PRAYERS PLEASE: Necrotizing fasciitis eating 6-yr-old boy's face

KIRO-TV ^ | 2/21/2006 | KIRO-TV

[Veto!]

Bellingham Boy Fighting Flesh-Eating Bacteria

SEATTLE, Wash. -- What started as a 'fat lip' from a fall, now has a local 6 year old Jake Finkbonner fighting to survive. The boy has necrotizing faciitis, a bacteria that is attacking his face. His family says the bacteria was consuming him before their eyes.

The infection is so aggressive, antibiotics aren't enough. He’s had three surgeries so far to try to save his life.

Jake’s father, Donny, (says)......all of us are praying for him, and we’re just in God’s hands.”

Jake’s mother, Elsa says, “he didn’t have any facial features that were identifiable as my little boy.” She says their faith is giving them strength, “our son’s life is in God’s hands, and it’s out of our control. We just ask for more prayers.”

Every day that Jake is around, his mom says is gift, “we’ll take him any way God gives us, we just want to take our little boy home.”

Doctors are making sure they remove all of the bacteria.

Then Jake is expected to need extensive plastic surgery.

Copyright 2006 by KIROTV.com.

[Dianna]

Prayers going up for this little one. How scary this must be!

[pandoraou812]

prayers being said

[IronManBike]

I've got some crap like this eating up my face, so this boy is not alone.

Prayer is one of, if not THE most effective tool around; however, just mouthing or writing that one is praying while not attempting to would seem to border on blasphemy.

Fortunately, he is at the age where he can still see the angels and little people surrounding him, so one hopes someone can encourage him towards his healing.

[CDHart]

May God hold Jake and his family close to Him now and give them peace and strength. May He guide those who care for Jake and restore him to health to live a long life in His service, in Jesus' name.

Carolyn

[WV Mountain Mama]

Prayers for Jake and his family.

[Pegita]

Heavenly Father, we return to thank You that You know the depth of agony in the hearts of Jake's parents ... were it not for You, O Lord, they would be without hope. They have placed their beloved son in Your loving hands, Merciful Father, and may it be as they pray ... that their son would be restored to the fullness of health, to the Everlasting Glory and Honor of Your Name. Fill Jake's medical team with the greatest wisdom, that they would be instruments of Your healing. Let faith, hope, and encouragement surround this little one and his family, for in Your hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. Job 12:10. In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ we pray, Amen ...

[tiki]

Prayer bump for this family especially little Jake.

[murphyb]

Prayers for this precious little boy.

[Paved Paradise]

Heartfelt prayers have just been lifted up. A little boy here had this a few years back - ate up his leg - he was skateboarding and fell.

Praises to our Heavenly King and the ultimate Healer of all for HE has done mighty things and I have prayed that he will do a mighty healing on little Jake.

[Basselope]

Prayers from Michigan. What a horrible thing for this family. God, please place Your Healing Hands on this young boy and rid his body of this devestating affliction. Give Your strength and grace to his family so that they may endure whatever is to come.

[RMDupree]

Prayers up!!

[GovernmentShrinker]

He sounds like an ideal candidate for a face transplant. Instead of risking his life by trying to minimize the amount of tissue they cut away, it would be better to quickly take the whole face (and neck, if necessary), and replace it. Too late in this case, I'm sure, but hopefully this approach will be an available option soon.

[Palladin]

Would this little boy be a candidate for a face transplant? I hope something can be done to save him.

Meanwhile...prayers are going up...

[B Knotts]

Prayer BUMP

[Veto!]

Noon news update on Jake:

Thanks, everyone, for your prayers for Jake Finkbonner.

Doctors at Children's hospital have already removed much of his adorable face and neck. They believe he will live. They've never seen necrotizing fasciitis that attacked anyone's face. If he makes it through, Jake will need extensive plastic surgery. No mention was made of a face transplant. Jake's parents were shown with their two younger children. His father, Donny, was wearing a cross on a chain. Continuing prayers for Jake, his family and medical team.

[Dashing Dasher]

Prayers up.

[murphyb]

Continued prayers for this little boy.

[GreenHornet]

Jake is in my prayers tonight.

[Palladin]

I'll say more prayrs for Jake when I go t bed, and again when I wake up.

May this sweet child survive this illness, and be restored by skillful surgeons. He has a long road ahead.

[Alamo-Girl]

I join in urgent prayer for this child and his loved ones!