I have been contemplating creating this podcast as well as educational videos and a documentary for years.

The intention is to give voice to people who have personal stories of a HEALTH WAKE-UP CALL. 

I’m kicking off Episode 1 on this symbolic day with my personal story (see video at bottom of this post). 

It was exactly 14 years ago, on January 19th, 2010, I was given a diagnosis that brought my happy life to a screeching halt.

I had never heard of DCIS before, but from the moment I was told about the aggressive treatment protocols, I knew something was not right.

I went home and started to investigate.

I also sent out an email to all my friends and family with the subject line: GOOD NEWS / BAD NEWS.

The good news was DCIS was considered a non-invasive “pre-cancerous” condition and the treatments were to reduce risk of invasive cancer.

The bad news was the aggressive treatments of surgery, radiation and drugs (they were the same as invasive cancer). 

My friend Adriana called me and said “No-no-no,” with her Colombian accent. “You mustn’t do these invasive treatments… You must come see me immediately.” 

Adriana took me under her wings and began to re-educate me about the human body and its digestive process. She assured me that I had nothing to fear and that our bodies have natural abilities to heal when given the right foods and environment. She taught me about detoxification, building my immune system and alkalizing my body with raw, whole, organic superfoods. Amazingly, as healthy as I thought I was, I had never heard of the alkaline-acid balance and that the foods we ingest become either acid or alkaline in our bodies – and over-acidity can lead to or enhance diseases like cancer. I discovered that many of the foods and beverages I loved were acid-forming, such as: coffee, bread, cheese, jam, cereal, sugar, ice cream, sugar-free gum and beer. I learned that I did not have enough GOOD fat in my diet and I was probably deficient in protein and certain vitamins and minerals because I didn’t eat enough variety of fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains. Adriana took me to the health food store and showed me how to read ingredients and choose healthier versions of foods. I ate kale and chard for the first time in my life!

Adriana did not go to medical school, but she seemed to know more about cancer than the cancer doctors! She explained cancer to me from a scientific cellular level and assured me that DCIS was NOT cancer and NOTHING to be in fear of. From her perspective, it was the FEAR that was the worst part of a DCIS diagnosis.

Adriana advised me on foods and supplements specific for immunity building and breast cancer prevention. She had me put drops of chlorophyll in my water and gave me a list of foods to eat and to eliminate. She guided me through a two week raw food cleanse including an intensive weekend detox where she whipped up raw soups, tonics and teas round the clock! Adriana told me if I did everything she said and put off doing an MRI for a month, it would be clear.  And it was!!!

This changed the course of action I would take for treatment. I was emboldened to say “no” to my team of doctors whose options were a lumpectomy plus 7 weeks of radiation or a mastectomy.

I became fascinated with stories, books, articles and films about holistic ways to reduce cancer risk and improve health. I studied “food as medicine” — and in 2013, I received a Certification in Whole Food, Plant-based Nutrition.

Most importantly what I learned over the last 14 years is this: 

True health is more than just high quality organic plant-based food, filtered water and daily exercise. A healthy disease-free life revolves around a mindset. It’s not something most oncologists and healthcare providers are knowledgeable about. One has to go outside of the mainstream medical box and dig deeper within themselves. I made a “Wheel of Healing” that included everything I felt was important to my health and well-being.

I understand how overwhelming it can feel in the beginning after a scary diagnosis. But I also know for sure that this can serve as a wake-up call. It did for me. And while my path is not for everyone, the journey it took me on is one that I am grateful for each and every day. 

I created my website DCIS 411 in 2011 in hopes of helping even one person seeking answers and support outside of the mainstream medical box. It warms my heart to know I have made a difference in so many lives. I am truly grateful for the wonderful friendships I have developed along the way.

In 2016, I created a nonprofit called Give Wellness. The mission is simple: 

To promote “Wellness as a way-of-life.”

My vision for this podcast is to bring the mission of Give Wellness to a new level. By educating, advocating, supporting and inspiring mind-body-spirit wellness through the power of personal stories.

Thank you for joining me here. 

If you’d like to share YOUR HEALTH Wake-Up Call story in an interview format with me, please contact me via email: 

dp4peace@yahoo.com

Subject: PODCAST

Your friend in love, light, peace, truth, and health,

Donna Pinto

January 19, 2024

Watch Episode 1 below:

Listen on SPOTIFY here: