What if I want to live a disease prevention lifestyle? What do I do if I get a cancer diagnosis? What about other diseases? What if I just want to be healthier? Who can help? What resources are available? Where can I go? . . . and the questions go on. Ryan and I receive messages with these type of questions on a very frequent basis. We see ourselves as guides, maybe more of a “ life coach” type of title so our hearts are to point to possibilities and let the person decide what type of journey they want to go on. We are not medical professionals nor do we hold any certifications in any type of health and wellness programs. However, we have life experience and have journeyed our way thru a stage 4 cancer diagnosis, not just once, but twice, and continue to learn how to help the body heal. We continue to research every day, so in response to the frequent questions, we have put together a reference page of professionals that can lead the way for those that are willing to seek, find and take action.

(Ryan and I have personally met and/or worked with all the following clinics/people throughout Ryan’s healing journey.  We are simply sharing options that one may use as part of their own healing journey and/or health & wellness lifestyle. Disclaimer: this list is not comprehensive nor should one forego professional medical assistance when needed. It is each person’s responsibility to know their medical state and what direction they need to take. In no way is any of the information below made to replace or be seen as medical advice.)

We believe that each person needs different forms of assistance therefore a variance of options should always be available. For some, a coaching program at home is very doable. For others, a “bootcamp” style jumpstart into healing is necessary as the task of changing diets, starting supplements, treatments and therapies are overwhelming: an in-home coach or a visit to a clinic may suffice. Some are in need of 24/7 care and a hospital/clinic may serve their needs better. Other readers may realize that they only need help in their diet as they incorporate healthier eating into their lifestyle. There are people, like Ryan, that need it all. There are supporters or people simply looking at disease prevention and their needs are varied. Our hope is that within these professionals and amazing human beings, one may find the resources they are looking for and start their healing journey and/or preventative lifestyle.

CHIPSA Hospital in Tijuana, Mexico 

CHIPSA (Centro Hospitalario Internacional del Pacifico, S.A.) is a full service community hospital caring for families with sick and injured within the ocean-front suburb of Playas de Tijuana. CHIPSA’s special research license permits it to offer investigational cancer therapies on a compassionate basis. Since inception in 1979, CHIPSA Gerson integrative medical practice has become world renown and has been long identified as the home of Mexico’ Center for Integrative Medicine and Research. chipsahospital.org USA: 1-855-624-4772

I wrote a blog titled, Why CHIPSA which details why I believe they gave Ryan a second chance at life. Since Ryan’s two visits to the hospital (Nov 2015 & Jan 2016), the hospital has been undergoing continual renovations and their services have expanded to include more treatments & therapy options. CHIPSA never claims to cure anyone of cancer, but they sure have helped many in their healing journey. We like to view CHIPSA as a bootcamp, a launching pad into the process of healing. (While we have done contract work for CHIPSA hospital in the past, we do not get paid any form of referral fee whenever a person chooses to become a patient.)

Dr. Sunil Pai, Integrative MD who offers telemedicine support

Sunil Pai, MD is internationally recognized an expert in Integrative Medicine, author, radio host, health activist/influencer and thought leader in the wellness industry. After his residency in Family Medicine at the University of New Mexico he became Board Certified in Family Medicine. He was one of the first physicians 18 years ago and youngest in the U.S. to become a Fellow of the Program in Integrative Medicine at University of Arizona (Class 2002) directed by Dr. Andrew Weil, the “father” of Integrative Medicine. Dr. Pai also became one of the first Board Certified MD’s in Holistic Integrative Medicine in the U.S. www.sanjevani.net

We were introduced to Dr. Pai by Theo Hanson the late summer of 2017 during Ryan’s lymphoma recurrence. Dr. Pai introduced us to a gamut of blood, urine, saliva and stool testing. We were awakened to the understanding of gut health and what an individualized targeted healing approach means. Healing Ryan’s gut has been a turning point for Ryan and we continue to focus on much of the learnings from last fall. Dr. Pai was also a key part of our cancer team as he supported Ryan’s health needs when we chose to take an integrative approach implementing a chemotherapy/immunotherapy cocktail.

