What do you do when a persistent toddler stomachache turns out to be a parent’s worst nightmare? This week, Megan is joined by Nixa dad Kendal Dingus for a deeply moving conversation about faith, resilience, and walking his son Thatcher through childhood cancer.

Kendal walks us through the terrifying moment doctors discovered a five-inch tumor surrounding his 4-year-old’s aorta, leading to a diagnosis of stage four high-risk neuroblastoma and an immediate transfer to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He opens up about the toll of an 18-month treatment protocol during the height of COVID lockdowns, including tandem stem cell transplants, a 10-hour resection surgery, and emergency heart procedures. Kendal also shares how he and his wife, Lindsay, fought to keep their marriage united, protect the childhood of Thatcher's younger brother, and find joy and tacos in the middle of hospital rooms.

If you are walking through a medical crisis, carrying heavy grief, or simply need to be reminded of the power of community and unshakable hope, this episode will touch your heart.

What do you do when a persistent toddler stomachache turns out to be a parent&rsquo;s worst nightmare? This week, Megan is joined by Nixa dad Kendal Dingus for a deeply moving conversation about faith, resilience, and walking his son Thatcher through childhood cancer.
Kendal walks us through the terrifying moment doctors discovered a five-inch tumor surrounding his 4-year-old&rsquo;s aorta, leading to a diagnosis of stage four high-risk neuroblastoma and an immediate transfer to St. Jude Children&rsquo;s Research Hospital. He opens up about the toll of an 18-month treatment protocol during the height of COVID lockdowns, including tandem stem cell transplants, a 10-hour resection surgery, and emergency heart procedures. Kendal also shares how he and his wife, Lindsay, fought to keep their marriage united, protect the childhood of Thatcher's younger brother, and find joy and tacos in the middle of hospital rooms.
If you are walking through a medical crisis, carrying heavy grief, or simply need to be reminded of the power of community and unshakable hope, this episode will touch your heart.

The Real Deal Conversations with Megan Deal shares real stories and meaningful conversations to encourage, inspire, and equip you for life's challenges—whether it’s mental health, relationships, work, or leadership.

Through personal experiences and insightful discussions, Megan and her guests work to foster empathy, build connections, and remind you that you're not alone.

New episodes drop every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts or at aroundtheozarks.com!

The Real Deal Conversations with Megan Deal shares real stories and meaningful conversations to encourage, inspire, and equip you for life's challenges&mdash;whether it&rsquo;s mental health, relationships, work, or leadership.
Through personal experiences and insightful discussions, Megan and her guests work to foster empathy, build connections, and remind you that you're not alone.
New episodes drop every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts or at aroundtheozarks.com!

The Real Deal Conversations

The Real Deal Conversations with Megan Deal shares real stories and meaningful conversations to encourage, inspire, and equip you for life's challenges&mdash;whether it&rsquo;s mental health, relationships, work, or leadership.
Through personal experiences and insightful discussions, Megan and her guests work to foster empathy, build connections, and remind you that you're not alone.
New episodes drop every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts or at aroundtheozarks.com!