In this episode of Faith Through Cancer, I’m joined by Alicia Robinson, a homeschooling mom from central Illinois who shares her remarkable story of being diagnosed with stage IV bilateral breast cancer while pregnant with her third child.

Alicia opens up about discovering lumps during pregnancy, navigating an early delivery and NICU stay, and learning to advocate for herself by seeking a second medical opinion that ultimately changed the course of her treatment. She reflects honestly on fear, motherhood, and learning to live fully in the present rather than being consumed by “what ifs.” Throughout her story, Alicia points listeners back to God’s faithfulness, the power of prayer, and the importance of speaking truth and hope over yourself, even on the hardest days.

This conversation will especially encourage anyone facing a difficult diagnosis, walking through cancer while parenting, or learning how to trust God when healing feels slow and uncertain. Alicia’s story is a beautiful reminder to look for how far God has already brought you, even when you’re still waiting for the next miracle.

• Alicia's Instagram

• Terminal Joy's Instagram

• Devotional Quilts Project HERE

In this episode, Val sits down with Lew Worthington, a retired pastor and author living with stage IV pancreatic cancer, to talk honestly about faith in the middle of uncertainty. Lew shares his journey from diagnosis to remission, the realities of fear and “scanxiety,” and how Scripture, community, caring for others, and gratitude have shaped the way he lives each day.

Rather than offering easy answers, Lew speaks candidly about suffering, hope that is deeper than optimism, and the long, quiet ways God shows up over time. This conversation is especially meaningful for anyone navigating cancer, caregiving, or the tension between trusting God and living with unanswered questions.

• Website and Book: https://lewworthington.com Unlikely Hope Available in print, Kindle, and audiobook on Amazon and Audible

• Lew's Instagram

• Terminal Joy Website: https://terminaljoy.com

• The Devotional Quilts Project:

• Terminal Joy Instagram

When Lauren was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer at just 26, her whole world shifted overnight. In this episode, she shares what it has looked like to walk through years of treatments, setbacks, unanswered questions—and the surprising ways God has met her with peace, provision, and even moments of joy.

Lauren talks honestly about those early days of fear and anger, the long stretch of failed treatments, and the miracle of finally finding a clinical trial that’s working and shrinking her tumors. She also shares the practices that have kept her grounded—lament, worship, community, and choosing gratitude even when life looks nothing like she expected.

Her story is tender, hopeful, and deeply practical for anyone facing a diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or trying to find God in the middle of something painful.

• Lauren’s Blog: Healing Hope

• Lauren's Instagram

• Book Mentioned: Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop

• Favorite Scriptures:

  • 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

  • Isaiah 55:9 – “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.”

  • Philippians 4:6–7 – “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

• Favorite Worship Songs:

  • “Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me” – CityAlight

  • “More Than Able” – Elevation Worship / Maverick City

    Terminal Joy Resources

    • Terminal Joy Website

    The Devotional Quilts Project

    • Learn about the seven quilts inspired by the “7 Truths to Hold On To”

    • Nominate a woman with cancer to receive a quilt

    • Support the project or purchase raffle entries

    👉 https://www.terminaljoy.org/quilt-project

In this powerful episode of Faith Through Cancer, I sit down with Keely Burton, a wife, mom, athlete, and follower of Jesus who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer (invasive ductal carcinoma just before her 40th birthday. Keely shares how God prompted her—out of nowhere—to check her breast, leading to the discovery of a lump that doctors initially thought was “just a cyst.” What followed was a journey marked by divine direction, supernatural peace, and medical miracles that even her doctors couldn’t explain.

Keely opens up about experiencing profound loss before cancer, hitting a moment of full surrender to God, and discovering joy and purpose she never had before. She also shares how her tumor shrank without treatment, how God carried her through surgery and chemo, and how He turned a terrifying diagnosis into the beginning of a brand new life of calling and impact.

• Keely’s Book – Clinging to Hope When Life Gets Dark (pre-order available now)

• Follow Keely’s Journey / Contact Her: Instagram

• Scriptures Mentioned:

  • Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything…”

  • Mark 10:27 – “All things are possible with God.”

• Also Mentioned:

  • Faith Through Cancer Devotional Quilts Project – seven quilts, seven truths of healing

  • Free Bible reading & journaling plan at Terminal Joy

  How You Can Support This Ministry: ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 📢 Share this episode to encourage someone walking a similar journey 🙏 Visit terminaljoy.com for more stories, resources, and ways to get involved

✨ If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend who needs hope today.

