The True Story of Bryan York: The “Ticking Time Bomb”    

1990, The Year of Trials:

Bryan York was born in San Diego, California, in 1987, the firstborn of Daniel and Kathleen York. At a beach party in 1990, his parents noticed Bryan walking robotically in the sand. That day would be the beginning of the unusual. Bryan’s extended family has a history of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a degenerative disease. Fearing that Bryan was also exhibiting symptoms, the Yorks took him to a pediatric neurologist for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). 

First Test Results:  

Scans taken from the neck down found no problems, yet Bryan's eyes began to cross within four months. Becoming even more concerned, his parents took him to a pediatric ophthalmologist. The doctor showed concern and insisted they immediately revisit his pediatric neurologist. 

Second Test Results: 

On Valentine’s Day 1991, Bryan and his parents 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 at the time was radiation. 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."

Bryan finished his radiation treatments on his fourth birthday. 


God is in the Room!  

In June, friends invited the Yorks to meet for a time of prayer for Bryan. These young married couples were part of a Sunday school class his Dad taught. An amazing thing happened. As they sang songs to God while crying and praying, the whole group powerfully felt the presence of God 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! The doctors later found the tumor was gone!
Bryan has had many opportunities to share his incredible story of God’s healing with anyone who takes the time to listen—locally, nationally, and globally.     

The Bigger Picture:   

• The treatments impacted Bryan’s blood vessels, resulting in him having a stroke at age 27 that permanently restricted his mobility. Now disabled, Bryan, who is very friendly and sociable, has now found it hard to fit in with those who are healthy, too busy, or lack patience. It can be lonely, but he has a unique perspective.

• As a young boy, turning to God, Bryan found a true friend in Jesus Christ. Despite the challenges, Bryan now radiates hope and peace! This is a joy and peace you, too, can experience in the hardest of circumstances.

• The reality is, we are all “ticking time bombs.”We are all sinners who have offended a holy God. Without faith in Christ, the consequence of our sins is death and eternal separation from God.

• A just God loved us so much that His Son Jesus came to earth to rescue us from our sins. Jesus lived a perfect life, yet he was crucified horribly on a cross. It was all part of God’s plan: Jesus would provide a perfect sacrifice to bring imperfect people back to His Father. In contrast to all other religions, 3 days later, Jesus did not stay dead! He rose from His grave so one day we can all conquer death. Believing in His death and resurrection while requesting His forgiveness ensures that you will experience an eternity with the God who sees you and loves you unconditionally. Putting faith in Him means you can one day defeat all death and disease.

Learn More:
 
The Bible says, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)

If you would like to learn more about Jesus or if you have made a decision to follow Him, email Bryan York at [email protected]. To obtain copies of Bryan’s story or if you need a Bible, please email Bryan. You will not regret it!