Stories of
Hope & Healing

The doctor looked at my mammogram, paused for a moment, and then said, “I am sorry to tell you, but it is a malignant tumor.”
At that instant, I couldn’t hear the rest of his words. It felt like a death sentence, but deep inside, I knew my time was not yet over. God was present in this moment, and I refused to let fear take hold of me.

It was crucial to tell my family and explain the diagnosis — not only so they would understand, but so that we could pray together for wisdom and strength in deciding our next steps. The malignant tumor needed to come out — whether through a miracle from God or the hands of a surgeon. I also realized that this would require radical changes in my eating habits and lifestyle.

Repenting from my old ways, I sought guidance from the Lord on how to make those changes. Asking forgiveness from those who had suffered most — especially my family — became part of my healing process. This was not just a physical challenge; it was a spiritual and emotional battle as well. I began researching the causes of cancer and what I could do to help my body heal naturally.

An old friend who was well-versed in alternative healing through nutrition gave me advice that changed everything. Although I wasn’t sure her methods would help, desperation turned into determination. I took careful notes, went home, and cleared my kitchen of everything unhealthy. I became a strict vegetarian, determined to cleanse my body of toxinsand strengthen my immune system. At the same time, I prayed daily for the tumor to shrink.

When the tumor didn’t change in size, I decided to proceed with surgery. My surgeon then recommended chemotherapy and radiation, but after consulting with four specialists in Israel, I knew that wasn’t the right path for me. I needed another solution.

That’s when someone told me about Oasis of Hope Hospital. I researched their programs, read patient testimonials, and prayed for three things:

1. The financial means to go.
2. Someone to care for my family while I was away.
3. A friend to accompany me to Mexico.

God answered all three prayers — a clear confirmation that I was meant to go.

At Oasis of Hope, I was welcomed by a warm and compassionate staff who made me feel right at home. The doctors were patient, attentive, and always available to answer questions. The food and juices were fresh, organic, and nourishing. They taught me a new way of living — one focused on health, balance, and faith. The non-invasive treatments strengthened my immune system while the educational classes helped me understand how to maintain my well-being.

Today, I feel better than ever and have been cancer-free for several years. I am deeply grateful to God for His love, and to everyone at Oasis of Hope for the help, support, and hope they gave me.

My journey began in the spring of 2016 when I received news that my latest mammogram showed something suspicious. That’s when my world collapsed — the diagnosis was Stage IV breast cancer. Everything moved so quickly. I was sent to an oncologist, and immediate chemotherapy treatments began.

The next six months were brutal — constant side effects, hair loss, weight loss, no appetite, and overwhelming fatigue. After enduring months of chemo, I was told that not only had nothing improved, but my tumors had actually grown. I was devastated. My oncologist gave me one more heavy-duty treatment and suggested I look into clinical trials.

Three weeks later, after recovering from that last treatment, I knew I couldn’t continue living that way. I called my doctor and told her I wouldn’t be returning. Then something miraculous happened — a friend gave me a book titled Where the Amish Go for Cancer Treatment. That’s how I discovered Oasis of Hope Hospital in Mexico. After reading, I knew immediately that’s where I needed to go. We called, they said “Come,” and off we went on what would become a life-changing journey.

From the moment we arrived, I felt peace and hope. My husband was able to stay with me the entire time, which was a tremendous blessing. We were warmly welcomed, and treatments began right away. Everything was non-invasive, gentle, and carried out in a calm, healing environment — soft music playing, caring staff, and new friendships that filled each day with encouragement.

The greatest blessing came when Dr. Contreras told me that all of my cancer was gone, except for the primary tumor in my breast. As recommended, I met with my surgeon on our way home, and just two days later, I underwent surgery.

Oasis of Hope provided care that was unlike anything I had experienced before — compassionate, thorough, and rooted in faith. Today, I am celebrating four years cancer-free, full of energy, joy, and gratitude. I cherish time with my family and friends and often think, I wish I had known about Oasis of Hope before starting chemo.

I’m especially grateful for the nutrition classes and educational lectures, which taught me how to make lasting lifestyle changes to protect my health. To Dr. Contreras and all the dedicated staff at Oasis of Hope — thank you from the bottom of my heart. You gave me my life back.

I am very happy and grateful to have gone to Oasis of Hope. It is a very special place for me, and I’m thankful to share my story.

It was the summer of 1987. My daughter had just turned eleven years old when I visited my doctor and learned that I was pregnant again — wonderful news! However, during that same visit, the doctor suspected breast cancer, which was confirmed two days later.

