Tveen Verano shares her family's emotional journey from a joyful, ordinary life to the shock of a childhood cancer diagnosis. Her story highlights the power of faith, community, and the importance of spiritual resilience amid unimaginable hardships. Main Topics Covered:

• The emotional impact of childhood cancer diagnosis and treatment
• How faith and scripture sustain families during crises
• Practical ways to support loved ones in their struggle
• The role of community and prayer in healing and hope
• Balancing joy and grief in the midst of suffering

In this episode:

• Tveen recounts her son Alex's diagnosis and initial shock
• The importance of faith and Scripture, especially Psalm 16:8
• The emotional and spiritual processing during crisis moments
• The significance of community support, prayer, and a positive mindset
• Navigating sibling reactions and family dynamics
• Hope and remission
• Advice for supporting others facing illness
• The importance of balanced support groups and spiritual formation

Resources & Links:

• Psalm 16:8
• Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table by Louis Giglio
• Unmet Expectations by Lisa Hughes
• Broken and Mended support group ministry
• Neuroblastoma Information
• Episode w/Lara Silverman

Connect with Tveen Verano:

• https://www.instagram.com/tveenverano.rd/
• https://www.youtube.com/@tveenverano9283

Thank you for listening. Join us next time on In the Seams for more stories of faith, perseverance, and hope.

Host: David Heflin

Producer: Andres Ruiz

Editor: John Shields

In this episode, Miles Washburn shares his inspiring story of battling Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare and severe autoimmune disorder, and how, through this experience, God inspired a mission to support fellow patients. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, faith, and making a difference.

Key Topics

Miles’ background as an athlete and his life before GBS

The rapid onset of GBS symptoms and diagnostic process

Understanding Guillain-Barré syndrome: causes, symptoms, and misconceptions

The emotional and physical impact of GBS on daily life and recovery

The importance of faith, purpose, and mental resilience during health crises

Miles’ initiative: climbing Mount Ventoux as a fundraiser for GBS patients

How community support and sponsorships aid in recovery efforts

Practical advice for navigating chronic illness and misconceptions

The power of faith and purpose in overcoming adversity

How listeners can get involved and support Miles’ fundraising campaign

Timestamps

(0:00) Welcome and introduction: why GBS awareness matters

(1:25) Miles’ personal story and background before illness

(3:28) How GBS struck unexpectedly and the initial signs

(7:22) The diagnosis journey: from symptoms to hospital stay

(13:38) Understanding Guillain-Barré syndrome and variants

(19:39) The rapid impact of GBS: life-altering overnight effects

(26:42) Common misconceptions and misunderstandings about GBS

(33:09) Comparing personal health journeys and fatigue

(34:12) Finding purpose: Miles’ calling to help others through his experience

(40:02) The Mount Ventoux challenge: a symbol of resilience and faith

(48:33) How to participate: fundraiser details and donation info

(53:22) Closing remarks: spreading awareness and encouraging others

Resources & Links

Miles for GBS Facebook Page

Miles’ Fundraising Website

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Foundation

1 Peter 4:10 - (Key Verse)

What If? by Bill Humphreys - Amazon

Broken and Mended

Host: David Heflin

Producer: Andres Ruiz

Editor: John Shields

From www.restoreofada.com:

Dana Hargus, M.Ed., LPC

Founder

Dana Hargus is the Founder of Restore of Ada. She was raised in the Ada area and holds a bachelor's degree in education and special education, and a master's degree in school counseling. After successfully working with students with behavioral and developmental issues, she returned to earn her degree in counseling. She has been working as a counselor for over twenty years. Dana owns Biofeedback and Counseling Inc. of Ada, which serves the Central Oklahoma area with twelve counselors. Restore utilizes biofeedback, relational coaching, and nutritional therapy as an adjunct to (or independently of) traditional talk therapy. When talk therapy is not enough, Restore may help.

In this episode, David Heflin and Dana Hargus discuss the possibilities of biofeedback as a promising intervention beyond "talk therapy." Can the brain be retrained to respond differently to our chronic pain and related anxiety?

