June 2016 was the first time I suspected something was wrong. I felt a lump in my breast — and then another in my throat. Though I thought it could never happen to me, somewhere deep inside, I already knew the test results would be positive. I loved Jesus. I was living overseas doing missions work, for crying out loud! Yet, here I was, sitting in the doctor’s office, full of shock and fear. I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer HR+. The good news was that it was the most common kind; the bad news — it was aggressive. I was told that if I tried to do anything but chemo, it would be suicide.

I had just turned forty. My oldest daughter was about to start her senior year of high school, my boys were entering tenth and fifth grade, and my youngest was starting fourth. This couldn’t be real. The fear was overwhelming. I had always been a person of faith, and I clung to Jesus in the darkness. My husband was supportive, but what could he do? I felt alone in this diagnosis. The only thing I knew could make a real difference — my only chance at living — was Jesus. Still, I struggled with the question: Did I really think He could heal me? Did I think I was worth healing? Sleepless nights and constant fear consumed me until one evening, I laid on the floor and begged God to heal me. I praised Him for making our bodies with such vast complexity and gave my body back to Him. From then on, I began to see reminders of His presence everywhere — even in the smallest details.

In the following months, my doctor ordered more tests. I was the first in my family to be diagnosed with cancer, so I read everything I could find. One of the books I checked out from the library was Dr. Contreras’ Beating Cancer: 20 Natural, Spiritual & Medical Remedies, and it changed my perspective. While waiting for results, I began juicing carrots, eating raw vegetables, and completely eliminating processed foods. My daily routine was strict — thirty-six ounces of carrot juice, green powder between meals, and giant salads for dinner. I lost thirty-five pounds but felt amazing — light, energetic, and alive.

After four months, test results showed my tumor had grown slightly. I was horrified. Despite everything I had done, it wasn’t enough. That’s when my husband and I decided to do the unthinkable — travel to Mexico for treatment. Everything I read about Oasis of Hope aligned with what I believed, and even my non-alternative husband was reassured knowing they also offered chemotherapy if needed. People thought we were crazy, but the moment we stepped into the Oasis of Hope van, I felt peace.

From the first day, I knew I was in the right place. The staff treated me like family, not a number. The meals were healthy and delicious, and each day felt like a healing retreat for the body, mind, and spirit. I met incredible people whose stories strengthened my own faith. The atmosphere was filled with worship, learning, and encouragement. They even taught us cooking, breathing, and walking classes to take home the lessons of healing.

The food was top-notch — a big change from the Standard American Diet, but knowing that everything I ate was safe was an incredible relief. Sometimes I received IV therapy while listening to live worship led by the pastor. It was a beautiful, peaceful way to heal physically, mentally, and spiritually.

I know God brought me to Oasis of Hope, and I can’t say enough good things about it. If you’re on the fence, what do you really have to lose? In April 2017, I had my first clean scan — cancer-free.