The doctor told me bluntly that if I wanted to save my own life, I would have to follow this therapeutic plan:

1. A therapeutic abortion,
2. Mastectomy,
3. Radiation, and
4. Chemotherapy —
   all within a month of diagnosis.

That night, I prayed to the Holy Spirit, and by the next morning, I knew what I had to do — I was going to keep my baby. At the time, we were living in Colorado, and when we returned to the University Hospital, I told the doctor, “We’re keeping the baby.”

After making that decision, the rest of my pregnancy was joyful. I remembered hearing Dr. Ernesto Contreras Sr. speak at a health conference in Arizona in 1984. His words stayed with me — his approach made sense, and his warmth and compassion left a lasting impression. I called him and explained my situation. He encouraged me to visit Oasis of Hope after my baby was a few months old.

Now that baby is 25 years old, and I know God has been with me every step of the way.

When my son was five months old, we flew from Colorado to Oasis of Hope Hospital for treatment. We continued visiting the hospital for many years. While I did have a few setbacks, I always found renewed strength and healing there.

In 1991, our family moved back to Europe, and since then, I have continued returning to Oasis of Hope. The spiritual and emotional support I received there remains with me to this day — the morning sing-alongs, the faith-filled community, and the incredible kindness of everyone involved.

I currently live with bone metastases in my back and collarbone, but it has remained stable since 2000, for which I am deeply grateful — to God and to Oasis of Hope.

If you or someone you love is facing cancer, please learn about Oasis of Hope. It is a truly holistic place, where they treat not only the body but also the whole person — body, mind, and spirit. Everyone there carries the same spirit of love and faith.

Oasis of Hope is a great place to be.

I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer on February 9, 2006. That same day, the surgeon asked me to make an immediate decision — to undergo either a lumpectomy or a mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. I remember saying, “I got up, got dressed, and took my kids to school this morning. How did I get here?”

Overwhelmed by fear, I prayed and asked the Lord to remove it from me. I chose to live by faith, determined not to let cancer steal my joy. I began following the Hallelujah Diet, had the lumpectomy, but refused chemotherapy and radiation, believing I would not survive those treatments. Instead, I started vitamin C therapy and other natural supplements with my naturopathic doctor. Still, I knew I needed a place that could provide comprehensive, daily treatments and nutritional guidance. After much research and prayer, the Lord led me to Oasis of Hope Hospital, where I began a program of nutritional and metabolic therapies.

At Oasis of Hope, Dr. Francisco Contreras and the entire medical team — from the doctors to the kitchen and housekeeping staff — worked together for my healing. They didn’t just treat the cancer; they strengthened my immune system, educated me, and helped replace fear with understanding and peace.

In October 2008, after only two rounds of Contreras Metabolic Integrative Therapy (CMIT), which included high-dose vitamin C and low-dose chemotherapy, my cancer was reversed. Praise God!

I am deeply thankful to the team at Oasis of Hope for their dedication to research, their compassionate and holistic patient care, and their commitment to hope and healing. I am also grateful to my loving husband, Bernd, my family, and my dearest friend Yvonne, who accompanied me to Oasis of Hope and stood by me through it all.

In January 2015, I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. I spoke with many doctors and felt as if there was no hope — until I discovered the book Beating Cancer by Dr. Francisco Contreras. I read it in one night and, after much prayer, knew that God was leading me to Oasis of Hope.

I chose to forgo treatment in the U.S. and headed straight to Tijuana. I underwent surgery to remove my tumor, which was then used to develop my dendritic cell vaccine, followed by a series of scheduled therapies at Oasis of Hope.

The environment was deeply spiritual and uplifting. The staff was kind, knowledgeable, and always ready to answer my questions. I found incredible strength and comfort in connecting with other patients — sharing stories, offering encouragement, and walking together on the beach between treatments.

When my program was complete, I left cancer-free, and to this day, I remain in complete remission. I gained lifelong friends and a renewed sense of purpose.

Whenever people ask if I would make the same choice again, my answer is always 100% yes. I’m forever grateful that God placed Dr. Contreras’ book in my hands and led me to Oasis of Hope — a place where healing happens for both body and soul.

Just before Christmas of 2014, I was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer — ductal carcinoma with lymph node involvement. My local oncologist prescribed the traditional course of chemotherapy, radiation, and eventual surgery. Although I was never given a definitive prognosis, my oncologist made it clear that the situation was serious.