In this episode of Faith Through Cancer, I sit down with my new friend, Marty Carrell, whose story overflows with hope, faith, and the daily miraculous. Marty opens up about her cancer journey, the perspective shift that comes from asking, “What is my assignment today?” and the countless ways she’s seen God’s hand in her story. Her testimony will encourage you to surrender, to look for God’s purposes in the middle of struggle, and to live each day with courage and joy. You’ll walk away challenged to say, “Pick me, Lord”—and to watch for His everyday miracles

Links

• Find me (Valerie Dube / Terminal Joy): terminaljoy.com

• Connect with Marty Carrell: Marty's Instagram

• Learn more about the Devotional Quilts Project: terminaljoy.com/quilts

What do you do when life takes a turn you never expected? In this episode of Faith Through Cancer, I sit down with Durenda Wilson—a longtime homeschool mom, author, podcaster, wife, and grandmother—who was recently diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer. Durenda shares so beautifully about how her faith has carried her through the shock, the questions, and the ongoing treatments, and how she has learned to see God’s hand even in the suffering. Her honesty is refreshing as she talks about everything from keeping normal family rhythms to choosing gratitude in the small things, from battling discouraging words from doctors to clinging to the truth that only God holds the final word over our lives. This is a conversation about identity, trust, and peace in the unknown, and Durenda’s words will encourage anyone who has ever walked through suffering—or walked alongside someone who has.

• Find more encouragement at Terminal Joy
• Donate to the Devotional Quilts Fundraiser Here

• Find Durenda online: DorendaWilson.com

• Durenda's instagram

• Books by Dorenda: Available on Amazon

• Recommended episode: Dorenda’s podcast, Episode 585 Living in the Unknown

✨ If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend who needs hope today.

This week on Faith Through Cancer, I’m talking with Danielle McKean, who opens up about her cancer journey and the unexpected ways God worked in her life. From a delayed diagnosis to a terminal prognosis, Danielle shares how faith and nutrition became powerful tools in her healing.

Her story is a beautiful blend of practical wisdom and spiritual truth—how surrendering to God brought peace, how prayer and Scripture gave her strength, and how taking care of her body was part of trusting Him. Danielle’s perspective will encourage you whether you’re facing a diagnosis, caring for someone you love, or just needing a reminder that God is present in every detail.

Connect with Danielle: 📷 Instagram: @cancer_conqueror_danielle 🌐 Website: Cancer Conquerer

Resources Mentioned: 🏥 Envita Medical Centerterminaljoy.com

• The Devotional Quilts Project – seven quilts, seven truths, one mission to encourage women with cancer

• Free Bible reading & journaling plan available for download

In this solo episode of Faith Through Cancer, I’m sharing seven biblical truths that became lifelines for my mother-in-law, Bev, during her journey with terminal cancer. These truths—woven throughout her journals—are rooted in Scripture, anchored in God’s promises, and full of practical ways to draw near to Him no matter what you’re walking through.

📖 Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord... 📖 Psalm 32:8 – “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life...”

📖 John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you…” 📖 Isaiah 58:11 – “The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry…”

📖 Lamentations 3:22–23 – “The faithful love of the Lord never ends… Great is His faithfulness.” 📖 Deuteronomy 7:9 – “The Lord your God is indeed God… the faithful God who keeps His covenant…”

📖 2 Chronicles 20:15 – “Do not be afraid… For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 📖 2 Chronicles 20:17 – “You will not have to fight this battle… Watch the Lord’s victory.” 📖 Ephesians 6:10 – “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.”

📖 Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…” 📖 1 Peter 5:7 – “Give all your worries and cares to God…”

📖 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances…” 📖 Psalm 100:4–5 – “Enter His gates with thanksgiving… His love endures forever.”

📖 John 10:28 – “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish…” 📖 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 – “Outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed…” 📖 Psalm 23:6 – “Surely your goodness… I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Mentioned in the Episode:

• The Devotional Quilts Project – A creative fundraiser to bring Bev’s legacy to life through seven handmade quilts (one for each truth). Follow along at @terminal.joy and terminaljoy.com.

• 🎵 "Surrounded (Fight My Battles)" – Michael W. Smith 🎵 "Firm Foundation (He Won’t)" – by Maverick City Music / Cody Carnes / Chandler Moore (not specified, but common version) 🎵 "I Speak Jesus" – Charity Gayle

Support the Podcast: ⭐ Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform 📢 Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement 🧵 Learn more about the devotional fundraiser at @terminal.joy