Blake Cline - "Against All Odds"

         This is Blake Cline holding the poster that her kids in her classroom made for Spencer.  She is the first person among a huge group of people who I hope participate in letting Spencer know that they are thinking of him constantly, and spreading God's will.  People need to hear his story and realize the power of God and prayer.  God's glory is truly being spread throughout Pitt County and beyond. Thanks Blake!

March 30, 2012

             
          I am pleased to inform everyone that with the benefit coming up on Sunday, the morale of everyone’s spirits are lifted. Spencer is working effortlessly during the day to continue his radiation treatments and continually fighting this uphill battle each day. Everyone is really coming together for this great benefit Sunday. I hope that everyone will be able to attend and really focus on having a good time. There is plenty of time for everyone to have their moments to reflect and even sulk, but Sunday is a time of family, friends and fun. We want everyone to drink, laugh, and be happy that we can gather in a place where God's hand is reaching out. We are truly blessed.

             I would like to thank so many that are responsible for Sunday. Thank you to Mrs. Renea Baker who helped make the flyer and get them to businesses around town. To all the people who made phone calls, and had items donated for the auction. I would like to thank Tie Breakers for being such a gracious host.  Also to everyone at Aldridge and Southerland and specifically Connie Corey and Jordan Robertson.  Everybody has really done their part. The t-shirts, decals, wristbands and huggers all look wonderful and really make you proud to be a part of the cause.  If you cannot make it Sunday, you can go by Aldridge and Southerland Realtors to donate and recieve any of these items.

           With the benefit coming up and everybody helping out and playing a part in the support of Spencer’s fight, I want to propose something. I recently came across a great idea with the help of Mindy Hill.  I want everyone to get more involved in the website, instead of just me rambling on so I suggest this; I want everyone to send me pictures of you with the theme "Against All Odds" somewhere in the photo. To be more specific, I suggest that when you are thinking or praying for Spencer, or if you are in a place that is special to you, just take a picture. Make sure you are in the picture, and somewhere in the picture you have written "Against All Odds." This can be a picture at the beach, out of town on vacation, at church with the family; wherever. This will show all the people who are out there thinking of Spencer on a daily basis, and how much the word is spreading about the God and one of his child’s will to fight.
       
         If you have any more questions about this, or want to start sending me pictures my e-mail is.. RES6122 @UNCW.EDU ... I hope you all take this opportunity to show Spencer your support along with Lindsay and the entire Hampton family.  I have also had people ask me where they can donate money directly to Spencer's Hampton Fund.  If you would like you can pay in cash or make a check out to the Spencer Hampton Fund, and mail to:

Aldridge and Southerland
ATT: Spencer Hampton Fund
226 Commerece Street
Greenville, NC 27858

I am very excited for Sunday and I can't wait to see you all there!


Matthew 18:20
       "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."

March 29, 2012

   
    Today, was a rough day.  Spencer got back the results back from his pathology report to see which mutation the melanoma was.  We were hoping and praying for a certain mutation that has great success rate with a certain chemotherapy drug.  Unfortunately, that was not the mutation that came back.  I found myself for the first time in this whole process very angry.  Angry at God, angry with this disease, and angry at the doctors.

      Most of the time I am very level headed and have a sense of the bigger picture.  The moment got the better of me today, and I found myself cursing God.  I asked why couldn't we just get one shred of some good news.  Something to cling onto and help us in our prayers for hope. 

     Today I officially gave it ALL to GOD.  I am done praying for what I want to happen.  I have been going about this the wrong way, and instead should be praying for God's will.  I am sorry if this article is being blunt, but I just want everyone out there who continues to struggle like me, that I want them to give it ALL to GOD also.

Romans 8:28
     And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

WITN News Video Link and the Audio Archive from Pirate Radio

Support Pouring In For Former ECU Football Player Spencer Hampton

      Mr. Billy Weaver did an amazing job on this piece.  I know Lindsay and Spencer did a great job telling Spencer's story and they thought Mr. Billy couldn't have done a better job of telling it.  It is a tear-jerker so be prepared, but it is also very inspiring at the same time.   

http://www.pirateradio1250.com/pod/pressbox/pb032712.mp3
 
     This audio feed is from the show "The Pressbox."  It is Mr. Billy Weaver and Mr. Brian Bailey discussing Spencer's story and the benefit.  The audio about Spencer starts at about the midway point of the show if you would like to fast forward.  Again, they did a great job and you can tell that both of these two men have a personal relationship with the families and have a strong connection to this story.

