From Diagnosis to Hope: How One Woman Beat the Odds and is Helping Others Do the Same

From Diagnosis to Hope: How One Woman Beat the Odds and is Helping Others Do the Same

When I was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer, my world came crashing down.

As a wife, mom of four, and a busy nonprofit leader, I never expected to hear the words: “You have cancer.” Let alone be told I had less than an 8% chance of survival. Fear set in immediately. Memories of losing my father to the same disease at the same age flooded my mind. I thought of my children, my husband, and all the life I still wanted to live.

But this diagnosis wasn’t the end of my story—it was the beginning of a mission.

The Birth of Believe Big

In 2011, my husband Jimmy and I founded Believe Big, a nonprofit that supports cancer patients by bridging the gap between conventional and complementary medicine. Our mission is to help individuals heal not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.

We started Believe Big because we saw the need firsthand—patients overwhelmed by their diagnosis, unsure where to turn, and unaware of the powerful tools available beyond the traditional three: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

The Power of Mistletoe Therapy

One of those tools is mistletoe therapy—a treatment used around the world for over 100 years, yet still relatively unknown in the U.S.

When my doctor first mentioned it, I was shocked. “You mean the plant we hang at Christmas?” But as I learned more, I discovered that mistletoe has properties that can:

• Suppress tumors

• Reduce pain and inflammation

• Ease nausea and fatigue from traditional treatments

• Support immune function

• Even trigger apoptosis (cancer cell death)

Because chemotherapy and radiation wouldn’t improve my odds, I chose to undergo surgery and incorporate mistletoe therapy, along with major lifestyle and dietary changes. I began using subcutaneous injections, which were the only option available to me at the time.

And the therapy worked.

Helping Patients Navigate Their Journey

At Believe Big, we now help patients across the country connect with integrative oncologists trained in mistletoe therapy and other complementary approaches. Our trained patient advocates walk alongside individuals—helping them access resources, treatment options, and the emotional and spiritual support they need.

Whether a patient chooses conventional care, a complementary approach, or a blend of both, we’re here to support their unique journey. We believe healing is about more than medicine. It’s about hope, faith, and having a community that cares.

Announcing: The Integrative Cancer Symposium

We’re excited to invite you to the first-ever Integrative Cancer Symposium, happening right here in Baltimore!

🗓️ Date: September 13th
📍 Location: Sheraton North, Baltimore + Virtually 
🎤 Speakers: Top integrative oncologists from across the U.S.—and even one traveling in from India!

This one-day event will be unlike any medical conference you’ve attended. It will be practical, interactive, and deeply inspiring. You’ll gain insight into cancer prevention, healing therapies, nutritional strategies, and how integrative oncology is transforming lives.

Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, healthcare provider, or simply someone passionate about holistic health—this event is for you.

Don’t Miss This Opportunity

✨ If you or someone you love is facing cancer—or you want to learn how to protect your health—register today and join us at the Integrative Cancer Symposium.

👉 Click here to register now www.believebig.org/symposium

Together, let’s move beyond fear, embrace hope, and change the way we approach cancer.