Kenton J. Kutney

Often, with a rare disease like HES, it is difficult to sum up what is going on for people who ask.  Until now, literature online has been too long and complex, biased or outdated -- finally here is a new link to an accurate medical report from the National Institute on Health which briefly covers Recent Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypereosinophilic Syndromes.  To zero in on issues relating to my diagnosis, see comments dealing with the Myeloproliferative Variant. Click the title to open the link and read ... however, at the end of this article about my rare blood disorder you may feel confused or dissatisfied like my new Pain Specialist, who read it and confessed he didn't understand it all:  "It was gobble-dee-gook to me!"   (Such comfort!) From our perspective, we have had plenty time (since 2004) to learn the terminology of Hematologists, yet answers don't come easily or without serious risks.  Essentially, we monitor the blood tests, us...

One last special letter (I think) to share with you that has surprised us, this time weaving 2 anonymous, generous, caring people into our lives. The overall lesson I'm learning in all of this is that good things happen when we risk telling our story: It brings us closer together; there is real hope in opening up to share of our selves and even our belongings. Ken and Joy Kutney, I have followed your story for close to a year now and just wanted to encourage you and your family. One Sunday your story was shared at the church I attend and some of your artwork was shown. (I bought "Fall Fireworks" in a large frame.) I will keep this brief but ... I had planned to make a trip to see you and all of the family and pray for you, but I could never get the time to work it out. I had gone back to God a number of times to inquire what to do and could never get clear direction. Well, here you are. God brought you to me. You will find a gift here from an anonymous giver, ...

We continue with more reader feedback after sharing some of Our Story -- see posts (to the left, Meet The Kutneys ) for my wife's important perspective on suffering, entitled 'Embracing the Mystery' along with my article entitled 'Changing Seasons' "I have just read your testimonies in Canadian Christianity and The Testimony. A friend told me about the articles (not knowing that I knew you). They were both very moving. I had heard some time ago, Ken, about your illness but wasn't aware how it had progressed. A difficult journey you've been called on to travel, all of you together. Your own response to the rollercoaster of emotions and questions was very well expressed, Joy. It touched us deeply. You both sound so grounded in mature faith (which doesn't mean there can't be questions), but it's an inspiration to read of that kind of honesty rooted in deep faith. … It was precisely the spirit of quiet faith and acceptance th...

Hi Ken, I finally had a chance to check out your website and I loved it! Some parts made me cry some made me laugh so all and all I loved it! Cheryl ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Each tear is precious to God. I must add that a sense of humour is a of value as well. It's a healing thing to laugh - CLICK HERE - and it just might make your day

i read a bit about whats been happening in your life.... I am not sure how old that artical was but it sadden my heart and i pray god just be with you and heal you! we often wonder why these things happen to god's people? i still love jesus ,believe in him but often wonder why these things happen to us last year our daughter hannah 10 years old at the time caught a cold had high fevers for around a week sometimes pressing over 100 which finally lead to seizures she spent the next 2 months in the hospital with uncontrolled seizures (she is not epiletic, they figure it is viral insefalietis which made it way to her brain) she was in a coma (doctor induced) over a month and i stop couinting the seizures after 1500 give or take..... we prayed ,,,we all prayed ,,still nothing, now she's getting better but not out the woods yet,she's on some serious meds- that well i am sorry to say help in one way and damage in others,,,,, but we keep pressing in, is it gods way of t...

Moving reader feedback (permission to share) after posting Our Story. See posts (to the left, Meet The Kutneys ) for my wife's important perspective on suffering, entitled 'Embracing the Mystery' along with my like-themed article entitled 'Changing Seasons'. Dear Ken and Joy: "I prayed for you today". I can totally relate to your situation. I have been diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease. Although it came on early and is a type that rapidly worsens and does not respond well to medications. I always say that my "faith strings to my heart are getting tighter every day". I also am like the cork that keeps bobbing back to surface. I can not look back on my life and wish for the past but pursue every day under God's grace, seeking a way that I can bless someone. There are times that I can not speak, walk, or swallow and drool is sliding from the sides of my mouth but in my heart I know that God can still use me. Perhaps not in...

I want to spend some time and energy sharing with you, not just my words or vision for 2008 (as it is quite a hazy view from here!), rather some of the stories and comments of people who have connected with this site, and my plight. You'll notice the Poll results -- down to the left -- showing a deep link between Suffering, Scripture, and people growing deeper! Despite years of academics / theological searching / all my practical work in soul-care, I confess I don't fully understand how it all works. (Even though I'm currently going through this experience in my own life situation! See more under Label: Hypereosinophilic Syndrome .) As you read what these people that have taken the time to write in response to my writing, I think you will be impressed and inspired by their tenacious courage. I am. There is a frankness, something so honest here, that humility hits you hard in the gut. I believe that we need to hear about each other's suffering, whatever the situat...

As the holiday season comes upon us, there is much exuberance in our household of 5 kids. I'd like to harness that energy somehow and share it, maybe hook them up to a generator and ... a treadmill to power the house? I'm not too far from actually considering it - they'd love it probably. With the push and pull of holiday bustle, I may not have a solution to all your energy needs, but I feel that there is a power to heartfelt laughter, not just bc. my kids bound around howling happily, but bc. I feel it in my own rather burdened life ... being able to laugh in the midst of it is somehow freeing. The taught ropes of tension seem to drop away, or at least slacken for a breather. The gift of joy. May it be yours. In that spirit, the posts for December are going to be on my Funnies page - hilarious holiday stuff that you can probably use yourself for parties, etc. Check it out! It's good to laugh - CLICK HERE - and it just might make your day For the sake of you...

"If there is something pleasing in the artwork, I am glad people other than my wife, and kids see that! Even more though, I try to envision what happens with this piece now as an inspirational card in the hands of thoughtful individuals, adding those delicate personal words of encouragement and hope at just the right time in someone’s life, and that ripple-effect thrills me most of all. As one who is personally experiencing debilitating chronic pain and fatigue due to a rare blood disorder, I understand there is nothing easy about staying 'centered' in the turmoil of change. However, the enduring warmth and brightness of this water-colour helps one keep a positive perspective in the passing of Autumn to Winter, to choose to look for beauty where some only see dead leaves. Metaphorically, this extends into how we choose to approach change in the sometimes-stormy Seasons of Life. For me, daily letting go of the negatives and holding fast to blessings large and s...

A Re production from (3) Original 5’ Canvas Hangings For many years I have enjoyed the quietude of kayaking and canoing the southern coastal waters of British Columbia, often in some awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets. Idyllic seascapes we can all enjoy, but there is another kind of awe that cannot be fully appreciated from the shoreline – as the mighty Fraser River rushes past Garry Point into the Georgia Straight there is powerful complexity of currents and tides, sudden and changeable winds that can turn a canoe into a kite blowing away from home. The historic fishing village of Steveston nestles a harbour for more than 600 commercial fishing vessels; the largest commercial fishing harbour in Canada. At the entrance to Garry Pt. Park is a sobering Fisherman’s Memorial remembering almost 200 who have died since the 1940s. There is an old gospel song, one of Elvis’ favourites, that croons: “I thank God for the Lighthouse!” Film footage shows him weeping as the m...

No really, here's MY own saying (if you ever use it then you'd be quoting me and then I'd be relatively famous ... if I only knew): "Every day out of the hospital has to be a GOOD day." Think about it. Be thankful ... e ven for the gift of breath. Breathe deeply, freely and r-e-e-l-a-x.