Survivors share their stories of overcoming adversity

• Ashton Chadd was a good ways down the hopeless road of substance and alcohol addiction. When he reached his rock bottom, he turned to God. Six years later, he is director of Hands & Feet of Christ Transitional House in Gordonville, helping others change their trajectory.

• Gretchen Dirnberger thought she simply had an irritable bowel, bouncing between constipation and diarrhea. After noticing blood in her stool, she sought help. A colonoscopy revealed a large tumor, and subsequent surgery removed it. However, cancer returned — this time in her liver. Another surgery was successful. She uses her experiences to not only develop stronger relationships for herself but to also help others do the same.

Their stories — and others — are inspiring and relatable. There are lessons for all of us.

See the Thursday, Oct. 9, print issue for a special Survivor Stories: Continue to Hope publication, and read the stories online at www.semissourian.com.

An event at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at Scout Hall in Cape Girardeau will highlight these survivors. Tickets are free but must be claimed ahead of time. Visit https://2025survivorstories.eventbrite.com to get yours.

Congratulations to these inspiring men and women, and thank you for sharing your stories so others may learn from them.