In this episode, Jim Barnard discusses how medical trauma and physical suffering affects the whole family. Jim is a coach, author, pastor and speaker who enjoys helping people explore their hurts and the "expectation gap" in their lives – between what they envisioned and what they’ve experienced. In his unique and vulnerable way, Jim shares Alisha's medical journey with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrone, how we can all address the "expectation gap" in our lives and parenting tips during a medical crisis.

Jim and his wife Alisha got married in 2006 and within 3 months, Alisha got terribly sick. Her health took a dramatic turn when she could no longer keep any food down. Just months after being married, they made their way to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, where Alisha was ultimately diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Jim chronicles Alisha's illness and their difficult medical journey in his book "The Suffering Guy" where he combines vulnerability with wit in an inspirational way. Check it out!

Jim & Alisha Barnard have been married for 17 years and they reside in Denver, CO with their 13-year old son, Anderson.

Buy the book "The Suffering Guy"

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PODCAST PURPOSE: To amplify voices of perseverance and highlight the journey of hospitalized families, so that everyone who listens will be encouraged to “press on” through tough times holistically! SPONSOR: The Pressing On Podcast is sponsored by the Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA) ⁠⁠https://cota.org/⁠⁠ FREE PRESSING ON RESOURCES: For more information and to access all of our free resources for hospitalized families and those on the transplant journey, visit our website: ⁠⁠https://www.PressingOn.org⁠⁠​ MUSIC: ⁠⁠https://www.bensound.com