106: PT.2 Overcoming Pancreatic Cancer with Faith, Community, and Holistic Healing | Kira Porter

Shakira Porter, who likes to be referred to as Kira and California HealingStrong Group Leader, faced an unexpected pancreatic cancer diagnosis at the age of 47, despite feeling like she led a seemingly healthy life. Kira continues her story of an urgent surgery and a challenging recovery. She candidly shares the unexpected moments, like finding irony in hospital meals and the profound relief of discovering her cancer was contained. Throughout her experience, Kira’s belief in a greater plan and her determination to trust in God’s path provided a peace as she prepared for the path that lay ahead.The episode takes you through Kira's battle with cancer, marked by emotional and physical hurdles and encountering complications like hospitalization and COVID-19. She speaks on how these trials strengthened her reliance on her loved ones and faith community. The journey of healing goes beyond physical treatment as Kira discovers the Square One program by Chris Wark, which changed her perspective on recovery. Celebrating a year with the program, Kira discusses the importance of addressing spiritual and emotional healing alongside physical health, leading her to establish a HealingStrong group in her own town. Her story highlights the power of support and education in overcoming life's toughest battles, and she invites listeners to join her on this path of hope and encouragement.Contact Kira at:[email protected]'s mission is to educate, equip and empower our group leaders and group participants through their journey with cancer or other chronic illnesses, and know there is HOPE. We bring this hope through educational materials, webinars, guest speakers, conferences, community small group support and more.Please consider supporting our mission by becoming a part of our Membership Program, as a monthly donor.When you do, you will receive additional resources such as: webinars, access to ALL our past and most recent conference videos, downloadables and more, as a bonus.To learn more, head to the HealingStrong Membership Program link below: Membership Program

Shakira Porter, who likes to be referred to as Kira and California HealingStrong Group Leader, faced an unexpected pancreatic cancer diagnosis at the age of 47, despite feeling like she led a seemingly healthy life. She reflects on her childhood in Hawaii, with an abusive alcoholic father, and recreational drugs, she also shares how faith began to play a part in her upbringing. Navigating the maze of modern healthcare, Kira shares her insights on being proactive. From the discovery of a pancreatic cyst to the recommendation of a distal pancreatectomy, her story is an important reminder of the value of seeking multiple medical opinions.Kira's involvement with the HealingStrong community highlights the priceless role of support systems in the healing journey. This episode is not just about battling cancer, but about empowering listeners to understand the intricate connections between body, soul and spirit.Learn how the HealingStrong organization offers a lifeline through free local and online groups, encouraging group participants and educating through a holistic approach to healing. Join us as we look into the immeasurable power of faith, community, and informed decision-making in navigating life's most difficult challenges.HealingStrong's mission is to educate, equip and empower our group leaders and group participants through their journey with cancer or other chronic illnesses, and know there is HOPE. We bring this hope through educational materials, webinars, guest speakers, conferences, community small group support and more.Please consider supporting our mission by becoming a part of our Membership Program, as a monthly donor.When you do, you will receive additional resources such as: webinars, access to ALL our past and most recent conference videos, downloadables and more, as a bonus.To learn more, head to the HealingStrong Membership Program link below: Membership Program

