Cancer Sucks, Jesus Saves is a six-part podcast series that tackles the raw reality of cancer while shining a light on unshakable hope in Christ. In today's powerful episode of Cancer Sucks, Jesus Saves, we meet a remarkable woman, Dr. Vanessa Sheppard, whose life took a dramatic turn when she went from cancer patient (twice!) to cancer researcher. As a survivor, she shares the raw and real impact that her diagnosis had on every part of her life—body, mind, and spirit. But rather than being defined by the disease, she allowed it to refine her purpose.

Now dedicated to supporting others through evidence, empathy, and faith, she opens up about how surviving cancer deepened her relationship with Jesus and ignited a mission to inform, advocate, and walk alongside others facing the same battle.

This is a story of redemption, resilience, and the healing that comes when science and faith work hand in hand.

Even when cancer changes everything, Jesus gives it meaning.

This episode honors the unseen heroes: the survivors of cancer who strive to make a difference every day.

Stay tuned for two more episodes Thursdays between August 21st - August 28th. Each episode will bring a different perspective to the conversation:

• • someone who lost her husband to cancer about 15 years ago and is living a joyful life today
  • a therapist/counselor who helps navigate the emotional and spiritual toll.

And you can also listen to previous episodes here as well!

Together, these voices remind us that while cancer is devastating, it doesn’t have the final say—Jesus does.

And as always, Annie and I would love to hear from you. Have you or a loved one been impacted by cancer or another illness? How are you coping? How can we pray for you? Please email us at mazuri@mazuriministries.org, or share your story with us on IG @davenialeawrites, or on FB @annieraney

And if you know someone who might benefit from this series, please share it with them. Your share might just be the hope they need!

Finally, your reviews mean the world to us, and they also assist us in spreading God's message of hope and victory across the globe! So please leave us a review on your favorite podcast player or on our Podcast Webpage

🔗 Again, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to keep the conversation going!

Today's episode song is inspired by Vanessa's story. This song, One of the One’s, was co-written by Yvonne Cummings and an AI music generation tool. The lyrics, concept, and creative direction were developed by Yvonne Cummings, with AI assisting in music composition and production. Please note this song is for your listening enjoyment only and cannot be downloaded or shared.

Thanks for listening! From our hearts to yours!!

Send us a text. We'd love to connect with you!

Cancer Sucks, Jesus Saves is a six-part podcast series that tackles the raw reality of cancer while shining a light on unshakable hope in Christ. In today's heartfelt episode of Cancer Sucks, Jesus Saves, we sit down with a devoted wife and caregiver, Sharon Aka, who opens up about the emotional, spiritual, and practical challenges of walking beside her husband through his cancer journey. From sleepless nights to silent prayers, from moments of strength to deep exhaustion—she shares what it truly means to love someone through sickness and uncertainty.

She reflects on how cancer reshaped her family, her faith, and her understanding of God’s presence in the darkest valleys. Through it all, she clings to hope, leans into grace, and is discovering a deeper kind of love—one rooted in sacrifice, trust, and the steady hand of Jesus.

This episode honors the unseen heroes: the caregivers whose faith carries them through the fight, even when they’re not the ones in the hospital bed.

Because cancer doesn’t just affect one person—Jesus sustains the whole family.

Stay tuned for two more episodes Thursdays on August 21st and August 28th . Each episode will bring a different perspective to the conversation:

• • a survivor whose life's work has been shaped by the diagnosis
  • a mom and wife who lost her husband to cancer
  • a therapist/counselor who helps navigate the emotional and spiritual toll.

Together, these voices remind us that while cancer is devastating, it doesn’t have the final say—Jesus does.

And as always, Annie and I would love to hear from you. Have you or a loved one been impacted by cancer or another illness? How are you coping? How can we pray for you? Please email us at mazuri@mazuriministries.org, or share your story with us on IG @davenialeawrites, or on FB @annieraney

And if you know someone who might benefit from this series, please share it with them. Your share might just be the hope they need!

Finally, your reviews mean the world to us, and they also assist us in spreading God's message of hope and victory across the globe! So please leave us a review on your favorite podcast player or on our Podcast Webpage

🔗 Again, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to keep the conversation going!

Today's episode songs are (yes, you're getting two today) It Is Well With My Soul sung by Wintley Phipps and I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe. Please note these songs are for your listening enjoyment only and cannot be downloaded or shared.

Thanks for listening! From our hearts to yours!!

Send us a text. We'd love to connect with you!

Cancer Sucks, Jesus Saves is a six-part podcast series that tackles the raw reality of cancer while shining a light on unshakable hope in Christ. In today's deeply personal and thought-provoking episode of Cancer Sucks, Jesus Saves, we sit down with a compassionate oncologist, Dr. Sylvia Fowler, who opens up about the emotional and spiritual toll of walking alongside patients through their cancer journeys. With raw honesty, she shares how witnessing both hope and heartbreak on a daily basis has shaped her view of God, life, and purpose.

We explore the sacred tension where science meets faith—how she leans on Jesus in moments when medicine falls short, and how her calling to heal often leads her to the foot of the cross. Whether you're a healthcare provider, a person of faith, or someone touched by cancer, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the soul of a doctor who treats more than just disease—she ministers to the brokenhearted.

Because even though cancer sucks, Jesus still saves.

This episode honors the unseen heroes: the medical professionals who commit their lives to saving lives.

Stay tuned for four more episodes Thursdays between August 7th - August 28th. Each episode will bring a different perspective to the conversation:

• • a survivor whose life's work has been shaped by the diagnosis,
  • a caregiver walking the hard road alongside a loved one,
  • someone who is currently battling cancer, and
  • a therapist/counselor who helps navigate the emotional and spiritual toll.

Together, these voices remind us that while cancer is devastating, it doesn’t have the final say—Jesus does.

And as always, Annie and I would love to hear from you. Have you or a loved one been impacted by cancer or another illness? How are you coping? How can we pray for you? Please email us at mazuri@mazuriministries.org, or share your story with us on IG @davenialeawrites, or on FB @annieraney

And if you know someone who might benefit from this series, please share it with them. Your share might just be the hope they need!

Finally, your reviews mean the world to us, and they also assist us in spreading God's message of hope and victory across the globe! So please leave us a review on your favorite podcast player or on our Podcast Webpage

🔗 Again, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to keep the conversation going!

Today's episode songs are (yes, you're getting two again) Amen by For King and Country and Lean on Me by Bill Withers. Please note these songs are for your listening enjoyment only and cannot be downloaded or shared.

Thanks for listening! From our hearts to yours!!

Send us a text. We'd love to connect with you!