose of antibiotics, Tommy is feeling better. The infection appears to be under control. Progress is being made in the attempts to clear any blockage in his lungs. There is hope that Tommy will be able to return home soon! Your prayers are being felt and Robyn and Tommy thank you for them. Praise God that He is our healer! Robyn asks that you continue to pray for Tommy's continued recovery and Tommy asks that you pray for him to be able to go to the Dave Matthews Band concert in a couple of weeks! :)

On another note, Robyn and Tommy and their family, as well as all those involved with the fundraiser send out a gigantic thank you for the amazing support of this community. It continues to be overwhelming!!! The upcoming fundraiser, Tommy's Nite Out, on Friday October 9th, will be a celebration of Tommy and all that is good about this community! To those of you who may have donated to the Van Zandt trust prior to the fundraiser being planned, please feel free to contact Mark Saviers for tickets to the fundraiser in exchange for your prior donation. He can be reached at MSaviers@sagepartners.us Also, continue to check the fundraiser website, www.friendsoftommyv.com, for more auction items! Looking forward to seeing EVERYONE there! It will be an awesome night!

"...for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25:5

Despite appearances that Tommy was feeling better, new medical issues have arisen. Over night, Tommy's fever has once again increased and there is considerable concern over problems in his lungs as well as other infections. A new round of antibiotics has been started and there is a possibility of scoping the lungs. Please pray for wisdom and discernment for the doctors and clear direction for Robyn and her brother-in-law Mark as they make important decisions about where Tommy needs to be and what procedures need to be done. Also, please pray for God's encouragement over Robyn as she seeks to remain strong. Praise God for continuing to provide so many people to come alongside the VanZandts at this time! -- You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry... Psalm 10:17

The good news is that Tommy is in good spirits and feeling pretty well. However, due to a high fever and concern over infection, Tommy has been taken to the hospital today for monitoring. There is some concern of pneumonia as well as other infections but treatment is underway. Tommy should be back home soon.

Please pray for wisdom and discernment for the doctors as well as healing. Praise God the caregivers He has provided.

"You are my help and my deliverer, O my God, do not delay." Psalm 40:17

I am thrilled to report that Tommy is home and doing very well! As many of you know, Tommy's welcome home started with a gathering of friends who lined the streets with signs and waves. We all knew Tommy was in good spirits when Robyn texted the waiting crowd to let us know their arrival home would be delayed because Tommy insisted on driving by Razorback stadium!!! (Tommy was unaware of our greeting plans) There is indeed no place like home...especially when you are from Arkansas!

After a few days home, Robyn reports today that Tommy is still excited by the reality of being in his own home! God has continued to care for the Van Zandts in amazing ways as he has provided rest, peace, wonderful caregivers, loving friends to help when called, meals, and even perfect timing as the respiratory therapist showed up at the exact time she was urgently needed...twice.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10

Plans are still on track for Tommy's arrival today around 12:30. (Thursday 17th) Hope to see you there! God is Good!

Tommy is packed and ready to come home!!! He should be arriving at his neighborhood between 12:30 and 1:00 on Thursday the 17th. Please join us on the street leading to his house to welcome him home. We will stop our line some distance from their home to provide the privacy they desire. Tommy is extremely excited about his return home and will be thrilled to see his friends along the way!

Fundraiser News: If you would like to buy your "Tommy's Nite Out" tickets in person instead of on line, they are available at the Bank of Fayetteville on the square and on College as well as at Sage Partners. October 9th is just around the corner so buy now! Also please take a look on line at the growing number of auction items that will be available at the fundraiser. www.friendsoftommyv.com

"Then all the people left, each for his own home, and David returned home to bless his family." 1 Chronicles 16:43 Praise God that Tommy will soon be home as a blessing to his friends and family!

Good News...Tommy is feeling much better this week and plans are in order for his homecoming this Thursday the 17th. The blog will be updated with the exact time of arrival on Wednesday afternoon but will probably be around 1:00 pm. Plans are still in place to line the street leading up to Tommy's neighborhood.

It is also exciting to share the following news from the TV fundraiser committee...The energy around Tommy’s Nite Out is starting in a big way! Today, we received a $10,000 sponsorship!!! If you have not bought your tickets yet, please go to http://www.friendsoftommyv.com and purchase your tickets today. You will receive a very cool “Friends of Tommy V” wristband as your ticket that you can begin to wear immediately! You can also consider sponsoring or simply donating to help raise much needed funds for Tommy and his family.

Please talk TNO up! Help us reach the $201,000 goal!

This WILL be a very special night for a very special man!

Robyn also wanted to convey her heartfelt thanks for how each of you have blessed her and Tommy. They are humbled and amazed that people all over Arkansas have come together to support them. Over and over they have expressed their sense of awe at how God has placed so many people in their lives for this very moment!

"Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles." Philippians 4:14

Robyn just send word that Tommy's homecoming has once again been delayed. The delay is due to Tommy's high blood pressure. The medical staff members at Craig are working to find the right medications to control Tommy's blood pressure and are hesitant to send him home until the issue is fully under control. Despite our sadness over the delay, how truly wonderful it is that the Craig team is providing such careful and thorough care for Tommy. Praise God for the staff at Craig! Please pray for strength and encouragement for Robyn, Ross and Jack as they continue to prepare for Tommy's homecoming and deal with the setbacks. Please also pray for Tommy's health as well as knowledge and discernment for the doctors.

On an exciting note, the plans for Tommy's Nite Out are in full swing. Don't forget to check out the website at www.friendsoftommyv.com

"If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." Psalm 139:9

I spoke with Robyn today and she has confirmed Tommy's arrival time for Thursday. If all goes as planned, Tommy will arrive in Fayetteville around noon and will be home between 12:30 and 1:00. Plans are still in place to have friends line the street near the Van Zandts' home to greet them. Although Tommy does not know about our plans, he suspects something and has asked Robyn to make sure no one is at or too near their home as this will be an emotional and personal time for their family. Robyn still feels like the welcome home greeting will be a blessing so we plan to stop our line some distance from their home. Please check the blog on Thursday to make sure the plans and arrival time have not changed.

Also, Robyn reports that Tommy is not feeling well. Please pray that he will recover and be able to make the trip home. Praise God for His perfect timing. Although the waiting is difficult for us, we know God has a perfect plan.

"You hem me in - behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me." Psalm 139:5

Good News...The Tommy V. fundraiser website is up and running! Please visit www.friendsoftommyv.com for ways to support the Van Zandts.

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24

Robyn has returned to Denver and reports that Tommy is in great spirits and excited about coming home. He has finished his round of antibiotics associated with the infection which delayed his homecoming. The staff at Craig is still working to adjust some of Tommy's medications but as of now he is still set to come home next week on September 10th. Please join us in a welcome home parade on the 10th. We will line the street up to Tommy's home. Tentatively, Robyn and Tommy are expected home in the early afternoon. When a more definite time is known, that information will be posted. Praise God for His hand in working out so many details associated with Tommy's care. Please pray for Tommy's continued good health along with safety and ease for the plane ride home.

One request...Robyn has asked for a volunteer to video the homecoming "parade." Does anyone have a special talent for this type of work and have a desire to video the homecoming? If so, please post to the comments so others can see if someone has volunteered. Thank you!

Keep watching for the unveiling of the fundraiser web site. It is almost ready!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13