It's time to say an extra prayer for Drew Wall.

Drew is the Kennedy High School golfer who has been battling cancer since 2008. He's had a rough week and was air-lifted from Cedar Rapids to the University of Iowa Children's Hospital on Thursday morning, where he was placed in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Michelle Goodall, Drew's aunt and the Kennedy volleyball coach, sent an update on Drew's condition to family and friends Thursday morning. She delivered the news on behalf of Doug and Robin Wall, who are Drew's parents.

Michelle's message includes some powerful words and passages.

"Well, it's been a tough week," Michelle began in her note. "Drew's breathing has become increasingly more and more labored. And as he posted, his strength has been frustratingly low. He's taken a new turn and I need to let you all know.

"Yesterday he showed signs of panic while trying to breathe, so they arranged to have oxygen for him there at home to see if it could help. They got him set up, but it was still a rough night.

"This morning he passed out into Robin's arms, but Doug and Adam (Drew's brother) were there and they were able to do some CPR until the ambulance crew could come to assist.

"They took him first to St. Luke's in Cedar Rapids, but as soon as he was stable enough, they air-flighted him here to University of Iowa Children's Hospital so he could be surrounded by the familiar faces of their care staff. They are caring for him now. He is in Pediatric ICU.

"Many tests, and they currently are stabilizing his blood pressure. Our biggest desire is that they keep him comfortable and, as Robin said, seeing him struggle like he did the past day is not an option. They will continue to offer the loving care they do, and take care of our boy and to ensure he is comfortable through and through.

"I have no more news yet. But as today's story unfolds, I will keep you all posted. As always, thank you for the prayers. Please pray today for peace and comfort ... for Drew, and for Doug and Robin, and for our sweet Adam. It's been a long day already, a long journey. They need that emotional support.

"Thank you so much for the prayers and for just loving them as you do."

Drew has told part of his story on his CaringBridge site, beginning with the start of his cancer "journey" in January of 2008 when he was in grade school. He was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and the lower part of his right leg was amputated on April 25 of 2008 to try and contain the cancer.

"The decision to amputate my leg was pretty easy for me," he wrote. "My parents had a tough time with the idea at first, but they knew it would be best for me in the long run."

Drew endured a long period of chemotherapy treatments and eventually was fitted with a prosthetic leg, which he calls his bionic leg. Active in many sports throughout his life, he joined the Kennedy golf team and has been an inspiration to his friends and teammates.

The Cougars finished second in the state tournament this fall and dedicated their season to Drew. They wore special purple shirts at the district meet with the initials "D.W." on the front and "Drew" on the back.

"It was real cool to see the team do that for me," he said at the district meet Oct. 1. "I'm extremely humbled and thankful and grateful. It's a big honor."

The cancer had spread to Drew's lungs and hip when he talked about his condition that day. He was coughing, but appeared in remarkably good spirits.

He's lost considerable weight since then and has been using a wheelchair as he got weaker.

"I've tried to have a positive attitude through all of this and I have a favorite bible verse that has helped me a lot," he wrote at one point on his CaringBridge site. "It's Joshua 1:9:

"'I command you to be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you may go!'

"I have a long way to go," Drew wrote, "but He'll be there to help me through it. Thanks for all your prayers!"

A fundraiser has been scheduled on Drew's behalf at the Hiawatha Community Center this Saturday beginning at 9 a.m.

Let's keep Drew in our thoughts.