From a small town in Wasatch County, Utah, comes the remarkable true story of the Karren family — a journey through illness, unlikely connections, and the quiet evidence of God in the details.

On Memorial Day weekend 2020, Brady Karren suddenly became gravely ill and was diagnosed with liver failure. Around the same time, his wife, Meranie, had been searching for information about her birth parents, hoping to uncover the story behind her adoption. With the help of a distant relative passionate about family history, she finally learned her biological parents’ names—but hadn’t yet planned how to contact them. Unexpectedly, Brady’s illness set in motion a series of miraculous connections that helped Meranie uncover the truths she had waited a lifetime to find.

In this special episode of Top of Mind, host Julie Rose and guest host Amber Borowski Johnson of KPCW radio share the stories of the people whose faith, service and love brought light into the Karren family’s darkest season. In a world that can feel divided, their story is a reminder of the shared humanity that quietly connects people through small acts of kindness. The episode highlights Light the World, an initiative by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that encourages bringing light to others this holiday season. Visit www.lighttheworld.org

GUESTS

Brady Karren, husband and father from Daniel, Utah diagnosed with liver failure in 2020.

Meranie Karren, wife and mother from Daniel, Utah.

Tammy Felt, distant relative of Meranie, passionate about family history research.

Curt Clyde, local farmer and neighbor of the Karren’s from Daniel, Utah.

Kenneth Kimber, military pilot in the military for 21 years and husband of Meranie’s cousin.

Brock Beebe, biological half-brother of Meranie.

Cynthia Blades, neighbor and friend of the Karren’s from local congregation in Daniel, Utah.

Featuring: Amber Borowski Johnson of KPCW in Park City, Utah.