Dana also shares how her Christian faith has informed her life and career, and provides a foundation for how she helps others. She shares about her new and unique program in Ada, Oklahoma (Restore of Ada) and her online program available to anyone (Restore +).

https://brokenandmended.org/

Broken and Mended Vice President, Andres Ruiz joins David Heflin to recap the "Broken Apart, Mended Together" conference featuring Dave Furman, Aren and Trina Bahadourian, Shannon Cramer, and Vaneetha Risner.

Before debriefing each of the sessions, David talks with Andres about his chronic illness journey, how he got connected to Broken and Mended, and what his role is today. Then, David and Andres talk about each session: key scriptures, themes, and quotes from the Oct. 18th conference.

You can find the original YouTube links here: https://brokenandmended.dm.networkforgood.com/emails/important-conference-information

Links to previous podcasts with conference speakers Aren an Trina Bahadourian and Shannon Cramer: https://rss.com/podcasts/intheseams/1635956/ https://rss.com/podcasts/intheseams/1537466/

Lara Silverman's book mentioned in the podcast: https://www.amazon.com/Singing-Through-Fire-Finding-Surprising/dp/B0FMQZ264W

Diamonds Conference information and registration: https://diamondsconference.org/2025-fall-conference

Broken and Mended $50,000 campaign

https://brokenandmended.networkforgood.com/projects/262074-50-000-campaign-fall-2025

Main website: https://brokenandmended.org/

Hosts: David Heflin and Andres Ruiz

Edited by John Shields

In this episode, David interviews Lara Silverman, the author of the newly released memoir, Singing Through the Fire. Lara was a high-power attorney just entering the best and most exciting time of her life when she was struck with severe vertigo, nausea, and pain.

This mysterious illness eventually claimed her career and left her bedbound. But God was still at work in Lara's life. As she gained some of her mobility back, God brought a love story into her life with Matt Silverman. The only problem was that Matt was ill, too, very ill. Matt had terminal cancer. Her story is one of faithful lament and resilience as she and Matt fought to experience joy every day and everything that God gave them.

The interview focuses specifically on a theology of suffering and living with eternity in view. If you are suffering or struggling with grief or both, this interview will encourage you to hold on to hope.

Singing Through Fire: A Memoir of Finding Surprising Joy in Life's Darkest Trials: Silverman, Lara: 9798218714994: Amazon.com: Books

Lara's YouTube channel: The SILVERMAN show - YouTube

Lara's other social media links: https://www.facebook.com/lara.palanjian.silverman/

Instagram

Broken and Mended Conference Registration: Broken and Mended Incorporated - Broken and Mended Conference 2025

In The Seams interview with fellow Armenians and mutual friends (and Broken and Mended conference speakers!) Aren and Trina Bahadourian: https://rss.com/podcasts/intheseams/1635956

Broken & Mended Chronic Pain Support Ministry

Clip From The Chosen mentioned in the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZDvcEkjthA

Host: David Heflin

In this episode, David shares his personal story, starting with injuries to both hips and culminating in diagnoses of Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and Crohn's disease. David shares how disorientation marked the first few years, but with God's help, he eventually made his way to acceptance and renewed purpose. David shares how this renewed purpose resulted in Broken and Mended and its different resources, including this podcast show.

If you can help Broken and Mended financially or just want to get connected to its ministries, go to brokenandmended.org. Register for the free virtual conference on 10/18 here: Broken and Mended Incorporated - Broken and Mended Conference 2025.

Short explainer video on AS: Areas of Inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis

Information on Crohn's Disease: Mayo Clinic Explains Crohn’s Disease

Host: David Heflin

Edited by John Shields

Broken and Mended board member and fundraising consultant, Glenn Newton, talks about his long battle with severe back pain. Not many years after finding relief through a successful back surgery, Glenn was faced with an even more painful disease called Trigeminal Neuralgia. Glenn shares how it impacted his life, ministry, and relationship with God. Glenn's story is one of persistence and hope, even when it appears all hope is gone.

