St. Louis woman’s cancer cure could be miracle for Blessed Chaminade – Catholic Herald
Rachel and Gabe Lozano pose with an icon of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade after a prayer service marking the closing of the investigation into Rachel’s cure from cancer July 16 at Our Lady of the Pillar Church in Creve Coeur, Mo. If her case is declared an authentic miracle by the Vatican, it would be the final step needed for Blessed Chaminade’s canonization. The French priest founded the Society of Mary, also known as the Marianists, in 1817. (CNS photo/Rebecca Venegoni Tower, St. Louis Review)
Author: St Louis KSDK Staff
Published: 3:26 PM CST February 19, 2013
Updated: 3:26 PM CST February 19, 2013
By Art Holliday
“Whether the church says it or was or not, I believe it was that “M” word: miracle who since her sophomore year of high school has been diagnosed with cancer three times. As treatment, she underwent three different therapies including chemotherapy, radiation, a stem cell transplant and surgery. Doctors told her that no one ever survived her type of cancer after a stem cell transplant.
After joining a group of St. Louisans who attended the year 2000 beatification for the Society of Mary founder Fr. William Joseph Chaminade Lozano began to pray for his intercession. The first miracle needed for the Marianist founder’s beatification was an Argentinean woman’s healing from lung cancer, according to the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
But in the months after Lozano returned from her pilgrimage, her cancer aggressively came back. After doctors told her that her situation was terminal, she had surgery to remove the third tumor but doctors found it was dead. They told Lozano there was no medical explanation for the reversal.
If the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints declares the cure to be a miracle, Blessed William Chaminade can be recognized as a canonized saint, pending Pope Benedict XVI’s approval. St. Louis’ only miraculous cure to be declared authentic by the Vatican took place in the nineteenth century. It was one of the two miracles required for the canonization of St. Peter Claver.
During all the years she’s been cancer free, Rachel Lozano has used that word a lot, explaining over and over again why she’s still among the living. “Sometimes it’s a little overwhelming at times,” said Lozano. “I think of this time as my extra years on earth.”
Most of Rachel’s high school years at St. Joseph’s Academy were spent fighting a rare and sometimes fatal form of cancer, Askin’s tumor. She had multiple surgeries and underwent a bone marrow transplant. Chemotherapy claimed her hair, but she whimsically turned her bald head into a canvas for colorful artwork. In her high school graduation photo, she was smiling brightly, even though she was fighting for her life.
“It was strange. I actually had a peacefulness when I would think and pray about it,” said Lozano. “I didn’t know what that peacefulness meant. I didn’t know if that meant dying or that meant living.” When the cancer appeared for the third time, the doctors delivered the worst news possible.
“That I pretty much had a few weeks to live at the most, depending on which organ was hit first, because the tumor recurred between my heart, lung, and spine.” During one last surgery to remove cancer, Rachel Lozano’s doctors were shocked to find no cancerous tissue. The cancer was gone.
In May 2004, at the age of 24, Rachel Baumgartner was cured of Askin Sarcoma. Rachel was born in St. Louis (USA) in 1983; She is a parishioner of the Marianist parish of Our Lady of the Pillar. At the age of 15 she began to feel the first pains in her shoulder. Since it was a tumor, she received all the medical treatments available.
In the year 2000 she made the pilgrimage to Rome with her parish to assist at the beatification of Father Chaminade and to ask his help. But the illness continued to advance. When Rachel was declared incurable by her doctors, in May 2004 she had her last surgery, just to relieve the pain.
Her parents, her pastor Father Tobin, and the Marianist community and the parish prayed to Father Chaminade for Rachel’s health. When the doctors examined the extracted tissues, they realized that the cancerous mass was dead.
Since that time, Rachel’s health has continued to improve. Her pediatrician, Dr. Bergamini and Rachel herself are convinced that medical science cannot explain this cure. Rachel believes she received a favor from Father Chaminade. She is a happy young person who radiates peace and who helps other persons to live with hope through their infirmities and problems. Rachel was married in July 2008 to Gabe Lozano, son of a Catholic family very involved with the Cathedral Parish of St. Louis.