March 26, 2012

    

      The most up to date news on Spencer is that he continued his radiation therapy today after taking Saturday and Sunday off.  Unlike we originally thought, he did not start chemotherapy today.  He will not start the chemotherapy until after the radiation is done.  So far Spencer says some of his symptoms are digressing with the radiation and steroids which is positive news.  The process of treating this cancer is not an over-night process.  We have to show our true patience in this time, but Spencer is working hard each and every day.

       Over the weekend Spencer was able to enjoy being out of the hospital and back home with Lindsay.  He very much enjoyed sleeping in his own bed and being back in an atmosphere that is more comforting.  We were able to enjoy a good time together on Friday at Professor O'cools where we watched the thrilling Carolina basketball game together and shared laughs.  I think it really was a comforting feeling being together with all the people who are going through this with Spencer.  It truly made you feel like it was okay to laugh for a minute, and enjoy the time with people you love the most.

       Also during the weekend we started discussing different events and fundraising opportunities to help out the Hampton family.  This Sunday, April 1st at Tiebreaker's Sports Bar, we are going to raise money for the medical costs Spencer and his family are facing. The event will be held from 4-9pm and feature musical acts Jupiter Jones and Victor Hudson. There will also be live and silent auctions with items from the world of sports, entertainment and lots of local restaurants.  You will be able to receive more details about this on tonight’s news at 6 o'clock.  WITN news is going to have an interview with Spencer and Lindsay where they will be describing all that is taking place.  Everyone please tune in if possible and if it isn't available to you, then you can check the website a little after the news where it will be posted.

      There is also a relay for life team being put together by some of Spencer's close friends.  Everyone is really doing their part and trying to help raise money and awareness for Spencer.  I hope that everyone continues to look at the Facebook page and this website for more information on ways to help.  I will make sure to try my hardest to continue to take the time to post details and updates.  I also want to thank everyone who approached me over the weekend and told me how the appreciated the blog.  It is very inspiring to hear all you're kind words.  I just hope to continue to update and gain support for Spencer, Lindsay and the entire Hampton family.  The amount of friendships that are being strengthened through this is a beautiful thing to watch.  Love you all and keep praying your hardest.

Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10
           Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.

March 22, 2012

     

    This Thursday Spencer began his radiation treatment.  He was supposed to receive two treatments, but the team decided to only perform one treatment today and one tomorrow.  The treatments went well, and Spencer said that is was a "piece of cake."  Also we did receive some promising news that put a smile on Spencer's face.  The orthopedist saw Spencer today about his hip to see if they might have to do a hip replacement or other operations.  To Spencer's joy the doctor said that they didn't need to operate, and that his hip and femur bone were good to go.  This was after the bone scan came back that was probable to show spots of cancer, but Spencer showed what HE thought of the word "probable."   This means that Spencer has a more likely chance of getting to return to his house an own bed possibly some time this weekend.  That is a VERY big deal to him, so let's all please say a prayer that he can return home.

      In the afternoon today, Mr. Bob and Ashley came and saw Spencer with a little surprise.  They had gone and got matching tattoos as the same as on Spencer's arm that reads, "Against All Odds."  It was a touching tribute, and even more than that, it was a stand.  A stand to let Spencer know that as a family they are united and fighting together.  It was a beautiful moment, and I know that it meant a lot to Spencer. 

     I wasn't able to post a blog until now because today I worked to help Spencer's landscaping business.  For those who don't know, Spencer has built up his own landscaping company from the ground up.  It was his hard work, perseverance and ambition that has made his company what it is today.  I can remember when it was a few yards in the neighborhood that he cut with his dad's John Deer mower.  It is now a very successful business that is thriving and ever-growing. 

     Spencer would agree with me when I say that his business wouldn't be where it is today if it wasn't for the help from one of his best friend's Judd Howard.  I think Spencer and his family would really want me to start thanking some of the people who have really played a big role in making this process as easy as possible.  A lot of people, and I mean A LOTTT of people have offered to do so many kind things for Spencer and his family, and even Lindsay and my family.  We are so thankful, and all you're kindness is appreciated.  Judd along with the help of Scott Hodges and the insurance agent himself, Thomas Ball (Yes, he does have a business card if anyone would like a quote. haha)  have really done a great job to really help Spencer keep his business moving forward.  They have worked tirelessly this last weekend and week to help Spencer. It doesn't go unnoticed and is very appreciated. 

