Two stories of two kids who fought diligently, positively and with great faith, the dreadful foe of cancer. River Putnam was 11 years old when he began his fight against a rare form of brain cancer. Now, 15-years-old, him and his mom Melanie Putnam (“Mel”) join the podcast to share their story as well as the ways in which they are currently walking through some of the remaining havoc.
Elizabeth “Liz” Brooks began her fight against cancer at 12 years old and at 18 slipped away to heaven in 2021. While Liz's story ends bitterly on this side of heaven, her parents and many listeners amidst tears will still agree she is currently experiencing the best possible outcome.
Believers in Jesus have faith that He has overcome the world, and that belief brings hope. But in this world each person will have trouble. Pain and sadness are real and as long as one lives, can't be avoided; and no one is ever in the clear of experiencing their own personal nightmare, even those with great faith.
Two true stories of beauty from the ashes, those hard-pressed on every side but not crushed, enduring great suffering but not abandoned. One story leading Mel Putnam in a perennial state of thanksgiving for the more years she has with her bright son, River, while Jeremy and Laura Brooks (who also join us today) also have their hearts settled in thanksgiving for the time they had with Liz's and the privilege of being her parents. Often times, however, as a result of losing her, they have to hold on to hope with all the strength they have.
Stories of pain are a part of life. May we listen, learn, and stretch our hearts to have hope and thanksgiving in any and every circumstances.
Seacoast Church, River and Melanie Putnam and most importantly Jeremy and Laura Brooks dedicate this episode to the lovely and bright young woman who is now interceding for us who are still seeing dimly:
Elizabeth "Liz" Brooks. [10.28.02 - 3/14/21]
Stay Connected
Website | Facebook Discussion Page
In this episode
Melanie Putnam / Facebook
River Putnam / Facebook
Mel's Facebook Group, Cancer Warrior Moms / Facebook
Jeremy and Laura Brooks Pray for Liz Group / Facebook
Zoey Clement, guest host and narrator
Joey Svendsen, host / Instagram
Executive Producer: Josh Surratt
Producer/Editor: Joey Svendsen
Sound Engineer/Editor: JT Price
Sound Engineer: Katelyn Vandiver
Music, including theme song: Joel T. Hamilton Music
Other Music: Seacoast Music
Since the beginning of 2024, this podcast releases fully-produced, video versions of each episode. You can find these on our YouTube Channel.