61 - Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (Part 1): Two Stories, One Tragic Ending, One God Who is Faithful

Two stories of two kids who fought diligently, positively and with great faith, the dreadful foe of cancer.  River Putnam was 11 years old when he began his fight against a rare form of brain cancer.  Now, 15-years-old, him and his mom Melanie Putnam (“Mel”) join the podcast to share their story as well as the ways in which they are currently walking through some of the remaining havoc.  Elizabeth “Liz” Brooks began her fight against cancer at 12 years old and at 18 slipped away to heaven in 2021.  While Liz's story ends bitterly on this side of heaven, her parents and many listeners amidst tears will still agree she is currently experiencing the best possible outcome.Believers in Jesus have faith that He has overcome the world, and that belief brings hope.  But in this world each person will have trouble.  Pain and sadness are real and as long as one lives, can't be avoided; and no one is ever in the clear of experiencing their own personal nightmare, even those with great faith.  Two true stories of beauty from the ashes, those hard-pressed on every side but not crushed, enduring great suffering but not abandoned. One story leading Mel Putnam in a perennial state of thanksgiving for the more years she has with her bright son, River, while Jeremy and Laura Brooks (who also  join us today) also have their hearts settled in  thanksgiving for the time they had with Liz's and the privilege of being her parents.  Often times, however, as a result of losing her, they have to hold on to hope with all the strength they have.  Stories of pain are a part of life.  May we listen, learn, and stretch our hearts to have hope and thanksgiving in any and every circumstances.  Seacoast Church, River and Melanie Putnam and most importantly Jeremy and Laura Brooks dedicate this episode to the lovely and bright young woman who is now interceding for us who are still seeing dimly: Elizabeth "Liz" Brooks. [10.28.02 - 3/14/21] Stay ConnectedWebsite | Facebook Discussion Page  In this episodeMelanie Putnam / Facebook River Putnam / Facebook Mel's Facebook Group, Cancer Warrior Moms / Facebook Jeremy and Laura Brooks Pray for Liz Group  / Facebook Zoey Clement, guest host and narrator  Joey Svendsen, host / Instagram Executive Producer: Josh SurrattProducer/Editor: Joey SvendsenSound Engineer/Editor: JT PriceSound Engineer: Katelyn VandiverMusic, including theme song: Joel T. Hamilton MusicOther Music: Seacoast MusicSeacoast Podcast is now on InstagramBe a Patron of the podcast We have a YouTube Channel for videos of all episodes since Jan. 2024. We'd love to hear from you.  E-mail Joey HERE. Producer/Editor/host: Joey SvendsenSound Engineer/Editor: Katelyn Vandiver