      Also would like to thank Jason, Ashley's husband who has done a great job in stepping up to take care of Jayce their son, while Ashley is here for her brother.  I think for the most part the family has really been able to focus their attention on Spencer's well-being, and not worry as much about the outside world.  I know there are so so so many other people I can name, and I am truly sorry that I don't even have the slightest clue of all the people who are taking time out of their day to accommodate these two families.  From the bottom of my heart, and I am sure everyone else, THANK YOU.  As a last mention, I would really like to thank all the schools, teachers, bosses and etc. that have understood the difficult situation we have been faced with.  I have seen the true heart and sympathetic nature of some of these people, and I just hope that God may bless them for their understanding hearts. 

1 Corinthians 13:7
         Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 

    

March 21, 2012

          

     Today, we found out that Spencer was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma. This is a form of skin cancer. This wasn't the news we were hopeful for going into the day but this is the start of a battle that WE are ready to face. Obviously this is Spencer who is fighting it, but I think through all the support shown, he knows he doesn't have to do it alone. Tomorrow Spencer will start radiation of the brain. He is going to have another treatment also Friday, and then take Saturday and Sunday off. He will start Monday morning with the radiation and chemotherapy. There is hope that Spencer may be able to go home around Saturday or Sunday, and be an out-patient who just comes in daily.

      In the coming days we are going to find out how the tumors are responding to the radiation. The most important treatments are going to be on his brain. Also with melanoma, there is a new chemotherapy drug that works very very well. This drug is specific to a certain type of mutation that has a 50/50 chance of being the specific melanoma. Everybody please please send prayers that he has this mutation so we can effectively treat this cancer to the best ability.

      It is times like these that people look to signs from God. This may be to gain a sense of security, or to find a state of peacefulness. I believe that God is wondrous and mysterious in his ways of reaching us. It can be the smallest connection whether a verse from a song, change in the weather or bible verse. Today in Wilmington I was about to enter class when I found out that Spencer had melanoma. I dropped everything I had and came back to Greenville. My father met me along the way and gave me his best hug and the comfort I was looking to for a brief amount of seconds. As I continued my car ride home I had a realization that put a smile to my face.

      Spencer has a tattoo on his right arm above the bicep. He got this tattoo a couple years ago while he was on the ECU football team. The tattoo reads "Against All Odds." As I took a moment to reflect on what I had just remembered, I couldn't stop smiling. I had just had my sign and connection with God. I was questioning why this was the type of cancer that God had diagnosed him with. But I realized that Spencer has ALWAYS... ALWAYS risen up against his challenges and overcome them. God knows that he wanted one of his strongest warriors to fight against this deadly disease. It is obvious to say that the "odds" are not in Spencer's favor, but just like his tattoo reads, he is going to rise up "against all odds."

My Prayer Tonight



     God I hope that through the thousands of people out there praying for Spencer, that you continue to do YOUR will.  You have already brought so many people together using your disciple Spencer.  I know that even you O Lord must be impressed by the amounts of people who now have a stronger faith in you and remain in constant contact daily.  I know that whether the news tomorrow is great news, or less fortunate news that you have a plan either way.  We all want Spencer to get back to his healthy self but we know that we are all just pieces of your big puzzle.  I do pray that you give guidance, and support to him and his family.  That you lay your hand over Spencer, and display your healing nature.  Tomorrow we will be tested no matter what the news, and my prayer is that we can succeed in displaying our trust, faith and hope in you Lord.  Spencer means so much to so many of us but I just pray that you please give extra strength and hope to Lindsay, Mrs.Sara, Mr.Bob and Ashley.  "May we cast all our anxiety on you lord because you care for us" 1 Peter 5:7 And all of God's people sung, AMEN.

March 20, 2012



      Today was supposed to be a full day of waiting for the results to get back from Spencers biopsy.  Instead the Doctor decided he wanted to perform a ultrasound on Spencers testicular anatomy to see if anything is revealed in that part of his body.  This case that Spencer has had up to now has been a very rare case.  Being a athletic and young 24 year old the odds of his case weren't very imaginable up till now.  So this ultrasound is just to see if this part of his anatomy could possibly be the source of what we are dealing with.

The results came back from the ultrasound and GOOD news to report, they found absolutely NOTHING!  Spencer and everyone is estatic and glad to know we are on a positive note today. :)  Also today Spencer was assigned his new Doctor.  Spencer and his family are happy with the new Doctor and say he is very upbeat and positive which makes for a positive and reassuring atmosphere.  Everybody keep the prayers up God is definitely hearing them and answering his people's call.