After a few days of shock, I knew I needed a treatment plan that aligned with my belief system. As a chiropractor for over twenty-five years, I’ve always favored natural and integrative approaches that support the body’s innate ability to heal. While I don’t reject traditional medicine when it’s needed, I’ve always sought a more balanced approach to care.

Years earlier, a friend had mentioned Oasis of Hope Hospital to me. I began researching and quickly discovered that their philosophy perfectly matched my own. Oasis of Hope offered a comprehensive, patient-centered approach, combining both alternative and conventional therapies tailored to each individual. Their survival rates for breast cancer were reported to be significantly higher than those of traditional treatment alone — in some cases, up to five times better.

Within weeks, I was on my way to Oasis of Hope for treatment. From the moment I arrived, the doctors and nurses made me feel safe, cared for, and confident that I was in the right place. My personalized treatment plan included metabolic therapies, immunology, and surgery. Just three months later, my PET scan showed no evidence of disease. I remained cancer-free for five years, until a new episode of breast cancer appeared.

When I received the new diagnosis, my first thought was: How fast can I get back to Oasis of Hope? I returned “home” to the hospital in early 2020 and began treatment again. At my checkup in July 2020, both my mammogram and ultrasound showed no sign of disease — praise be to God and the Oasis of Hope team.

When friends ask why I chose Oasis of Hope, I tell them it’s because they treat the whole person — body, mind, and spirit — not just the disease. Their integrative, faith-based, and compassionate approach to healing is truly one of a kind. I highly recommend Oasis of Hope to anyone seeking comprehensive, life-giving care.

About 10 to 12 years ago, I had a routine mammogram that detected a tumor in my breast. My gynecologist consulted with an oncologist, and together they recommended removing the breast. Naturally, my husband and I were hesitant and wanted to explore other options. We decided to seek a second opinion from a close family friend — Dr. Francisco Contreras, whom my husband had known for 29 years.

After reviewing my mammogram, Dr. Contreras ordered a CT scan to better assess the size and growth of the tumor. With those results, we began to discuss what my treatment plan should be, taking into account my family history. My father had battled cancer for several years but refused both chemotherapy and radiation. Instead, he followed the advice of a nutritionist and adopted a very strict diet.

I vividly remember being in sixth grade when doctors told my mother to prepare for my father’s funeral. But through discipline and faith, my father lived for many more years. Though he was diagnosed with cancer several times, he eventually passed away at age 85 — not from cancer, but from a diabetic coma.

I shared my father’s story with Dr. Contreras and, inspired by his strength, I chose to reject chemotherapy and radiation. Together, we decided on a treatment plan centered on alternative therapies, a strict nutritional program, and specialized supplements formulated by the Oasis of Hope laboratory.

For three years, I followed an incredibly disciplined diet — avoiding sugar, honey, salt, dairy, fats, oils, butter, margarine, fried foods, dried fruits, meat, poultry, fish, flour, coffee, black tea, alcohol, and liquids during meals. Over time, I also adjusted my eating habits further: I now avoid protein after midday, since cancer patients often have difficulty digesting it. Instead, I eat fruits earlier in the day and focus on vegetables in the afternoon and evening, as they digest more easily.

This journey has taught me the importance of discipline, balance, and faith. I am deeply grateful for Dr. Contreras’ guidance and for the Oasis of Hope Hospital, which has given me both healing and a new understanding of health.

I was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer in November 2003 after discovering a lump measuring 2.5 cm by 1.5 cm. Two months later, in January 2004, I made my first visit to Oasis of Hope Hospital.

In the U.K., my oncologist wanted to begin chemotherapy and hormonal treatments immediately, as I was sixty years old at the time. However, having always used alternative treatments throughout my life and having witnessed the harsh side effects of conventional chemotherapy, I wanted to explore other options before committing to anything.

Through a family friend, I learned about Oasis of Hope, which was known at that time for offering non-toxic, integrative cancer therapies. Despite some initial hesitation about traveling all the way to Mexico and paying out-of-pocket for my treatment (as opposed to receiving free care in the U.K.), I decided to take the leap of faith — knowing there were no guarantees but trusting that I was making the right choice.

Within a day of arriving at Oasis of Hope, my fears and doubts disappeared. The treatments were explained in detail, the staff was warm and compassionate, and the environment was unlike any hospital I had ever experienced. Even though my only prior hospital experience was giving birth to my two children, I immediately sensed that Oasis of Hope was a place of healing, peace, and faith.

My body responded extremely well to the treatments. Because of the long distance from the U.K., I scheduled follow-up visits every six months, which later became annual visits after five years. I remained in remission for nearly fifteen years, grateful every day for the life and hope that Oasis of Hope helped restore.

