- Home
- News Grid
- Local News
- Green Hawk
- Business
- Politics
- School Zone
- Nonprofits
- Missing Pets
- Multimedia
- Arts
- Movies
- Outdoors
- Sports
- News Releases
- Columnists
- Blogs
- Opinions
- Classifieds
- Advertise
- Donate
- Partners
Fueled by Faith, Family and Community Pray for Daisy
Humbled.
It’s a word Britt Merrick uses a lot these days.
Its usage is especially frequent when he talks about the support he and his family have received from his own church and others, as well as the community at large.
It all started three weeks ago when doctors informed Merrick and his wife, Kate, that their 5-year-old daughter, Daisy, had a tumor the size of a grapefruit in her body.
They were on their way out surfing that fateful Monday morning, on what Merrick calls their “surf dates” they take on his day off from serving as pastor of Reality Carpinteria church, 5251 Sixth St. Their outing was interrupted when they got a call from Daisy’s school that something was wrong.
By the time they arrived at school she was slipping in and out of consciousness, and she was rushed to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
“There was so little time,” Merrick said.
Things began happening very quickly when they got to the emergency room.
“There were so many doctors coming in,” he told Noozhawk. “All of the sudden, we knew this was really serious.”
Daisy was diagnosed incorrectly several times. “They finally said, ‘Hey, this is a giant tumor,” he said. When they found out several hours later that the tumor was cancerous, Merrick said that moment was life-changing.
“It’s a weird moment in your life,” he said. “It’s like your whole existence changes in an instant.”
There wasn’t a lot of time for decision making, but Merrick said that after meeting Daisy’s surgeon, he and his wife had a lot of peace. Doctors said Daisy’s tumor was a Wilms tumor, a highly curable type of childhood cancer that begins in the kidneys.
“It’s got a high cure rate,” said Merrick, who added that doctors have been very optimistic about how the cancer would respond to treatment. Daisy’s cancer had reached stage three, and had only spread to the lymph nodes in the kidney area, he said.
Merrick said Daisy started radiation Wednesday, and will continue the treatment for 14 days. On Thursday, she started chemotherapy, which she’ll be undergoing at the same time as the radiation treatment. It’s an outpatient treatment, Merrick said, so Daisy will be able to relax at home in between clinic visits.
“There are some pretty serious side effects,” he said. The doctors have told the Merricks that Daisy will be one to two inches shorter because the treatment can stunt growth. There’s also a chance that she could suffer from cancer later in life because of the radiation.
“We’re praying that the Lord will minimize that possibility,” he said, and added that Daisy had felt great after the first day of chemo.
Merrick’s own church, as well as many churches throughout the area, quickly mobilized their prayer chains after learning the news, praying for the little girl’s health. To keep the community updated with Daisy’s day-to-day situation, the family relies on a blog, Pray for Daisy Love, with photos and prayer requests. Dozens of comments of support inevitably accompany each entry, many from all over the globe.
“We’re so humbled by the comments,” Merrick said. “There’s been support from all over the world.”
Merrick said he’s been able to use the comments as a teaching moment for Daisy. She had been afraid before going in for her first day of radiation, Merrick said, and was frightened to go back to the hospital.
“I started to tell her about all the different places that people are praying for her ... Germany, Denmark, Israel, and her face started lighting up,” he said. Together, they searched for all the locations on a globe.
“She asked, ‘What about Hawaii?’ and I was able to tell her that people were supporting her there, too,” he said. “She was really happy. That’s huge, even for a 5-year-old.”
Merrick preached his own sermon on the topic, “When My Heart Is Overwhelmed,” on Sept. 27, six days after his daughter’s diagnosis. The video of the emotional but joyful sermon has been viewed nearly 19,000 times since it was posted online.
When My Heart Is Overwhelmed from Reality on Vimeo.
When Merrick was asked what the family’s greatest needs are, he was quick to turn around the question and encouraged people to help other families who may need support. While in the waiting rooms at the hospital, Merrick said he and his wife saw many families without anyone to wait with them.
“We’re so humbled and were thinking ‘What about the single moms with no support?’” he said. “That really weighs on us a lot to somehow raise awareness to the needs all around. Let’s start to identify other people who really need help.”
Merrick was also thankful for those in the community who have stood behind them thus far. “We’ve had so much support and such an outpouring of love,” he said.
Going forward, it’s not only the prayers of support that are keeping the Merricks grounded during Daisy’s chemotherapy, but their faith in God.
“We’re able to rely on Him and He’s given us a lot peace,” he said.
— Noozhawk staff writer Lara Cooper can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Comments
Noozhawk's comments are moderated, but by posting here you accept your responsibility to follow our rules as part of Noozhawk's shared online community. Please keep your comments civil and helpful. Don't attack other readers personally, and do not use vulgar, abusive or discriminatory language. Use the "Report Abuse" link if a comment violates these standards or our Terms of Use.