Dr. Lauren Cohen, Director of Events & Executive Brand Ambassador for RGCC North America, shares her expertise and wisdom both from her background in chiropractic and emotional healing work to becoming a cancer patient advocacy. Dr. Lauren's world changed when faced with the dual diagnoses of her mother and sister, propelling her into the cancer world with a deeply personal lens. Alongside her, learn about the power of functional medicine, where Dr. Lauren explains how understanding the underlying causes of diseases can offer a path to true individualized healing. Her connection with RGCC, a pioneering medical research lab, showcases the potential of unique personalized medicine in tailoring effective cancer care strategies.Discover the comprehensive cancer testing with RGCC's groundbreaking methodologies such as Onco-D-Clare and Oncotrace. These advanced tests offer insights into genetic expressions and circulating tumor cells, presenting a clearer picture of cancer's behavior. Through these tools, Dr. Lauren and RGCC's efforts their testing abilities that goes beyond traditional allopathic approaches, opening doors to precision testing and personalized treatments that can truly transform patient care. Hear firsthand how the Onconomics panels can guide tailored treatment plans, offering hope and direction to those navigating cancer.Finally, HealingStrong, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals battling cancer and other diseases is discussed and the partnership between RGCC and HealingStrong. Through holistic strategies and community support, HealingStrong nurtures the body, soul, and spirit.Make sure to listen in and check out the RGCC free offering at the link below and discover the connections that are possible within HealingStrong, all while emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes to foster a resilient, anti-cancer environment. With Dr. Lauren's insights and HealingStrong's supportive community, find encouragement and empowerment in your healing journey. Listen in for a heartfelt discussion on the potential of personalized medicine and the strength of community support in overcoming life's biggest challenges.EPISODE MENTIONS:Information & Free e-book Guide: https://myrgcc.com/healing-strong/⁣⁣Connect on Social Media: Facebook and InstagramHealingStrong's mission is to educate, equip and empower our group leaders and group participants through their journey with cancer or other chronic illnesses, and know there is HOPE. We bring this hope through educational materials, webinars, guest speakers, conferences, community small group support and more.Please consider supporting our mission by becoming a part of our Membership Program, as a monthly donor.When you do, you will receive additional resources such as: webinars, access to ALL our past and most recent conference videos, downloadables and more, as a bonus.To learn more, head to the HealingStrong Membership Program link below: Membership Program

From Pop-Tarts and Cherry Coke to a holistic, anti-cancer lifestyle.Jenny Bradley shares her inspiring personal journey after being diagnosed with breast cancer in her 30's. Through a blend of conventional and holistic therapies, she found strength and hope to thrive.Jenny opens up about the emotional roller coaster of a cancer diagnosis, from the initial shock to her proactive decisions that followed. She's not just battling cancer; she's living a vibrant life through integrative approaches like IV vitamin C therapy, ozone therapy, and a plant-focused diet. Her faith and creativity have helped her continue on her path through the process of acquiring knowledge, community, and having a will to live as powerful tools in overcoming trials.Due to her story, a new passion emerged from her journey. Jenny ventured into culinary nutrition and cancer coaching, sharing her wisdom and hope with others. This episode shines a light on HealingStrong, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals facing cancer whether holistically, integratively, or conventionally, and emphasizing the power of community and faith. HealingStrong's mission is to educate, equip and empower our group leaders and group participants through their journey with cancer or other chronic illnesses, and know there is HOPE. We bring this hope through educational materials, webinars, guest speakers, conferences, community small group support and more.Please consider supporting our mission by becoming a part of our Membership Program, as a monthly donor.When you do, you will receive additional resources such as: webinars, access to ALL our past and most recent conference videos, downloadables and more, as a bonus.To learn more, head to the HealingStrong Membership Program link below: Membership Program

What does it take to find true healing after escaping a war-torn country and facing lifelong challenges? Cindy Jewell shares her incredible journey from being born with polio, escaping Vietnam, running away and being trafficked in her youth and eventual escape, being in an abusive marriage and eventual cancer diagnosis. Cindy's story demonstrates and testifies to the human spirit and spiritual strength that helped her continue on in her journey. Her story is one of resilience and triumph, eventually finding solace and healing through the HealingStrong organization. Cindy's faith and resilience are put to the ultimate test as she navigates this harrowing journey with the support of her loving husband. She candidly discusses the tension between traditional medical advice and alternative treatments, including a plant-based diet. Through it all, Cindy's unwavering faith becomes her anchor, guiding her through the storm. Join us as we explore Cindy's inspiring story and learn how Healing Strong provides a supportive community for those facing similar struggles.CONTACT:Bangor, Maryland HealingStrong Group [email protected]'s mission is to educate, equip and empower our group leaders and group participants through their journey with cancer or other chronic illnesses, and know there is HOPE. We bring this hope through educational materials, webinars, guest speakers, conferences, community small group support and more.Please consider supporting our mission by becoming a part of our Membership Program, as a monthly donor.When you do, you will receive additional resources such as: webinars, access to ALL our past and most recent conference videos, downloadables and more, as a bonus.To learn more, head to the HealingStrong Membership Program link below: Membership Program