Trigger Warning: Suicide is discussed in this episode. If you need help, please call the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988 (for U.S. Residents).

Website about T.N. and why it is linked to suicide, but also why there is hope: https://arizonapain.com/trigeminal-neuralgia-suicide-disease/

Book by Glenn Newton: Conversations With God

Event page for Broken and Mended Seminar at Agape Church of Christ in St. Johns, Fl.

Broken and Mended Free Virtual Conference Registration Page

Broken and Mended Donation Page

Episode Host: David Heflin

Edited by John Shields

Produced by Broken and Mended Incorporated

In this episode, Broken and Mended Executive Director, David Heflin, shares four ways from Scripture that Jesus identifies with sinners to fulfill his promise to be with us. Even on the days we suffer the most, Jesus is with us. Sometimes our experience may confirm this, and sometimes that experience proves elusive. That's why we start with Jesus' promise (Matt. 28:20) and not our experience. Still, a greater experience of that promise is likely to follow when we commit ourselves to believing it.

Scriptures Referenced in the podcast:

Matt. 1:22-23

Matt. 28:20

John 1:1, 14

1 Pet. 3:18

Rom. 6:23

John 1:29

Matt. 3:13-16

Matt. 4:1-11

Heb. 4:15

Phil. 2:5-11

John 14:23

David also announces a virtual conference hosted by Broken and Mended on 10/18 with speakers: Dave Furman, Vaneetha Risner, Shannon Cramer, and Aren and Trina Bahadourian! More details will be announced soon.

Host; David Heflin

Editor: John Shields

Lauren Watt has dealt with devastating chronic illnesses and pain since her early teenage years. After experiencing a massive disruption in her life, she graduated from high school at the age of 23. Lauren still struggles with some chronic conditions, but her life is greatly improved. She has been helped through a therapy called "brain rewiring."

In this episode, Lauren shares her heartbreaking story, but also how God walked with her through her darkest days, and how lament helped her (and can help us) stay connected to God. Lauren shares how scripture has helped her stay rooted in God's promises and His character, and how we can continue to follow Jesus, regardless of our circumstances.

Lauren's Substack; https://laurenspen.substack.com/

Dr. Lee Warren's podcast (brain rewiring and neuroplasticity): https://www.wleewarrenmd.com/podcast/

Sermon by Tim Keller mentioned by Lauren: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulmaUtbayGY&pp=0gcJCdgAo7VqN5tD

Books recommended by Lauren: https://www.amazon.com/Hope-When-Hurts-reflections-suffering/dp/1784980730

https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Gospel-Devotional-Connecting-Scripture/dp/1433593483

Host: David Heflin

Producer: Andres Ruiz

Editor: John Shields

Rachel Lundy has lived with various chronic medical conditions--all under the umbrella term, dysautonomia--since she was a teenager, robbing her of a normal teenage life and a promising athletic career as a swimmer. Rachel began her website and blog in 2007. Today, it is a hopeful collection of blog posts, book recommendations, and other resources for people with chronic health conditions.

Rachel is now a wife and mother of four. She still struggles immensely with chronic illnesses, chronic fatigue, and disability. Yet, her story and witness to God's faithfulness in her struggles are very inspirational and encouraging to our own painful journeys.

Rachel has written two books (Hope For The Hard Days and Chronic Illness and Friendship), both of which have free PDF versions available here: https://www.cranberryteatime.com/p/books.html.

Paperback and Kindle versions of Hope For the Hard Days can be found on Amazon.

Rachel's two favorite books: When God Weeps: Why Our Sufferings Matter to the Almighty: Tada, Joni Eareckson, Estes, Steve: 9780310238355: Amazon.com: Books

Heaven by Randy Alcorn

Also mentioned by Rachel: Together Through the Storms: Sarah Walton, Jeff Walton: 9781784984724: Amazon.com: Books

Rachel is also a regular Diamonds Conference speaker.

Host: David Heflin

Editor: John Shields