“They (doctors) actually had to formally testify that they could not explain why I’m alive,” said Lozano. A 2000 photograph shows Lozano at the gravesite of Father William Chaminade, founder of the Marianists in 1817. She had flown to Rome to attend a ceremony honoring Father Chaminade.
Feeling a strong connection to the priest, Lozano prayed to Chaminade to cure her cancer. “He also overcame a lot of obstacles in his life and never gave up hope,” said Lozano. “I see the parallels in our lives that way.”
Eventually Rachel Lozano’s recovery was declared to be a miracle by the St. Louis Archdiocese and the investigation was passed along to the Vatican. If the Vatican certifies that Lozano’s case is a miracle, it would be the second miracle attributed to Father Chaminade, and the Pope could declare Chaminade a saint. She doesn’t know if or when that will happen.
Miracles: Rome to rule whether St. Louis woman’s cure was a miracle
“Knowing that my name can be in the permanent history of the church, that I helped someone become a saint, it’s kind of crazy.”
She’s about to complete her graduate studies in art therapy and she’s happily married to Gabe Lozano, founder of the successful internet company Lockerdome. They met at a Cardinals game. When he met Rachel, Gabe thought he’d struck out.
“She asked me about what I do?” said Gabe Lozano. “I said I don’t have a job. I don’t have a car. I still live with my parents. I don’t have any money. If I’m lucky I get to drive my mother’s minivan. At the end of the night, for some unknown reason, Rachel hands me her business card.”
More proof that some things that happen can’t be explained. “I definitely feel blessed and feel like there is some sort of purpose to it,” said Rachel Lozano, “and I try to be open to the opportunities that come up.”
Gabe Lozano – Medium
Rachel Lozano was obsessed with life. This is her story. Since I’ve picked up the pace of my writing, I decided to jot down a sampling of the random thoughts rolling through my head.
Kindness forged by suffering. February 27, 2023 marked the third-year since Rachel’s death… | by Gabe Lozano | Medium
On the Morning of My Wife’s Death, I Read Her This Tribute | by Gabe Lozano
In the Wake of His Wife’s Death, Adtech Founder Finds New Energy in Austin
Miracles: Rome to rule whether St. Louis woman’s cure was a miracle
Into The Deep: Rachel Baumgartner Lozano
Beating Cancer Through Faith and Inspiration – Search
Beating Cancer Through Faith and Inspiration: Amazon.com:
Is a book that offers a daily narrative of hope and encouragement for cancer patients. It includes a daily devotional from the Bible, a prompt journal for thoughts and impacts, and support for managing medical and therapeutic needs. The book is authored by David A. Schwarz III, a cancer survivor who has faced his own battles with cancer. The narrative is designed to help patients navigate the daily challenges of cancer, providing spiritual and emotional support. The book is available in both print and eBook formats, and it has been well-received for its inspirational content and practical guidance for those dealing with cancer.
Beating Cancer Through Faith and Inspiration is a powerful and heartfelt book by David A. Schwarz III, a cancer survivor who turned his personal battle with Stage 4 Squamous Cell Carcinoma into a source of hope and healing for others.
What the Book Offers
- Daily Inspirational Narratives: Each day begins with a story meant to uplift and encourage those facing the emotional and physical toll of cancer.
- Biblical Devotionals: Faith-based reflections accompany the narratives, offering spiritual strength and comfort.
- Interactive Journal Prompts: Readers are invited to write down their thoughts, track treatments, and reflect on their journey.
- Holistic Support: Combines emotional, spiritual, and practical guidance to help patients and survivors cope one day at a time.
About the Author
David A. Schwarz III is not only a survivor of a grueling cancer journey involving 9 surgeries and 35 rounds of radiation—he’s also a former college football player, artist, and psychology graduate. His resilience and faith shine through every page, and his devotion to helping others is evident in his contributions to over fifteen cancer support websites2.
If you’re looking for a book that blends faith, inspiration, and practical support, this one might be a meaningful companion. You can find it on 1www.amazon.com 2www.ebay.com
What are some key lessons from the book?
Absolutely—Beating Cancer Through Faith and Inspiration offers a rich tapestry of lessons drawn from David A. Schwarz III’s personal journey and spiritual reflections. Here are some of the most impactful takeaways:
Key Lessons from the Book
1. Faith Evolves Through Adversity
- Faith isn’t static—it deepens, shifts, and grows when tested by life-threatening illness.
