176. From Cancer to Comeback: Joey Raats' Fight for Life and Hockey

In this deeply inspiring episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with professional hockey player Joey Raats, who shares his remarkable journey of battling cancer, reclaiming his health, and stepping back onto the ice with a renewed purpose. Joey's story is one of unwavering faith, perseverance, and the power of surrendering to God's plan. A promising hockey career took Joey across the world, from the U.S. to Canada, and even overseas to France and England. But in May of 2022, life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer that had metastasized throughout his body. What followed was an unimaginable battle—one filled with pain, uncertainty, and moments where Joey came dangerously close to losing his life. Yet, through it all, Joey never lost hope. With the steadfast support of his wife, his unshakable faith in God, and an unbreakable warrior's spirit, he fought back—mind, body, and soul. Key Takeaways from Joey's Journey: The Power of Faith in Overcoming Fear: Joey shares how his diagnosis tested his faith, but ultimately, surrendering to God's plan became his source of strength and healing. The Importance of Perspective: Rather than seeing cancer as his identity, Joey made a conscious decision to view it as just a part of his journey, not who he was. The Role of Support Systems: Joey credits his wife's unwavering strength as a key factor in his survival, reminding us all how crucial it is to have a strong support network during life's darkest moments. Healing Through Mind, Body, and Spirit: Joey dives into the holistic approach that helped him recover, from mindset training to proper nutrition, sleep, exercise, and alternative healing methods like infrared saunas and breathwork. A New Purpose: Today, Joey is not only back on the ice, but he's also using his platform to inspire and educate others about health, resilience, and faith-based healing. Finding Strength in Surrender One of the most powerful moments in this episode is when Joey recalls the exact moment he surrendered his fight to God. Lying in an infrared sauna, after months of battling excruciating pain and undergoing intense chemotherapy, he had a divine moment of peace—a realization that God had him in His hands, no matter what happened. That surrender, rather than being a sign of giving up, became the turning point in his healing journey. What's Next for Joey? Now fully focused on his recovery and professional hockey career, Joey is training harder than ever, putting on 20 pounds of muscle, and preparing for his next big opportunity in the sport he loves. But more than that, he's sharing his story to inspire others—helping people understand that they are stronger than their circumstances and that healing is possible. Through his faith, discipline, and commitment to holistic health, Joey is proving that even the toughest battles can be won with the right mindset and unwavering belief. Listen to the Full Episode Joey's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and this episode will leave you feeling empowered and encouraged to face your own challenges with faith and determination. If you or someone you know is battling a difficult season, share this episode—you never know who might need to hear Joey's message of hope. For those looking to connect with Chuck for coaching or speaking engagements, check out the links below. Be brave. Live unmasked. LINKS: www.thecompassionateconnection.com www.warriorsunmasked.com  Join Chuck's Text Community: 251-418-7966 Episode Minute By Minute: 00:00 - Introduction + Welcome to Joey Raats 03:12 - Joey's Hockey Journey Before His Diagnosis 07:45 - The Moment He Knew Something Was Wrong 11:20 - Diagnosed with Testicular Cancer: The Beginning of the Battle 15:50 - The Mental Toll of Cancer and Finding Strength 19:30 - The Turning Point: Surrendering to God's Plan 24:10 - How Faith Helped Joey Through the Hardest Moments 28:55 - Holistic Healing: The Mind, Body, and Spirit Approach 33:40 - Rebuilding Strength and Returning to Hockey 38:15 - The Role of Support: How His Wife and Loved Ones Got Him Through 42:55 - Lessons Learned: How Cancer Changed His Perspective on Life 47:30 - Joey's Advice for Anyone Facing a Tough Battle 52:00 - What's Next for Joey in Hockey and Life 55:10 - Closing Thoughts + Where to Follow Joey