» on 10.12.09 @ 06:02 AM
Lara:I read the story about Brett Merritt. I am an activist for kidney cancer with the only support support group in Michigan. I have written about Wilms tumor and sent materials to families with whom I correspond. One of them is in the suburb of Oakland.CA with a little three- year- old who underwent a kidney removal. Three such cases exist in Michigan. I have 4 videos on Youtube:kidney cancer/frank friedman. One of them is with a little girl who has since undergone chemo and radiation. I have had speakers from Detroit Children’s Hospital-peditric oncologist asn well as pediatric-hemotologists and urological oncologists. Our next meeting is tomorrow dealing with diabetes. Lots of interest. I would love to get in touch with Pastor Merritt. Please have him email me ASAP. I think I can help him with prayers and comfort. I also should tell you last month was Childhood Cancer Awareness month. This is Breast Cancer Awareness month as you know. Kidney cancer is on the rise believe it or not. In Pastor Meritt’s situation about 500+ cases exist throughout the US. Please.please.please have the Pastor email me. I know what he and his family are going through because as I said I am in touch with families with similar situations. I am a retired professor who does a lot of work for children and adult kidney cancers. Best wishes. Respond. Thank you. God bless the Merritt family. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 10.12.09 @ 06:43 AM
Please let the Merricks know that we are praying for Daisy and their family in Muscat, Oman.
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 10.12.09 @ 09:13 AM
Britt, Kate & Merrick Family,
You are all in our prayers! Britt keep the faith, God will prevail and this will all be “worked together for good”. That is God’s promise to us if we continue to LOVE HIM and remain called according to HIS PURPOSES.
Blessings,
Mike & Holliday Family
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 10.12.09 @ 09:40 AM
Lara! Good Job, reporting, sweet girl! Hope to see you again soon.
Sue
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 10.12.09 @ 10:25 AM
It is so tragic that Daisy Love had to get cancer. Poor little button! What a precious child to have been given the ability to endure so far. We who believe know that it introduced hundreds of thousands of people to the free gift of Christ. Heaven is eternal - with God, death has no sting. Without God, there is no hope.
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 10.12.09 @ 10:26 AM
Daisy is in our thoughts and prayers. God’s will is sometimes difficult to understand but he does look out for us. With all of our love for a speedy recovery and wishing you all courage and strength.
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 10.12.09 @ 10:51 AM
Lara,
Fabulous article my dear! I can truly hear your voice recounting the story and sharing in their pain. Great work!
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 10.12.09 @ 12:05 PM
You all are in our thoughts and prayers daily. We love you all so much.
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 10.12.09 @ 12:15 PM
Praying!
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 10.12.09 @ 12:27 PM
To God alone be the glory.
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 10.12.09 @ 12:36 PM
It is wonderful to see the followers of Christ protrayed in a positive light in the press for a change, thank you Lara. May our Lord Jesus continue to work miracles in the Merricks lives and in yours dear reader.
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 10.12.09 @ 03:14 PM
God please continue to heal little Daisy, She is a lamp to us all. Love Charlotte
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 10.12.09 @ 03:17 PM
dear family,
Daisy Love, what a beautiful name! i was impressed to forward you a scripture that i have been guided to rely on myself starting about 3 years ago. many blessings in Jesus, the one who truly loves us…1 Peter 5:10 and Proverbs 3: 5 & 6. (i especially appreciate the NLT versions of these scriptures.)love ya, CF
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 10.12.09 @ 03:29 PM
Following Daisy’s progress and praying for their whole family has been both an inspiration and a great joy. To see the Lord’s hand on them and His caring for Daisy increases everyone’s faith in so many ways. When our hearts are overwhelmed He leads us to the Rock Who is higher than we are. God is so good.
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 10.12.09 @ 04:38 PM
I don’t know this family, but I pray for Daisy each day, and feel in my heart that the Lord will heal her and continue to make her one of his warriors! I was made aware of this through Facebook and have been speading the word out to family and freinds to pray as well. God Bless You Merrick Family! You have prayer from San Diego!
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 10.12.09 @ 05:18 PM
Your Daisy has so touched our heart and prayers, as well as for her mom and dad. She truly is a special little one and we will continue to pray for all of you. Heather Faith is my neice and she keeps me posted. This is a wonderful article about her and your family and faith.
Donna and Neil Hoffer
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 10.12.09 @ 07:33 PM
HI MERRICK FAM. HEY ISAIAH, BOY WHAT A JOB YOU HAVE. HELPING MOM AND DAD. GOD IS WITH ALL OF YOU. DAISY~LOVE,IN OUR PRAYERS.
You have already flagged this entry.
» on 10.12.09 @ 09:26 PM
To the Merrick Family,
Maybe things like this happen to make you realize how precious this little life is. We pray for Daisy and the Merrick family, and applaud your unwavering devotion to He who gave us all life.
Redlands, CA
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 10.13.09 @ 06:25 AM
Praise the Lord!
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 10.13.09 @ 08:07 AM
Praying! Always! Your faith is an inspiration. May God bless your child.