   At the end of the night spencer got some more guests and even his own private concert. Denice's cousin Danny came and played the guitar for a little while.  This is the same man who will be playing at Lindsay and Spencer's wedding.  Later that night some of Spencer's co-workers and freinds came to shoot some dice with him.  In the picture he had the money laying in his lap. (I am assuming my mom staged the picture)  P.S. if any of the numerous preachers walk in during any of these gambling events, then our rehearsed line to them is "That 15 % of the proceeds are donated by the winner to charity." Haha, They will really appreciate that dollar and fifty cents.

      Well I think everyone is calling it a night but tonight we need to call upon God the most.  Tomorrow is going to be a very big day and I know God is going to take care of us.  He works his wonders in an amazing way.
Exodus 15:11
            Who is like You among the gods, O LORD? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, awesome in praises, working wonders?

March 19, 2012

    On Monday, March 19th, Spencer had his biopsy done around 10:15 a.m.  The biopsy was performed on his liver to extract some of the spot that was revealed to us on Saturday.  Lindsay was able to be with him the whole time and said he did "Amazing."  She also said that is was "pretty cool to watch" haha.  Just like all of us knew, Spencer is being a trooper and doing great already. 

     After the biopsy Spencer ate some of the always delicious "Cookout."  Once he was done with that he took a nap and caught up on his rest from a long morning.  For the first time that night Lindsay went home to try and maybe catch up on sleep for a night.  Spencer's father Mr. Bob took the role of staying the night with Spencer. 

     It is now a waiting game to get the results back from the biopsy.  The doctor informed us that it is usually about a 48 hour process to get the results.  So hopefully sometime Wednesday Spencer and family will get the news of what exactly we are dealing with.  Whatever it is I know it hasn't faced a competitor like Spencer.  This stuff is nameless right now but promise that when Spencer beats the crap out of it, it will be a distant memory. 

     Please everybody keep praying and remember to hold the whole family in your prayers this week.  It is now a waiting game till wednesday and we have to remember to be patient in God.  I leave you with this verse for the day.

Romans 8:24-25

         For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

March 18, 2012



      On Sunday, March 18th Spencer finally recieved some good news.  Early sunday the doctors did a full body M.R.I. which led to suprising results.  The doctor called all the family into the room with an eager grin on his face.  When he got in the room he let everyone know that nothing showed up negative on the M.R.I. and that Spencers spine was clean.  This was great news and I think that the doctor seemed a little surprised and very giddy to let everyone finally hear some good news. 

       Sunday included a strong amount of visitors yet again.  It also included the viewing of the Carolina basketball game.  Of course with the tar heel route to victory, Spencer was pleased to see them move on.  This left Lindsay along with the other Duke fans including myself, avoiding any question about basketball. Also sunday Spencer recieved over $60 worth of scratch off lotto tickets, which led to a heafty donation to the North Carolina Education System. 

       With Sunday's good news and seeing the doctors verbal and non-verbal displays of happiness, I left town with a good perspective.  I found myself really sending praise to God for all the little blessings that had taken place over the weekend.  I searched that night for a bible verse that would really speak to me about this weekend.  I am usually always trying to make something positive out of a negative situation.  I have been this way my whole life, and I figure why stop now. Spencer has been so positive and uplifting about the situation and really had a cheerful attitude about the whole thing.  This really led me to a verse from Proverbs that I really enjoyed and I will leave you with this verse.

Proverbs 17:22 
     A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bone. 

March 17, 2012

      On Saturday March 17th, Spencer had a CT scan which found spots on his Liver, Lung, and adrenal gland. This was unfortunate news but on a positive note the doctor was now able to do a biopsy from the liver which was the least invasive place instead of the brain. 

     On Saturday visitors poured in all day long.  The constant joke of the day was that when people walked up to the desk clerk at the hospital to ask which room Spencer was in, the desk guy didnt even have to check the computer and instead responded with "303 east" as if saying it for the 10,000th time.  Spencer and I set-up a poker game that afternoon which both of us had done numourous nights where most times I would eventually take his money or leave him with an "I.O.U." or "Can you run me to the ATM?" hah.  Spencer was seemingly having a good time despite the unfortunate news.  We gained permission that day to put him in the wheelchair and roll him outside to get some sun.  He was not allowed to walk since he was considered a "fall risk."  He very much enjoyed that and in fact found Matt Board a new career in being a hospital security cop because they cruised around on segways all day.  

