From Illness to Renewal, a Story That Echoes Easter’s Promise

BY DAN TRIMBLE, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & EVENTS

​I want to take a moment to share my story—a story of struggle, transformation, and the incredible power of faith.

As a Food Service Sales Representative, I was always surrounded by food. My love for it often turned into a habit of eating in excess. I indulged in processed foods, and even purchased a fryer to take advantage of cost savings. It was all too easy to overlook the toll it was taking on my health.

For years, I didn’t pay much attention to my body. I never felt the need to see a doctor—until October 2020, when everything changed. I found myself feeling persistently ill and decided to go to the hospital, which led to a shocking diagnosis: APL leukemia, a type of blood cancer. At that moment, my life turned upside down.

The news was overwhelming, but amidst the chaos, I discovered something profound—the power of prayer. I had never prayed for anyone before; I usually focused on prayers asking God to fix my life. But suddenly, I became acutely aware of the prayers being offered for me. Friends, family, and even strangers came together, lifting me in their thoughts. Their unwavering support was a lifeline during this difficult time.

And in those prayers, I experienced a kind of hope that felt like light breaking into darkness.

Easter is celebrated as the "first day" of a new creation, signifying a new beginning beyond the old order.

And that's what these prayers represented: it was the beginning of new life.

Fast forward to today, and I am proud to say I am four years into remission. This experience didn’t just change my health; it transformed my life - some might call it a type of resurrection.

I had a connection to Calvary Church, pastored by the former executive director of LCCM. It's interesting how God foreshadows what's to come. Two years later, I joined LCCM, an organization dedicated to investing in people and improving lives. Their mission resonated deeply with me, as it reflects the importance of supporting one another. We held each other accountable and participated in the Daniel Plan—a program that champions health and wellness. It reminded me that we’re not alone in this journey; we have a community that uplifts each other.

Today, I stand before you having lost over 65 pounds—going from 260 to 195 pounds. It’s amazing what can happen when you dedicate time to caring for your body. I often reflect on how my health issues could have been prevented and how I can ensure I take care of myself moving forward.

But Easter reminds me that the story doesn’t end in regret. It doesn’t end in the tomb. It continues in grace, in second chances, in new beginnings.

I realize now that God is on my side. With the support of my family, friends, and community, I’ve learned that we can overcome our challenges together.

As I continue this journey, I keep a prayer list that reminds me of the power of faith—faith in God, in my health, and in the people around me.

This Easter, I encourage you to reflect on your own life. Where do you need renewal? Where is God inviting you into something new?

Because resurrection isn’t just something that happened once.

It’s something that is still happening—within all of us.
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Sunday is here.