Chris Wark, a chemo free cancer overcomer

After being diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer, Chris decided to go against his doctor’s advice and let his body heal through alternative methods following his tumor removal surgery. He rejected conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and instead, decided to overhaul his diet and lifestyle. Chris has been featured on many popular television and radio shows, sharing his testimony, and he continues to guide the way for others who want to embark on the journey of healing cancer naturally. chrisbeatcancer.com

Along with TTAC, Chris Wark was one of the initial blogs that we began to read and dive into. He has become a friend to Ryan while also being another valuable source of information and motivation (13 year cancer overcomer!) I’ll never forget reading about turmeric, rebounders and juicing carrots as those were one of the very first things we implemented into Ryan’s healing journey.

Steve Factor, Holistic Health Coach, Detoxification Specialist, & RAW
Food Chef

Pure Energy Factor – I have had the privilege of helping many people help themselves with the POWER of NATURE. pureenergyfactor.com

Throughout the cancer journey we were inundated with all sorts of food advice. Ryan had to overcome a Standard American Diet addiction and his diet became a yoyo based on that months’ “you gotta eat this” or “do not eat this” advice. We hired Steve as a health food coach and he taught us simple and doable food techniques which changed our view of the world’s’ offering of food. Because of Steve’s assistance, Ryan was able to overcome his food addiction and in turn eats a high percentage raw plant based lifestyle. Steve is also a detoxification specialist thru Dr. Morse’s Herbal Health Club. Ryan has used Dr. Morse herbs various times during his healing journey.

The Stern Method, (formerly My Kid Cures Cancer) 

The Stern Method (formally My Kid Cures Cancer) is a resource for families seeking information on natural and integrative cancer treatments with a special emphasis on childhood cancer. When the Sternagel’s son, Ryder, was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma, they both overnight became full time mom/dad-cologists, researching natural and integrative cancer treatments that were specifically geared towards children. They immediately knew they had to share everything they were learning with as many families as they could. thesternmethod.com

Ryan and I met the Sternagel Family in 2016. It was an honor and pleasure to meet with them and spend time with their kids. Ryan and Teddy have done amazing things for their son and they share much information with everyone via Facebook and their website. They are a great example of living a healthier lifestyle for the entire family. Whether for yourself or for your entire family, this family is one everyone should put on their follow list.

The Truth About Cancer

The Truth About Cancer: A powerful documentary shedding light on holistic cancer prevention and treatment outside of the conventional world of medicine. It features commentary from several well known experts in the field of natural medicine and gives insight into the corruption and misinformation within conventional medicine, specifically the industry of cancer treatment. thetruthaboutcancer.com 

Due to his father’s continued fight against brain cancer, Ryan was already interested in alternative options for the treatment of cancer. In August 2015, weeks prior to the onslaught of cancer symptoms, Ryan watched the documentary “The Quest for the Cure.” While Ryan was being tested and a cancer diagnosis was confirmed we watched “The Truth About Cancer: A Global Quest.” Ty & Charlene Bollinger and their team have put together documentaries and valuable information that are offered thru their website and Facebook page. We implore every person on the planet to take time to watch their documentaries.

Iridology

The practice of examining one’s health issues through the patterns within the iris of the eyeball which correspond with the internal organs of the body. It is not intended to be a diagnostic method but can be used as a tool and to help guide you in the right direction for determining which steps to take next.

While we are not recommending a specific person, we have learned that iridology can be of great help to understand the body and its organs without having to go thru invasive testing. Iridology can serve as a scope into a person’s body. Ryan has been to two iridologists during his healing journey and our next appointment is in June 2o17. We suggest that everyone seek a certified iridologist and learn of the value they can provide.