HealingStrong Group Leader and mother of 6, Stacy Loftis, whose inspiring journey of faith and perseverance will encourage you. Stacy shares her story of her cancer journey with an unshakable trust in God, and how her faith guided her and her husband through some of her most challenging moments.Despite a cancer diagnosis being overwhelming, Stacy’s story brings hope found in the power of community and faith. Drawing parallels to the biblical story of Elijah, she helps us understand how even the strongest believers can face fear and vulnerability. Despite the impact of the pandemic on cancer treatments and the overwhelming experiences at local cancer centers, Stacy's reliance on God and her supportive community became her anchor through these times.She shares her initial success with a plant-based diet, her decision to undergo chemotherapy and surgery at Mayo Clinic, and the divine interventions she believes played a crucial role in her healing. Inspired by influential figures like Chris Wark, Stacy’s search for a supportive community led her to become a Group Leader within HealingStrong, a nonprofit dedicated to holistic cancer support with a variety of free resources found at healingstrong.org.CONTACT:HealingStrong Group Leader - Memphis, [email protected]'s mission is to educate, equip and empower our group leaders and group participants through their journey with cancer or other chronic illnesses, and know there is HOPE. We bring this hope through educational materials, webinars, guest speakers, conferences, community small group support and more.Please consider supporting our mission by becoming a part of our Membership Program, as a monthly donor.When you do, you will receive additional resources such as: webinars, access to ALL our past and most recent conference videos, downloadables and more, as a bonus.To learn more, head to the HealingStrong Membership Program link below: Membership Program

It's too good not to replay to celebrate 100 episodes, so here is our dear friend and supporter again, Chris Wark.Have you heard of the Beat Cancer Mindset? This episode with our guest, Chris Wark of Chris Beat Cancer, discusses the profound impact of adopting lifestyle changes, maintaining a positive attitude, and making informed diet choices. Our guest, initially overwhelmed by his diagnosis, shares how he turned his life around with the help of God leading him to resources like George Malkmus' book "God's Way to Ultimate Health."Listen in as Chris shares his transition toward healing and what he found to be core principles like juicing, exercise, and the crucial act of forgiveness. Faith played a pivotal role, and we dive into how personal motivations and a strong will to live can turn adversity into an opportunity for personal growth and intentional living.We also discuss the creation of the "Beat Cancer Kitchen" cookbook, the emotional and spiritual journey of facing a life-altering diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of a support system, and the impactful work with the HealingStrong organization.Whether you're currently facing cancer or looking to prevent it, this episode offers practical advice, encouragement, and a wealth of resources to support your healing journey. Tune in for stories of hope, resilience, and the powerful mindset that can help you beat cancer.Connect with Chris Wark:Blog: www.chrisbeatcancer.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/chrisbeatcancerFacebook: www.facebook.com/chrisbeatcancer HealingStrong's mission is to educate, equip and empower our group leaders and group participants through their journey with cancer or other chronic illnesses, and know there is HOPE. We bring this hope through educational materials, webinars, guest speakers, conferences, community small group support and more.Please consider supporting our mission by becoming a part of our Membership Program, as a monthly donor.When you do, you will receive additional resources such as: webinars, access to ALL our past and most recent conference videos, downloadables and more, as a bonus.To learn more, head to the HealingStrong Membership Program link below: Membership Program

