One Story Ariana Nelson

After being adopted, surviving stage 4 cancer, recovering from multiple addictions, and moving all around the world, Carol DeCoene was left carrying significant trauma into her adult life. The extreme circumstances life continually presented her with left her with a very limited sense of belonging, and led to deficits in both her mental and physical health. In Part 15, Carol will speak on how she overcame both the personal and public challenges of her life, the lessons it taught her along the way, and how she ultimately found her true identity.

Loretta Cerrone Palermo was born in Sora, Italy. Prior to her immigration to the US in 1947, Loretta survived typhoid fever, endured WWII, and grew up with a single mother as her father prepared for their arrival in the US. After arriving in America and climbing over a high language barrier at the age of 10, Loretta graduated from high school, got a job as a secretary, got married, and had 5 children. In Part 14, Loretta will speak on her life in Italy, the realities of being an immigrant in America, and how she overcame adversity and found a joyful life.

After six years of longing to belong, Chris Ansberry started using. Eight years later, his parents found out, which not only placed a significant strain on his family but led to a year in and out of various rehabilitation facilities. Three months after his uncle introduced him to God, he got clean, went to college, got married, and ultimately earned a PhD. In Part 13, Chris will speak on his past, how he came to know God, and his journey in figuring out belonging.

After 3 years of bullying and sexual harassment, Gabbi Hickly planned her suicide. This left a lasting impression on her, and tragically led to a battle with anxiety, depression, and an eating disorder. In Part 12, Gabbi will speak on recognizing the humanity within each of us, the importance of maintaining and talking about mental health, and how she came to the realization that seeking help is not a weakness, but a strength.

After growing up in Vietnam, Kim Anh Le decided to move to the United States to attend high school. The prospect of experiencing a new culture was exciting for her, and, still to this day, experiencing sociocultural novelties is simultaneously the most joyful and difficult part of her transition here. In Part 11, Kim will speak on how she ended up at Grove City College and how having a Christian-American college experience has shaped her.

Matthew Ringwelski was diagnosed with very high-risk leukemia when he was 17. After coming to terms with the diagnosis, he completed three years of chemotherapy, and eventually finished treatment with a new outlook on life. In Part 10, Matthew will speak on the process of undergoing treatment, how his diagnosis impacted his relationship with God, and how living with cancer shaped him into the person he is today.