      I believe the higlight of the day had to come when two of his groomsman Judd Howard and Thomas Ball came into room for their first visitations.  The two came bearing gifts as if they were wiseman following the north star.  These gifts included lotto tickets and schilitz malt liquor that had been harboured in Thomas's back pocket past security.  Everyone for that time forgot the reasons that there was almost a party taking place in the room 303 of the East Wing. 

      Saturday night went a lot better with Lindsay staying overnight for the second straight night.  They were a little more prepared with some things from home that made them rest easier. 

March 16, 2012

I want people to know first off that the goal of this website is to keep everyone updated first and foremost.  It is also as an outlet for me to express my emotions in a healthy way that can keep a positive spin on such a negative situation.  This is NOT in any way about me AT ALL but rather a first-hand point of view that I want to remember

       Spencer Hampton on March 16, 2012 had a M.R.I. at 9:30 a.m. after having symptoms of numbness on the left side of his body, a ringing in his ears, blurried vision, slow speech, and overall personality change that was inexpleciable.  The results of this M.R.I. revealed that Spencer had 4 tumors in his brain.  The tumors were located near the temple, medulla oblongata and opposite parallel spots on each side of the brain above the ears.  He was hospitialized around 7 p.m. Friday when his bed was ready.

     After the news there was an obvious reaction of shock and sadness.  I am sure that much like when people are asked where they were when 9/11 took place, this event had a familiar reaction to some of us close to Spencer and his family.  I myself was in a car ride back from key west, surrounded by close freinds.  I remember my phone vibrating from a message I had recieved from my mom.  The message read "Trey call me back asap its an emergency."  I remember thinking slowly at this moment because I didn't want to rush to judge what might be an emergency to my mom.  I called her back to recieve the news in a very direct manner that must of been severly hard for her to deliver.  I almost believe that she was fighting between being two diffferent people in that moment, a "nurse" who is trained to deliver news of the sort, and a "mother" who had accepted Spencer as her own son. I remember my stomach turning in a painful manner that made it hard for me to express any response to her besides "yes mam" and "ok." As I hung up the phone I remember never feeling more alone even though I was surrounded by six guys who I had been in a car with for 14 hours.  My mind started racing and the minutes turned into hours.  I felt so helpless and didnt know how to react.  I sat alone not discussing the massive news I had just learned about my brother.  I still to now don't know why I didnt say something.  I think I might have been too overwhelmed and dilusional from the lack of sleep and the weight of the news I had just discovered. 

       I got home to Wilmington and dashed to get in my car in race to Greenville. I remember not beeing able to see as I was driving because I couldn't stop the tears from flowing down both my cheeks.  I called my best freinds Nick Lewis and Mike Garland because I knew that I wanted the two people that have allowed me to lean on them the most with my problems in the past.  My sister Lindsay then called me... I knew that if there was one person that I was the most afraid to talk to it was Lindsay.  I didn't know how to be strong for the one person I care the most about in this entire world.  It was during this phone call I realized that like most times in our lives together, she was the strong one.  She spoke to me with such courage telling me that she was worried about me driving home safe and that she was okay and that we are going to get through this together.  At this point I was ready to see the family.  I picked Katie up in Kinston and told her the news and she kept me together for the rest of the drive being my source of comfort that I needed. 

      I got to to Greenville eventually and went to my sisters apartment at Turtle Creek.  I walked in the door and saw my sister, to which ran to me and hugged me.  It was that sense of being able to embrace her with all of my muscle and tell her that I loved her and that the love of her life and my brother was going to be okay.  I was then held by my mom who was surely glad to see her other son I am sure.  I must say I then saw Mrs.Sara, Spencer's mother.  I can't imagine the thoughts and sense of state she had to be in but I looked in her eyes and saw nothing but courage.  Her ability to not say a word and still grab me and let me know that past all the shock, confusion and sadness, there was also prayer, confidence in her son, and the loving nature I have seen her display so often. 

      I then walked into Spencer's room to see him.  As I walked in the door I was greeted by the goofy tone of voice and quick manner in which I had come accustomed to as Spencer said, "Trey?" haha.  I knew at this moment that I realized that it was still my brother Spencer laying on that bed and not your regular hospital patient who was rattled by the overwhelming life or death situation at hand.  His strength had lifted his spirits along with everyone who came in contact with him.