Health, Hope & Inspiration for People of Faith Living with Cancer

Aileen Stansel, a former nurse educator at CTCA and breast cancer survivor, lost both parents to cancer. She spoke with Rev. Percy McCray about the ways God used cancer for the good in her life.

Pastor Ashley Tyree is a man of many hats: pastor of a church and chaplain with the sheriff’s department, fire department and a local business. He shares with Rev. Percy McCray the positive impact the Our Journey of Hope training is having in the community and why he thinks it is a valuable resource for any church or ministry leader.

Providing spiritual and emotional care to those suffering with cancer can be difficult. Rev. Jeff Paparone and Rev. Percy McCray candidly talked about the demands of ministering to sick people and their loved ones. They also provided listeners easy tips for keeping refreshed when caring for others long term.

The kinds of food we eat might affect our probability for developing cancer. On this episode, Carolyn Lammersfeld, Vice President of Integrative Care Services at CTCA, offers simple steps to decrease our risk for cancer through basic food choices.

Nutritious and flavorful food matters for those battling cancer. Janet Brown, a Lead Culinary Service team member at CTCA, shared with Rev. Percy McCray about the importance of food in the physical and emotional healing process of patients and the blessings she experiences delivering food at CTCA.

Spirituality is an important part of patient care, according to Robert Bethke, chaplain at CTCA. He talked with Rev. Percy McCray about the significance of spiritual care and what that looks like with patients receiving cancer treatment.

“What if I get cancer?” Hosts Wayne Shepherd and Rev. Percy McCray explore this question and address the fears people face when wondering what will happen if they have cancer. They also offer faith-based hope for enduring any kind of crisis.

Carol King served as a caregiver for her husband, Hugh, during his journey with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. He is now 10-years cancer free. She spoke with Rev. Percy McCray about what she learned as a caregiver that she now passes onto those caring for loved ones with cancer.

Rev. Jeff Paparone, a hospital chaplain at CTCA, passionately shared with Rev. Percy McCray about the importance of spiritual, emotional, and mental healing in cancer patients. They also discussed the power of meeting people’s needs right where they are.

Host Rev. Percy McCray interviews breast surgeon Dr. Raquel Prati and they talk about how she views her role as a doctor like an instrument in the hands of a higher power. They also explore the struggle of women undergoing breast cancer surgery and the strength staying positive provides.

Hosts Wayne Shepherd and Rev. Percy McCray address the challenge of blaming someone or God when there is a cancer diagnosis. They provide helpful insight and tools to shift from blame toward hope and renewal.

Brenda Garrett works hands-on with patients daily as she supports the work of the nurses at CTCA. She shares the vision that drives her hard work and the purpose she holds onto as she journeys with patients through their cancer treatment.

Molly Stockley, once a sports news anchor, entered the cancer community when her young co-worker died of melanoma. She now serves as the Vice President of Growth at CTCA in Phoenix and shares with listeners her passion for integrative cancer treatment and care.

Kathy Lambert learned about her uterine cancer after she started volunteering at CTCA, Phoenix. Now diagnosed cancer-free, she shares about how her health journey strengthens her connection with patients she continues to serve.

Hosts Wayne Shepherd and Rev. Percy McCray discuss the challenges and blessings of facing the coming loss of a loved one. They offer helpful guidance on ways to part on godly terms and how to help a loved one pass on with hope, dignity and grace.