One Concert Changed the Course of Her Life: Stories of Hope
In August 2019, Michelle Yerkes was walking through what felt like one of the hardest seasons of her life when someone she barely knew offered her an extra ticket to a MercyMe concert in Philadelphia. Michelle had no idea who MercyMe was, but she decided to go anyway. She had no way of knowing that one night would become the beginning of something life-changing.
From that concert on, Christian music became a meaningful part of Michelle’s life. Concerts became places of encouragement, community, and reminders of God’s goodness. Since that first MercyMe show, Michelle has continued showing up whenever she can.
Then, in May 2026, Michelle received a lung cancer diagnosis. She began treatment on June 8th, and as Uprise Festival, a two-day Christian music festival in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, approached, she wasn’t sure if she would feel well enough to attend. But by God’s grace, she did!
Michelle made the trip on her own and was able to enjoy both days. When she reached the BRIGHT-FM booth, she greeted the team with a huge smile and an even bigger hug. Rebekah Scranton, BRIGHT-FM’s Promotions and Live Events Director, first met Michelle at one of the first concerts she worked nearly two years ago, and Michelle’s warmth immediately stood out.
“Instantly, I felt her warmth and love for others.”
Even in the middle of cancer treatments, Michelle is determined to keep doing what she loves. She plans to continue attending as many concerts as she can, taking life one day at a time and holding tightly to her faith. Her diagnosis may have changed parts of her journey, but it hasn’t taken away her joy, her resilience, or the hope she has found in God.
What started with an unexpected concert ticket in 2019 has become so much more. Years later, Michelle is still showing up, still finding joy in the music, and still reminding the people around her what it looks like to hold onto hope through a difficult season.
Will you join us in covering Michelle in prayer as she continues treatment and takes each day one step at a time?
During BRIGHT-FM’s Fall Fundraiser, listen in and be reminded of how your support helps make hope louder by sharing stories like Michelle’s.
BRIGHT-FM is community-supported because of you. When you give, God uses your giving to make hope louder and make sure BRIGHT-FM is here for listeners like Michelle today and for generations to come.
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