Lisa Tarantino, HealingStrong Group Leader shares her story, which began with being post-menopausal. Through advocating for a biopsy for herself, she found out she was diagnosed with stage 3c endometrial cancer⁣ in 2017.After feeling blind-sided, she followed the lead of her doctors and went forward with surgery, which began a series of surgeries and chemo to follow. Despite the beginning of her journey approach, she knew God could help her more and instinctively she needed to change some emotional aspects in her life. She refused radiation and realized she wanted to take a different direction. Lisa's story is inspiring, encouraging and one that will bring you HOPE, and she came to become a part of HealingStrong. This episode is a reminder that our steps are ordained and God is in the details. CONTACT:St. Lucie, Florida HealingStrong [email protected]'s mission is to educate, equip and empower our group leaders and group participants through their journey with cancer or other chronic illnesses, and know there is HOPE. We bring this hope through educational materials, webinars, guest speakers, conferences, community small group support and more.Please consider supporting our mission by becoming a part of our Membership Program, as a monthly donor.When you do, you will receive additional resources such as: webinars, access to ALL our past and most recent conference videos, downloadables and more, as a bonus.To learn more, head to the HealingStrong Membership Program link below: Membership Program

Eric and Debbie Emms, HealingStrong Group Leaders, share their incredible journey of faith, holistic healing, and dedication to a plant-based lifestyle. When Debbie's father was diagnosed with glioblastoma brain cancer, they observed the world of conventional treatments, while searching for alternatives. Debbie turned to Ty Bollinger's "The Truth About Cancer," setting the couple on a path to explore holistic healing. Initially met with skepticism by Eric to change his nutrition happened to all change when he overheard  a portion of the documentary "Game Changers" that Debbie was watching. This shift became a critical support system when Eric himself faced a health crisis with papillary thyroid carcinoma. Hear how their deepened faith in God and their commitment to dietary changes not only helped them navigate these difficult times, but also provided invaluable lessons in resilience and hope.Finally, Eric and Debbie's journey didn't stop at their personal healing. Inspired to give back, they established a support group to assist others on similar paths through the organization HealingStrong.Listen as they discuss the challenges and rewards of a healing community and the massive action taken to benefit from the power of diet and lifestyle changes. Their experience with HealingStrong, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting, supporting, and educating individuals facing cancer, brings hope to the listener. HealingStrong's mission is to educate, equip and empower our group leaders and group participants through their journey with cancer or other chronic illnesses, and know there is HOPE. We bring this hope through educational materials, webinars, guest speakers, conferences, community small group support and more.Please consider supporting our mission by becoming a part of our Membership Program, as a monthly donor.When you do, you will receive additional resources such as: webinars, access to ALL our past and most recent conference videos, downloadables and more, as a bonus.To learn more, head to the HealingStrong Membership Program link below: Membership Program

Katherine Scott shares her incredible journey from the Irish countryside to the bustling streets of London. Katherine recounts her early days at the foot of a mountain near the Atlantic Ocean and her move to London at 17, where she gained experience in roles from bookkeeping to the county council administration.Katherine then opens up about her initial symptoms, facing her diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma, and the struggle with the decision to undergo chemotherapy. She also shares about her exploration of alternative treatments like the macrobiotic diet and therapies in Germany. Her journey weaves from conventional  to alternative with her eventual acceptance of chemotherapy, followed by a commitment to the Grape Diet to ward off cancer's return. Through this interview, we discover how Katherine's passion for a raw food lifestyle became a cornerstone of her healing and community outreach. From attending raw food talks in London to growing and selling wheatgrass back in Ireland, her dedication to nutrition is evident. Katherine’s involvement with the HealingStrong community is also a part of her story in more recent years, as it aligns with her mission to empower others through diet and natural healing. HealingStrong's mission is to educate, equip and empower our group leaders and group participants through their journey with cancer or other chronic illnesses, and know there is HOPE. We bring this hope through educational materials, webinars, guest speakers, conferences, community small group support and more.Please consider supporting our mission by becoming a part of our Membership Program, as a monthly donor.When you do, you will receive additional resources such as: webinars, access to ALL our past and most recent conference videos, downloadables and more, as a bonus.To learn more, head to the HealingStrong Membership Program link below: Membership Program