Prevailing Through Pain

Season 5, Episode 4 | Patrick LeBlanc: Bridging the Gap Between Pain and Purpose

In this powerful episode of Prevailing Through Pain, Karen Cherry Brown talks with Patrick LeBlanc about the hidden weight of leadership, the reality of mental health struggles, and the journey from silent suffering to purposeful healing. As Executive Director of Bridging the Gap, Patrick shares how his own story of trauma, depression, faith, and recovery led him to help others access culturally competent mental health support. This conversation is raw, honest, and full of hope for anyone carrying pain behind the mask.

From Survival to Stewardship Tasha Wesley's Rise in Sterile Processing

In this moving episode of Prevailing Through Pain, host Karen Cherry Brown sits down with Tasha Wesley—a sterile processing (SPD) manager in the Dallas–Fort Worth area—whose story begins in survival and blossoms into strength, leadership, and faith. Tasha opens up about growing up without emotional safety, navigating domestic violence in her home, becoming pregnant as a teen, and being thrust into adult responsibilities far too early. She shares how motherhood matured her, why she chose a fresh start in Texas, and how discovering sterile processing gave her a purpose-driven career supporting safe surgery from behind the scenes. Inside the industry, Tasha talks candidly about: Why SPD is the starting point of patient safety (not “just sterilizing instruments”) Educating the public and clinical teams on reprocessing standards Transitioning from tech to leader—and setting boundaries when peers become direct reports Raising a son and daughter with love and accountability (not coddling), and breaking generational cycles The role of faith (the Book of Job) in enduring trials and finding the purpose in pain Whether you’re an SPD professional, a healthcare leader, or someone pushing through a hard season, Tasha’s journey will remind you that the pain you’re facing can become the pathway to your purpose. Highlights: Surviving chaos and finding emotional safety Teen pregnancy, hard choices, and starting over Choosing sterile processing over surgical tech—and never looking back Leadership lessons: professionalism, friendships at work, and “non-negotiables” Encouragement for young moms and anyone fighting to change their story If this helped you, please like, comment, and subscribe. Share this with someone who needs the reminder: what you don’t change, you’re choosing—and you can choose differently today. #PrevailingThroughPain #SterileProcessing #SPD #HealthcareLeadership #Resilience #DomesticViolenceSurvivor #Faith #DallasFortWorth #WomenInHealthcare #PatientSafety

From Struggle to Strength: Michele Gomez Journey

In this powerful episode of Prevailing Through Pain, host Karen Cherry Brown sits down with Michele Gomez Lafal — nurse, entrepreneur, and founder of Absolute Allied Health Academy. Michele opens up about her childhood in Compton, growing up with parents battling addiction, and how those early struggles shaped her resilience. She shares her experience as a young mother facing misdiagnosis, domestic violence, and financial hardship — and how those painful seasons became the foundation for her career in nursing and, ultimately, her decision to build her own health academy. Her story is one of perseverance, faith, and purpose. From working at a fish market as a teenager to creating her own “seat at the table” in healthcare education, Michele proves that no season of pain is wasted. Learn more about Absolute Allied Health Academy: 402 W. Wheatland Rd, Suite 180, Duncanville, TX Programs include Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy Tech, EKG Tech, Patient Care Tech, and more. Watch now and be inspired to keep pushing through your own seasons of struggle — because your testimony might be the breakthrough someone else needs. #PrevailingThroughPain #Perseverance #HealthcareLeadership #FaithAndResilience

From Surviving the OKC Bombing to Overcoming 20 Surgeries | Cynthia Thornton's Miracle

In this powerful episode of Prevailing Through Pain, host Karen Cherry Brown sits down with Cynthia Thornton, author of Medical Mistakes Overcome by Miracles. Cynthia’s journey is one of unimaginable trials and unshakable faith: Surviving the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. Enduring over 20 traumatic surgeries, including medical mistakes that could have cost her life. Battling rejection, abandonment, obesity, and even a suicide attempt. Finding healing through prayer, fasting, mentoring, and faith in God. Cynthia’s story is not only about resilience—it’s about miracles, purpose, and the courage to rise again. Today, she is an author, mentor, and speaker inspiring others to trust God’s plan, no matter how broken life feels. In this episode, you’ll hear: What it was like to live through the Oklahoma City bombing. How repeated medical errors shaped her belief that she was “broken”—and how God restored her. The dark moments of childhood trauma, kidnapping, and rejection that tried to define her. How she found strength, lost over 150 pounds, and reclaimed her life. Why her book and faith-based message are helping others heal. Connect with Cynthia: Website: cynthiathornton.com Her book is available wherever books are sold (Amazon, Walmart, etc.). Want to share your story on Prevailing Through Pain? Go to: karencherry.me/guest Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real stories of triumph, healing, and faith. #PrevailingThroughPain #CynthiaThornton #Testimony #FaithOverFear #MedicalMiracles #SurvivorStory

From Sugar Water Meals to CEO Eulanie Lashley's Journey of Faith, Resilience, and Leadership Prevailing Through Pain Podcast

In this powerful episode of Prevailing Through Pain, host Karen Terry Brown sits down with Yuvani “Yani” Lashley, President and CEO of a Dallas–Fort Worth hospital, to uncover her remarkable story of perseverance. Born in St. Vincent and raised in a large family with limited resources, Yuvani shares candidly about her childhood struggles—walking to school hungry, navigating shame, and being sent home for unpaid tuition. Through faith, family support, and the kindness of strangers, she rose above countless obstacles to pursue higher education, earn multiple degrees, and ultimately lead in healthcare. Yuvani’s journey is a testimony to God’s provision and the power of resilience. From teaching high school at 18, to receiving life-changing scholarships and support from unlikely places, to becoming a hospital CEO, her story reminds us that humble beginnings don’t define the future. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about leadership, faith, purpose, and why Yuvani believes the greatest gift a leader can give is helping others feel seen, valued, and empowered. ️ Follow & Subscribe for More Motivational Stories: Subscribe for more episodes of Prevailing Through Pain Like, Comment & Share to inspire others! Join us for a thoughtful exploration of leadership, personal growth, and the unspoken challenges that come with wearing a new hat in the workplace. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more engaging discussions on leadership, life, and success! Subscribe for more real, raw conversations about family, faith, and resilience. Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!