My name is Merry Trujillo. In June 2001, my primary care physician referred me to University Medical Center in Las Vegas after a malignant mass was discovered in my left breast. The diagnosis read:

Invasive ductal carcinoma, associated with extensive intraductal carcinoma of comedo carcinoma and cribriform types. Tumor size 2.0 x 1.5 x 1.3 cm. All margins negative. Extensive calcifications within the intraductal component. Vascular invasion identified.

I was given six months to live. My son-in-law in Nicaragua had a family member who had been treated at Oasis of Hope Hospital, so I decided to go there for treatment. From the very first moment I arrived, I felt I could trust the doctors completely. The care I received was both professional and compassionate.

In my first year of treatment, I did not undergo radiation or chemotherapy. After fifteen months, I went into complete remission. I continued returning to Oasis of Hope every three months for follow-up exams, and each visit reaffirmed my healing and faith.

Now, nineteen years later, I remain cancer-free, and I thank God and the dedicated team at Oasis of Hope Hospital for the gift of life.

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.

I am a three-time breast cancer and pancreatic cancer warrior. I have been blessed to be a mother to three amazing children, a registered nurse by profession, and a tattoo artist who gives back by restoring confidence to others who have undergone mastectomy surgery through areola tattooing.

My first cancer diagnosis came when I was just 19 years old. My nipple inverted and began to drain a black substance from the center. I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC), Stage 3, BRCA+, and underwent a lumpectomy followed by several weeks of oral chemotherapy. Life went on — I built my career and raised my children — until, in my mid-30s, I received another call: breast cancer, stage 3.

This time, I had a partial mastectomy, radiation treatments five days a week, and two years of intensive IV chemotherapy. I lost my hair and my sense of taste, but by the grace of God, I beat cancer again. I was placed on Tamoxifen but had to stop after 3.5 years following another PET scan that revealed a recurrence. I underwent a bilateral mastectomy, followed by a hysterectomy a few months later on my oncologist’s recommendation. I was once again declared in remission — for nearly three years.

Then, in December 2016, cancer returned. This time, it had metastasized to my pancreas. My doctor prescribed IV chemotherapy every three weeks, but by July 2018, he told me there was nothing more that could be done. He looked me in the eye and said, “Michelle, I’m giving you 30 days at best. Go home, get your affairs in order, and live your last days.” As I walked out of his office, I turned back and said, “See you in 30.”

That night, I prayed fervently for guidance — and in my heart, I heard a voice telling me to look for alternative treatments in Mexico. I followed that message and, within minutes, found Oasis of Hope Hospital. I filled out the online form, and just 15 minutes later, I received a call asking for more information. Within days, I was on a flight to Tijuana.

When I walked through the doors of Oasis of Hope, I felt an overwhelming peace wash over me. The entire staff made me feel like family. The patients came from all over the world, and we became each other’s support system. Dr. Contreras and his team treated me not as a case, but as a person — with compassion, faith, and joy.

At Oasis of Hope, I learned how to heal my body and spirit. They taught me how to eat cleanly, shop smart, cook nutritiously, and praise God even in the darkest moments. The treatment rooms were bright and full of natural light — a reflection of the hope that filled the place.

Today, I am living proof of God’s grace and the power of holistic healing. Two years after being given 30 days to live, I returned to Oasis of Hope for evaluation — and the studies showed I was in complete remission.

Cancer isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. And by the grace of God, I’m still running strong.

When I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, it completely floored me. I had no idea that I had become a host to a ticking time bomb. After the diagnosis, the U.S. cancer system immediately began pushing me down its well-trodden path. We looked to our oncologist for hope, but he quickly scheduled me for a port and four months of the most aggressive chemotherapy available — before even considering surgery to remove the tumor or follow-up radiation. Even then, the outlook was only a 34% chance of success.

Years earlier, a friend of mine had been treated at Oasis of Hope, and after talking with them, I knew I had an alternative. When we arrived in Tijuana and stepped through the hospital doors, I immediately felt peace. The atmosphere was calm and healing. The attention to detail, cleanliness, smiles on the staff, and even the scriptures on the walls felt like a gust of wind in my sails.

Dr. Contreras and his team developed a strategy to remove the fast-growing tumor while strengthening my body’s natural immune system using scientifically advanced therapies. I believed in that approach far more than the aggressive treatment plan offered in the U.S. With a diagnosis as serious as triple-negative breast cancer, confidence in your treatment is essential — and at Oasis of Hope, I finally felt that confidence. It made sense to strengthen my immune system rather than destroy it.