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 10.13.09 @ 08:57 AM
Dear Daisy,
I can tell that you are a brave little girl. You have a loving family to help you through your treatment and you have your friend Jesus to comfort you when things get hard. I will be praying for you. I am one of many people who love you.
Danna
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 10.13.09 @ 10:36 AM
Praise the Lord! Praying in Longmont, CO! We love you Reality Carp!
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 10.14.09 @ 08:32 AM
It is a true testament to the Love of Christ that Pastor Britt teaches us love and Faith in the Lord even in his family’s time of pain. It is a show of Gods Love that He has His hand on lovely little Daisy Love and continues to heal her and give her strength to endure. For Kate and Britt to also call attention to the single mom’s, alone, facing similair ordeals with their children shows the selfless Love that all Christians are called to show others. Pastor Britt is truly blessed by God to speak his Word to us. Blessings on your family and I pray for your sweet child to have complete recovery.
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 10.15.09 @ 05:26 AM
Steve is a chaplain here in Germany with the US army. Our daughter Hannah Strickland lives in Santa Barbara with her husband and two daughters. She emailed us of Daisey’s situation(.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)) and we are praying for Daisey and your fanmily… for God’s grace, strength,and peace to be close to you. In Christ, Jeanne
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 10.16.09 @ 08:24 AM
We have a good friend that just got the report that his cancer is in remission. He was 57 years old. The many prayers that were prayered for hims definitely got him and his family through this rough time. I’m going to send this e-mail to him to show that he is not alone and that someone as young as Daisy is going through the same trouble. We will continue to pray for Daisy as well. Keep your spirits up.
Love,
Jim and Carol Brown
Kingston, OK
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 10.28.09 @ 08:18 PM
Dear Daisy Love,
Do you know Doat Love? She’s not a goat ... she’s a sheep, silly! :-) Her name reminds me of yours, “Daisy Love”. Since we are Christians, God calls us the Sheep of His pasture.
As I was growing up, I spent all my summers living on my uncle’s farm and loved to play with his pet, Doat Love. Ya know what? I’m going to send to you a picture of Doat Love ... Daisy Love (funny).
We are writing to let you know that JESUS IN US LOVES ... DAISY LOVE! We want you to know Sweetheart that we are praying for you and your brother and your Mommy and your Daddy ... your whole family! Most of all, we are asking Jesus to hold your hand every time you have to have a treatment. Just as His word tell us, be still (during your treatments) and know that He is God ... the One who love Daisy Love. He will help you, as He has promised.
Tell your Mommy and Daddy thanks for sharing your story with the rest of us, so we can pray for you to get well and feel better soon. Tell them thanks for letting us see what a cute, happy, and loving little girl you are ... you ARE a good ambassador for Jesus Christ. (Let’s see ... you’re 5 years old, your Daddy will explain to you what an ambassador does; but that’s you, Sweetheart!)
Remember, be still for Jesus to heal and bless you. Daisy Love ... because Jesus lives in your heart ... there are so many people now who know Him now too, because of you! Thanks for sharing your story, Daisy Love.
Bill & Linda Staffieri
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 11.05.09 @ 07:06 PM
Hi Daisy and entire Merritt family,
We attend Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa and Pastor Brian Brodersen has been keeping us posted on everything that’s been going on. We often pray for your family as an entire church. Your story has hit home for me as I’m dealing with my sister who has brain cancer. I truly can tell you that with God all things are possible. My sister has amazingly fought this cancer to stump all the doctors. Praise God!!! Lord I pray for little Daisy and we commit her life in to your hands. Lord we ask for a complete healing in her body and that no adverse effects from all this treatment ever affect her. May this little life be a testimony to your Glory in a powerful way. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. God Bless you!!!
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 11.13.09 @ 08:46 PM
God Bless you, Daisy Love and your whole family. We are praying for you here in Wappingers Falls, New York.
May you always remember that the Lord is with you and will hold you in His arms and comfort you.
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
» on 11.15.09 @ 07:27 AM
You’re in my prayers daily.
The Lord is the strength in my life; in this I will be confident.
Love ya Lil Sister!
You don't have permission to flag this entry.
More Local News »
County Supervisors to Consider Studying Higher Densities in Eastern Goleta Valley
The board sets aside three hours of Tuesday's meeting for discussion of proposed changes and whether to grant the go-ahead for an environmental review
Santa Barbara County Judge Orders Boy Scouts to Release Molestation Allegation Files
Ruling stems from lawsuit filed by family of Goleta teenager who was molested by Scout leader in 2007
Forecast Says Presidents’ Day Is Cool, but Temperatures in the Mid-70s Are on the Way
Monday's federal holiday means government offices and banks are closed
Wind Gusts to 25 mph Expected Sunday, with Rip Current Warning at Beaches
Gale-force winds forecast for Santa Barbara Channel; South Coast should see mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-60s
Cat Is Only Injury in Upper Eastside Apartment Fire in Santa Barbara
Cause of the blaze is under investigation
Weather: Partly Cloudy 68.0º
Search Noozhawk »
