Char’s Gift: A Remarkable Story of Hope Through the Storms of Life

When Steve Harryman talks about his late wife, Char, he compares her to a 100-watt bulb, lighting up the world for others facing challenges in life, even as she faced the end of hers.

Steve honors Char’s legacy and generous spirit in his inspirational new book, Char’s Gift: A Remarkable Story of Hope Through the Storms of Life.

It was Easter Sunday, 1995, when Char suffered a grand mal seizure. And then another. And another. An MRI revealed a malignant tumor the size of a golf ball — a life-defining moment that marked the beginning of an unforgettable journey of unwavering love, faith and perseverance.

As Char was wheeled into surgery, she told her husband, “Keep trusting.” It was a mantra that would guide them during their darkest moments and propel them forward in faith. Doctors gave Char two years to live. God had other plans. And so did Char. She lived for 24 more years and touched the lives of thousands before her passing in May 2019.

“With all her struggles, with all her many battles against cancer, with all her perseverance and hope in Christ — Char was one of the most inspiring women I’ve ever met,” says Joni Eareckson Tada, author, Christian stateswoman and respected global leader in disability advocacy.

Early on in her cancer journey, Char struggled with the reality of her diagnosis, just as anyone would. Everything changed when she channeled her energy into deepening her relationship with God and serving Him by focusing on the needs of others.

For Char, making other people feel loved was her greatest joy. It is Steve’s hope that by sharing her inspirational story, others navigating a difficult time will find strength in her grace and faith — and just keep trusting.

Steve Harryman is the founder and president of Hope Through the Storm Ministries, a Christian faith-based organization devoted to bringing hope and encouragement to people facing serious illness and disability. Steve is also an award-winning writer, videographer, photographer and successful magazine writer. Char’s Gift is his first book. He lives in West Michigan and was married to Char for nearly 33 years before she went to heaven in May 2019.

For more information, please visit https://charsgift.com, or follow the author on Twitter (@steveharryman); Instagram (@steve_harryman); or Facebook (@steveharrymanauthor).