Success came quickly. After surgery and immune therapies, I had a remarkable response. Following three weeks of treatment, we returned home and continued the protocol under close supervision from the Oasis of Hope team. Two small recurrences were addressed immediately, and for the last five years, my PET scans and blood work have shown total remission.

We are truly blessed to have Oasis of Hope as an alternative to conventional chemotherapy and radiation — treatments that often cause additional problems.

When I was diagnosed with an aggressive stage 2B breast cancer in May of 2015, I was determined to learn all I could about possible treatments before deciding what to do. I attended the “chemo class” at the cancer clinic and spent countless hours researching every option. My investigation helped me understand the importance of not harming my body or destroying my immune system when I needed it most. It was during this time that I found the Oasis of Hope website. After learning about their higher-than-average success rates and their willingness to embrace multiple healing modalities, I felt hope for the first time.
Dr. Contreras sent me a treatment plan within two days that included a wide variety of therapies. He explained that they attacked cancer from many different directions using a broad range of techniques to weaken and eventually overcome its growth—while at the same time building and strengthening my entire system to help with the fight. This was a very different approach from what was offered to me in Canada: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
From the moment they picked me up at the San Diego airport, I knew I had made the right choice. The kind, supportive care I received, the daily education sessions while sitting in the treatment room, and the biweekly meetings with the entire medical team showed me what real medicine should look like. I chose to return for two more immune treatments, and after a little over a year, my circulating tumor cell count had gone from off the charts to zero.
I have now passed my five-year remission milestone and am happy to say that I am feeling great and have no signs of disease.

The diagnosis of a five-centimeter, hormone receptor–positive breast tumor came as a complete shock. I was in my fifties, healthy, and with no family history of cancer. The tumor was removed at my local hospital in Soldotna, Alaska, but the surgeon admitted she “didn’t get it all” and doubted it was even cancer. The biopsy proved otherwise. Remembering several success stories my father-in-law had shared about Oasis of Hope Hospital, I decided to seek treatment there before pursuing any other option.
The treatment at Oasis of Hope was successful. I began to see signs of tumor shrinkage even before I left the hospital, and improvements continued once I returned home. Eventually, all my tests showed no evidence of cancer, and I was able to resume a normal, healthy lifestyle.
In 2010, I was diagnosed with a recurrence of breast cancer. A smaller tumor and several lymph nodes were removed, and once again, I returned to Oasis of Hope for treatment. Afterward, I was declared cancer-free and have remained healthy for over ten years, living an active and fulfilling life at age 70.
Oasis of Hope truly changed my life. The education I received there helped me understand how to eat properly, maintain my immune system, and use supplements effectively to prevent cancer recurrence. The treatments strengthen the bodyrather than weaken it, a refreshing contrast to much of conventional medicine. I also experienced the hospital’s holistic philosophy — nurturing body, mind, and spirit — which helped me embrace my faith and understand the emotional connections to physical health.
The hospital’s proactive and compassionate approach gives patients the tools to thrive: world-class medical research, daily educational lectures, cooking classes, nutritious meals, uplifting music, and spiritual encouragement. Dr. Francisco Contreras is a gifted and compassionate physician, and Dr. Ceceña is a wise and dedicated doctor who tirelessly cares for his patients.

What I thought would be my usual yearly mammogram turned into a diagnosis of stage III breast cancer. I found myself in a place of confusion and despair. After getting a second opinion, I was overwhelmed. The thought of conventional chemotherapy and radiation was terrifying—it made no sense to me to destroy everything good in my body in order to kill the bad. I prayed for another way.
I was given the name of Dr. Contreras, and after reading about Oasis of Hope Hospital, I felt it was the right place for me to receive treatment. I went for my first visit in January 2016, and it changed my life. At Oasis of Hope, cancer is treated from every angle—medically, physically, mentally, and spiritually. The team has years of experience and success in treating cancer in a way that is kind and gentle to the patient.
You learn so much about the latest research and therapies designed not only to kill cancer, but also to restore health. Nutrition is a key focus, and they teach you how to eat to maintain a strong immune system. During meals, you enjoy amazing food and connect with other patients. Many friendships are formed in this healing process. My spiritual needs were also met with as much care as my physical and medical ones—something deeply important to me.
On April 27, 2016, during my third visit for treatment, Dr. Contreras told me I was in total remission. Today, I am well, remain cancer-free, and live a normal life. I continue to follow a healthy lifestyle and maintain my daily protocol. I am so grateful that I chose Oasis of Hope as my place for treatment.

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.