From Stage 4 Neuroblastoma to Thriving: 7 Integrative Cancer Strategies Every Family Should Understand
When Ryan and Teddy Sternagel’s son Ryder was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma just days before his first birthday, their world changed overnight.
Instead of relying solely on conventional treatment, they pursued an integrative cancer approach — combining standard care, holistic therapies, nutritional support, detoxification, and unwavering faith.
Today, Ryder is thriving.
In Episode 109 of the Believe Big Podcast, Ryan shares the principles that guided their journey and the framework that became the Stern Method.
Here are 7 powerful insights every cancer family should consider:
1️⃣ Be Your Own Advocate
Ryan’s first health tip was simple but bold:
Stop looking outside for approval.
When facing a cancer diagnosis — especially as a parent — advocacy is critical. That may mean asking for second opinions, researching integrative options, or pushing for additional imaging when something feels wrong.
Empowered patients (and parents) ask questions.
2️⃣ Avoid “Paralysis by Analysis”
Instead of waiting for perfect clarity, the Stern family took action when something was:
- Research-backed
- Safe
- Affordable
- Potentially helpful
They adopted a “leave nothing on the table” mindset.
3️⃣ Integrative Care Can Include Both Conventional & Holistic Medicine
The Sterns are not anti-conventional medicine.
In emergency situations, conventional treatment may be warranted. But they also incorporated:
- IV nutrient therapy
- IV Vitamin C
- Botanical supplementation
- Juicing
- Detoxification
- Immune support
Integrative oncology is about strategy — not extremes.
4️⃣ Nutrition & Botanical Medicine Matter
Ryan emphasizes the power of well-studied botanicals with thousands of research studies behind them.
The 7 key ingredients in OUR 7 include:
- Curcumin (turmeric)
- Green tea extract (EGCG)
- Quercetin
- Ginseng
- Astragalus
- Grape seed extract
- Selenium
These support:
- Healthy inflammation response
- Immune function
- Mitochondrial health
- Cellular pathways (epigenetics)
- Detox pathways
- Antioxidant protection
- Adaptogenic balance
5️⃣ Work With Experienced Integrative Oncologists
One of the most important decisions the Stern family made was working with a highly experienced naturopathic oncologist.
Ryan now connects families with top integrative cancer doctors through:
- Going Integrative Plus
- Anti-Cancer Revolution Podcast
- Stern Method platform
Having access to trained oncology professionals matters — especially when navigating conventional systems.
6️⃣ Understand the Realities of Pediatric Cancer & CPS
Parents of minors often face additional legal complexities. Ryan shares how Child Protective Services can become involved if standard of care is refused outright.
His advice:
- Do not refuse emergency care
- Work strategically
- Avoid unnecessary conflict
- Focus on adding integrative therapies safely
This is real-world wisdom for families navigating pediatric cancer.
7️⃣ Faith Changes the Journey
Ryan shares how faith grounded their family through uncertainty.
Believing there was purpose in the pain gave them strength when the diagnosis felt unbearable.
“There’s always hope.”
Faith doesn’t remove the battle — but it reframes it.
Final Thoughts
Cancer care is not one-size-fits-all.
The Stern Method emphasizes:
- Nutrify
- Correct
- Protect
An integrative, layered approach that addresses the whole person — body, mind, and spirit.
🎧 Listen to Episode 109 now and discover how advocacy, integrative strategy, and faith can change a cancer journey.
Suggested Resources:
- The Stern Method
- OUR 7 supplement
- Code: BELIEVE20 — 20% off, active: February 10-24th, 2026 ONLY
- Code: BELIEVE10 — 10% off evergreen
- Going Integrative Plus program – Discount code: BELIEVE50 — 50% off the first month subscription
