Keeping the Faith

In May 2020, Faith Gladding arrived at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast’s Emergency Room with severe stomach pain. The compassion and attentiveness of the care team made an immediate and lasting impression.

The episode was diagnosed as a gallbladder attack, and Faith was sent to a surgeon. Following surgery, much to everyone’s surprise, the pathology indicated neuroendocrine carcinoma. 

Faith was then referred to Sacred Heart Oncology. She began chemo immediately, but because of the pandemic, her husband was unable to attend her appointments. Her physicians put Gill, a pharmacist, on speakerphone so he could be part of the process.

“God was indeed connecting all the dots on my behalf,” Faith shares. “The care team was so professional, well informed and empathetic. When we look back on it, their grace was extraordinary.” 

She soon learned that oncology nurses are every bit as extraordinary. After months of intensive chemo and a brief hospital stay due to its effects, Faith was declared well with no signs of active cancer.

But in March of the following year, she suffered an injury to her ribs. When the pain did not subside, Faith returned to the ER – a decision she considered a blessing when the scans once again showed suspicious activity.

A biopsy of the liver revealed metastatic stage 4 cancer. She immediately began immunotherapy treatment, and two years later, she remains cancer-free.

“The consensus is that I am a miracle,” Faith says, with a smile. 

Throughout their journey, the Gladdings say they were often questioned why they didn’t travel to Mayo or MD Anderson or Moffitt. Their reason is simple – they were so confident in Sacred Heart. “We were just really happy where we were.”

Faith ultimately did have a consult at Mayo, and the doctors there agreed with everything that was done at Ascension Sacred Heart. They absolutely felt her care had been the best.

So many people have asked, “Faith, what will you do with your miracle?”

It’s a humbling question, she reveals. 

“God has been so busy with me. He is truly working on my behalf. My hubby, Gill, says sharing my testimonies of life after cancer is an encouragement to others going through a similar journey,” Faith says. “What an amazing opportunity to share God’s goodness in all things.”