Chris

January 4, 2010

Dear Family & Friends:

It has been a very difficult New Year’s for our family the past several days. I wanted to share some news with all of you so that everyone has perfect information, and rumors and gossip do not spread false information and/or speculation.

Several years ago, our son Chris was diagnosed with having panic attacks and anxiety. He has such a brilliant mind and it seems to go a million miles an hour sometimes. Fortunately, that is a wonderful blessing when one is attending school and taking exams! Unfortunately, it can be a curse when put in stressful situations and in isolation, away from family and loved ones.

I know many of you read our blog and letters from Chris. He has had a wonderful mission with great successes. However, there are several letters and comments Chris has made to RaLyn and me that I did not post on the blog or forward to others, due to the sensitive nature of Chris’ medical issues and struggles. Recently, he has hit an emotional low and is in despair, having panic attacks and anxiety. Unfortunately, he does not have any medication to deal with these issues to help regulate his brain chemicals and serotonin levels. Japanese physicians are just not skilled and equipped to deal with such illnesses in the same manner as physicians in the United States.

After many hours of phone calls to Chris and President Traveller, the Nagoya Mission President, and the Mission President consulting with local and LDS physicians, the LDS Church Mission Office in Utah and General Authorities, President Traveller has been given direction from LDS Church Headquarters to extend Chris an emotional medical release from his mission, after nearly 20 months of service. Of course it would be ideal if he could get the immediate medical attention he requires in Japan and finish out the next 4 months, but Church leaders said that just isn’t possible, due to a lack of required medical care for his condition, and they feel the best course for Chris is to return home at this time and be treated. He requires some very needed medical attention and medication to help regulate this brain chemical imbalance from which he suffers. With proper medical attention, one can lead a perfectly normal life. As his parents, we love our son more than anything and want only the best for Chris.

I share this news with all of you knowing that you are our true and loyal friends and family. There is no point hiding any of these facts from you. It is much better that you are all aware of the situation and 100% “in-the-know”. Chris will be returning sometime this week. We hope all of you will welcome him home with open arms, knowing that he has faithfully served the Lord and been released from his full time mission, just a little sooner than expected!

With Love,
Matt & RaLyn