From the Heart: My Journey Through Cancer, Faith, and Fighting for Health
Hello, everyone. I’m Lorenzo Williams, and today I want to share my journey—a story of resilience, faith, and love. It’s been a battle, but through all the challenges, my wife and I have emerged stronger and more determined than ever. My hope is that my story inspires you to prioritize your health, advocate for yourself, and lean on faith when the road gets rough.
Facing Cancer—Twice
My journey with cancer began at just 18. Back then, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease, a form of lymphoma. I had to undergo intense radiation, leaving my skin burnt and my mind filled with fear and confusion. I was young, battling alone without much support or understanding of what was happening to me. I didn’t have the luxury of counseling or the help to process the whirlwind of emotions that come with a diagnosis like this. I eventually stopped my treatments—something I don’t recommend for anyone—but, somehow, by the grace of God, my body healed.
Years later, I found myself facing cancer again, this time bladder cancer, a rare form that was incredibly aggressive. For years, doctors dismissed the signs—blood in my urine, which they chalked up to a bladder infection. They didn’t listen, and we didn't get answers until my wife, Donna, stood up and demanded they take a closer look.
When the diagnosis came, they told us my bladder and prostate had to go. Donna and I sat in the car, devastated, our dreams of a destination wedding on hold. I told her I wanted to fight. I wasn’t ready to accept that this was the only option.
Turning to Faith and Alternative Healing
With Donna by my side, we embarked on a new path. I relied on my faith, and together, we began exploring a more natural approach to fighting cancer. I switched to a raw, vegan, plant-based diet. We prayed, researched, and sought guidance from naturalists who understood both the physical and spiritual sides of healing.
The cost of treatment was overwhelming. Cancer treatment in America can bankrupt you, emotionally and financially. We were shocked by the lack of compassion from some places and the high costs that made it feel like only the wealthy could afford to fight. For us, the Cancer Treatment Centers of America quoted $25,000 upfront and a $250,000 retainer. Fortunately, we eventually found our way to the Mayo Clinic, where the care and compassion were a breath of fresh air.
Learning to Advocate for Health
Through my journey, I've learned that we have to be our own health advocates. Don't settle for the first answer. Don’t be afraid to ask for second opinions, and don’t let anyone dismiss your symptoms or concerns. Your health is worth fighting for.
Health isn’t just about physical well-being; it’s emotional and spiritual, too. I needed to heal past traumas, to stop self-medicating with harmful habits, and to lean into my faith more than ever. If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be that healing isn’t just about medicine or diet—it’s also about healing your heart and mind.
Going through this journey has turned me—and my wife—into medical experts. I found myself spending endless nights on Google, Yahoo, you name it, digging up every piece of information I could find. I was calling organizations, joining groups, asking questions, just doing whatever I could to get answers. And through it all, my wife was right there by my side. This experience gave me a whole new understanding of what it means to have a true “helpmate”—a strong woman who won’t let you fight alone.
Every time I came across something new, I’d bring it to her, and she’d turn it into action. She’d take that knowledge, turn it into nutrition, turn it into care. She’d find ways to put hope back into my body, feeding me not only food but encouragement. Honestly, I don’t know where I’d be without her. Watching her in that role has only deepened my respect and gratitude for her. Her strength is something that I can’t even put into words.
She went into autopilot for me, the way I think anyone does when it’s someone you love, someone you’d do anything to protect. I remember her organizing plasma drives, calling on people to donate, sharing locations where others could give what I needed to help me keep fighting. She was on social media posting, directing people on where to go, what to do, and how they could help. She’d taken on this whole new role without hesitation. She was in fight mode right along with me, willing to face down anything to get us through this.
But even with all her research, and all her newfound medical knowledge, she knew there was only so much she could do. As much as she tried to protect me and support me, she couldn’t be the doctor. She couldn’t be the one to get inside my body and stop the cancer herself. I watched her learn about things like bilirubin levels, blood work—all of it. She became my partner in this battle in every possible way, going above and beyond, fighting in every way she could. I just want people to understand the power of her strength and what she means to me. She is my everything.
Final Words: Embrace Your Journey
To anyone fighting their own battles—whether it’s cancer or another struggle—I encourage you to keep going. You’re not alone, and there is strength in vulnerability. Surround yourself with those who will fight alongside you. Seek help when you need it, trust in God’s plan, and don’t be afraid to chart your own path.
Thank you for listening to my story. If it inspires even one person to fight for their health, to have faith, or to keep going, then sharing it has been worth it. Let’s continue this journey together toward better health, resilience, and strength.
