Still Fighting, Still Believing Big: Gene’s Story of Faith and Healing

Gene Woodruff, Commander (ret), US Navy, Aviator

Despite living a healthy, active lifestyle—including 32 years of service in the military—I was diagnosed with high-grade, locally advanced bladder cancer in February of 2021, just weeks before retiring. My first surgery was supposed to last 90 minutes. It took four hours. Praise God, it was stage 1—but with carcinoma in situ, a particularly aggressive form.

We tried the standard of care: BCG immunotherapy. Not only did it fail—it infected my appendix, requiring yet another surgery. What followed was a long series of second opinions that weren’t really second opinions… just more of the same. I went on to endure multiple recurrences and surgeries, enrolled in a clinical trial, and kept searching for something more—something truly healing.

That’s when my wife, Lynette—my researcher, encourager, and warrior—discovered Believe Big.

By then I had started exploring holistic options: mistletoe therapy, high-dose vitamin C, ozone, red light, hyperthermia, PEMF, fasting, a clinical ketogenic diet, and deep spiritual care. And while I was trying dozens of approaches, what I lacked was a community. Hope. Advocacy. Support. That’s what we found in Believe Big.

This journey has taught me that cancer healing is not just about killing cancer cells—it’s about surrendering to God’s purpose, about doing the hard work of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.

What I love most about Believe Big is that God gets the glory here. This organization acknowledges that, yes, medical breakthroughs are a blessing—but so are the plants, the prayers, the people, and the peace that only He can give.

Believe Big isn’t just a name. It’s a call to action:

• To stand in faith
• To empower patients to explore every viable treatment
• And to support those walking through their darkest valley

Why should others get involved? Because the need is great—and Believe Big steps in when others step back. They provide education, emotional and spiritual support, advocacy, referrals, and yes, financial help to patients like me.

They’re also moving the needle on mistletoe therapy with a Phase II Clinical Trial, a huge step toward FDA approval—so more people can access integrative care without the crushing financial burden.

If you’re someone who wants to help, I can tell you: your gift doesn’t just help a patient. It restores dignity, inspires hope, and reflects God’s love in the midst of a storm.

I’m still on this journey. The disease hasn’t given up—but neither have we. And thanks to the Lord, my wife, and communities like Believe Big, I’m still here—still fighting, still believing BIG.

Thank you.