"Ticking Time Bomb"
The True Story of Bryan York:
The "Ticking Time Bomb
1990, The Year of Trials:
Bryan York was born in San Diego on April 28, 1987, the first-born child of Daniel and Kathleen York. At a beach party in 1990, his parents noticed him walking robotically in the sand. That day would be the beginning of the unusual. Bryan's cousin was identified as having the degenerative disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and fearing that Bryan was also showing the symptoms, the Yorks took him to a doctor for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
First Test Results:
Scans taken from the neck found no problems, yet Bryan's eyes began to cross within four months. Becoming even more concerned, his parents took him to an eye doctor who insisted they immediately return him to a pediatric neurologist.
Second Test Results:
On Valentine’s Day 1991, Dan and Kathleen met with a neurologist regarding the second MRI administered to Bryan. Somberly, he showed them images from a head scan revealing that Bryan had a tumor on his brain stem called a Glioma. The only possible treatment was radiation, and he was given a five percent chance of survival.
72 Sessions:
Have you ever seen a three-year-old lie still on command and not move? The nurses at the radiation center were absolutely amazed that Bryan, for 72 treatments (twice a day for 36 days), never required anesthesia. Instead, he remained perfectly still while his brain stem and nearby tissue were radiated. One day, as his Dad took him home from another treatment, Bryan, though not yet four, sensed his Dad's sorrow. From the back seat of the car, he said, "Don't worry, Daddy, God will take care of it."
God is in the Room!
In June, a group of friends invited the Yorks to meet for a time of prayer for Bryan. These young married couples were part of a Sunday school class Dan taught. An amazing thing happened as they sang songs to God while crying and praying. The whole group powerfully felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in the room! It was as if you could reach out and touch God.
0% Chance of Survival:
Less than two months later, the Yorks moved to Beaverton, Oregon for a job relocation. One of the first tasks was to connect with a pediatric oncologist to continue monitoring Bryan's health. Their Portland doctor informed them that their previous doctor was mistaken. There was not a 5% chance of survival but rather zero possibility he would live. She said the tumor was a "ticking time bomb", and it was not a question of 'if' but 'when' it would go off..."
Not all bombs explode. Bryan turned 28 in 2015. He has shared the incredible story of how God healed his tumor across the country and overseas with anyone willing to take the time to listen.
The Bigger Picture:
Seventy-two radiation treatments greatly impacted Bryan’s blood vessels. Consequently, he suffered a stroke in March of 2015. The stroke restricted the use of his right side. He can’t compete in sports as he would like, and his handicap makes it hard to fit in with people too busy and healthy to relate. It can be rather lonely trapped in a body that is limited, but he has a unique perspective.
As a young boy, Bryan put his trust in Jesus Christ. The Bible shares the good news that God loved us so much that He sent His son to earth to rescue us from sin. Jesus lived a perfect life yet was crucified horribly on a cross. It was all part of God’s plan, for a perfect sacrifice was required to atone for imperfect people.
The reality is that we are all “ticking time bombs.” The question is, “When we die, what will our fate be in the hands of our creator God?” The Bible teaches that it is our faith in Jesus and willingness to follow His leadership that results in our salvation–truly great news!
Bryan radiates hope! The joy that flows from his relationship with God is a joy you, too, can have.
Learn More:
If you would like to learn more about Jesus and how to have eternal life, email Bryan at [email protected] You won't regret it!