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Diagnosed, Paralyzed, and Still Moving Forward—How Do You Keep Going?
In the very first episode of The Forward Standard, Tanner Courtney sits down with cancer survivor Alyssa Gomez inside a Veterans Affairs hospital, setting the tone for a show rooted in resilience, service, and moving forward no matter the odds. This conversation is raw, human, and deeply American—centered on grit, faith, and the unbreakable spirit forged through adversity.
1. A Battle at 14 That Redefined Everything
Alyssa shares her leukemia diagnosis at just 14 years old—right as she was stepping into independence, dreams, and identity. What followed was a two-and-a-half-year fight that stripped everything down to survival and rebuilt her from the inside out.
2. From Independence to Total Dependence—and Back Again
Both Alyssa and Tanner reflect on the humbling experience of losing independence—whether through cancer or a life-altering accident. Their journeys reveal a powerful truth: strength is often forged in the moments we feel weakest.
3. Faith Tested, Then Strengthened
Alyssa opens up about anger toward God during her illness, only to later rediscover a deeper, more resilient faith. Tanner mirrors this through his own “why me” moment after becoming paralyzed—showing that faith isn’t about perfection, it’s about persistence.
4. The Power of Perspective and Choice
One of the most impactful themes: choosing your mindset. Whether confined to a hospital bed or rebuilding life after trauma, both guests emphasize that perspective is a daily decision—and often the difference between despair and purpose.
5. Turning Pain into Purpose
From volunteering with Teen Cancer America to Tanner’s mission-driven work with veterans and communities, both guests embody what it means to transform personal trials into service for others.
“I just told myself to take it one day at a time… even slower—one moment at a time.” — Alyssa Gomez
This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a call to remember what resilience looks like. In a time where many feel stuck, divided, or uncertain, The Forward Standard reminds us that forward is always an option. Whether you're a veteran, a survivor, a parent, or simply someone navigating life’s challenges—this episode speaks directly to the American spirit of perseverance.
Follow The Forward Standard on WSNtv
Watch and connect:
- Youtube.com/@WeServeNetwork
- Vimeo.com/wsntv
- Facebook.com/WeServeTv
- Weservenetwork.org
- Spotify: Tiny.cc/WSNtv
- Available on Roku
View all episodes
By Barbara Beach, Charles McFallIn the very first episode of The Forward Standard, Tanner Courtney sits down with cancer survivor Alyssa Gomez inside a Veterans Affairs hospital, setting the tone for a show rooted in resilience, service, and moving forward no matter the odds. This conversation is raw, human, and deeply American—centered on grit, faith, and the unbreakable spirit forged through adversity.
1. A Battle at 14 That Redefined Everything
Alyssa shares her leukemia diagnosis at just 14 years old—right as she was stepping into independence, dreams, and identity. What followed was a two-and-a-half-year fight that stripped everything down to survival and rebuilt her from the inside out.
2. From Independence to Total Dependence—and Back Again
Both Alyssa and Tanner reflect on the humbling experience of losing independence—whether through cancer or a life-altering accident. Their journeys reveal a powerful truth: strength is often forged in the moments we feel weakest.
3. Faith Tested, Then Strengthened
Alyssa opens up about anger toward God during her illness, only to later rediscover a deeper, more resilient faith. Tanner mirrors this through his own “why me” moment after becoming paralyzed—showing that faith isn’t about perfection, it’s about persistence.
4. The Power of Perspective and Choice
One of the most impactful themes: choosing your mindset. Whether confined to a hospital bed or rebuilding life after trauma, both guests emphasize that perspective is a daily decision—and often the difference between despair and purpose.
5. Turning Pain into Purpose
From volunteering with Teen Cancer America to Tanner’s mission-driven work with veterans and communities, both guests embody what it means to transform personal trials into service for others.
“I just told myself to take it one day at a time… even slower—one moment at a time.” — Alyssa Gomez
This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a call to remember what resilience looks like. In a time where many feel stuck, divided, or uncertain, The Forward Standard reminds us that forward is always an option. Whether you're a veteran, a survivor, a parent, or simply someone navigating life’s challenges—this episode speaks directly to the American spirit of perseverance.
Follow The Forward Standard on WSNtv
Watch and connect:
- Youtube.com/@WeServeNetwork
- Vimeo.com/wsntv
- Facebook.com/WeServeTv
- Weservenetwork.org
- Spotify: Tiny.cc/WSNtv
- Available on Roku