Four years ago, Manny ran for his life…on a treadmill hooked up to multiple monitors, in order for his cardiologist to assess how much his heart could be taxed during strenuous exercise before giving out. Needless to say, it was not a pleasant experience. Because Manny has physically grown since, the daunting Exercise Stress Test was finally repeated this month. 

After getting affixed with all the necessary gear, Manny hopped onto the treadmill and the test began. After a brief brisk walking pace to warm up, the treadmill incline was raised to 11% and the pace quickened. As we cheered Manny on and he was asked to rate his pain level, the treadmill was periodically raised to a steeper incline and faster speed.

We waited with bated breath for when Manny would give the signal that he absolutely couldn’t run another step but each time, he pushed himself a little further in spite of it being VERY difficult to breathe with that suffocating mask over his face! Praise God, he made it to ten full minutes and then literally had to leap over to the hospital bed next to the treadmill where the echo tech immediately scanned his heart functioning at such a high heart rate. 

We now await the results of this test from his cardiologist which will determine if any changes are needed in his current cardiac care regime. In the meantime, onward and upward to Manny’s remaining summer plans! Please pray for a favorable assessment and more importantly, that Manny will run his own race for dear life with the joy and endurance that can only come from Christ. 

With gratitude for your ongoing prayers and support,

The Lees

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance (emphasis ours) the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:1-2