- The book encourages readers to embrace a dynamic relationship with their spirituality, especially when old beliefs no longer feel sufficient.
2. Hope Is a Lifeline
- Hope isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s a powerful force that sustains patients through grueling treatments and emotional lows.
- Schwarz’s story shows that even in Stage 4 cancer, hope can be a daily practice that fuels resilience.
3. Community and Support Matter
- Emotional and practical support from family, friends, and faith communities plays a vital role in healing.
- The book emphasizes journaling and sharing stories as ways to build connection and reduce isolation.
4. Turning Pain Into Purpose
- Survivors often transform their suffering into advocacy, creativity, and service to others.
- Schwarz’s outreach to cancer support websites and his writing are examples of using personal trials to uplift others.
5. Celebrate Small Victories
- Recovery isn’t linear, and every step forward—no matter how small—is worth celebrating.
- The devotional format of the book helps readers recognize and honor daily progress.
6. Faith Is Not the Same as Optimism
- Faith allows room for grief, doubt, and struggle—it’s not about pretending everything is okay.
- The book teaches that faith can coexist with pain and still be a source of strength.
Summary of Key Lessons
- Faith deepens through adversity: Challenges refine and reshape spiritual beliefs.
- Hope is essential: It fuels resilience and helps navigate the emotional toll of illness.
- Support systems matter: Connection with others—family, friends, faith communities—is vital.
- Pain can be transformed into purpose: Personal suffering can lead to advocacy and inspiration.
- Celebrate small victories: Progress, even in tiny steps, deserves recognition.
- Faith allows for struggle: True faith embraces doubt, grief, and vulnerability.
1www.bswhealth.com 2beat cancer.eu
Can you provide more detailed explanations for each lesson?
Certainly! Here’s a deeper look at each of the key lessons from Beating Cancer Through Faith and Inspiration, enriched by insights from survivors and spiritual care experts
Detailed Explanations of Key Lessons
1. Faith Deepens Through Adversity
- Cancer often forces people to reevaluate their beliefs. What once felt spiritually sufficient may no longer resonate.
- This shift isn’t a failure—it’s growth. Faith becomes more personal, more raw, and often more profound.
- As one survivor put it, “What was good before my diagnosis doesn’t seem to work now.” That’s not a loss—it’s transformation.
2. Hope Is Essential
- Hope isn’t blind optimism. It’s the quiet strength that allows you to face each day, even when the prognosis is grim.
- It gives permission to cry, to laugh, and to believe in the possibility of healing.
- Hope is what makes life bearable, even amid tragedy and ambiguity.
3. Support Systems Matter
- Emotional and spiritual support from others—whether through prayer, presence, or practical help—can be life-saving.
- Survivors often recall acts of kindness as pivotal moments in their healing journey.
- Even small gestures, like a bouquet or a heartfelt text, can remind someone they’re not alone.
4. Pain Can Be Transformed Into Purpose
- Many survivors find meaning in their suffering by helping others—through writing, advocacy, or simply sharing their story.
- Cancer becomes not just a personal battle, but a platform for compassion and connection.
- This transformation often reflects a deeper spiritual calling or life mission.
5. Celebrate Small Victories
- Healing is rarely linear. Every step forward—whether finishing a treatment or simply getting out of bed—is worth honoring.
- The book’s devotional format helps readers recognize these moments and find gratitude in them.
- These small wins build momentum and restore a sense of agency.
6. Faith Allows for Struggle
- Faith doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means holding on even when everything feels uncertain.
- Many survivors wrestle with doubt, anger, and grief—and that’s okay.
- True faith embraces complexity. It’s strongest when we feel weakest.
1www.premierchristianity.com 2www.bswhealth.com 3med.stanford.edu
What are some examples of personal stories related to these lessons?
Absolutely—here are some powerful personal stories that reflect the key lessons from Beating Cancer Through Faith and Inspiration and similar survivor narratives:
Lesson-Based Personal Stories
1. Faith Deepens Through Adversity
- Kim White, diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer (adrenocortical carcinoma), leaned heavily on her faith throughout her six-year battle. Despite undergoing risky surgeries and clinical trials, she never lost her spiritual grounding. Her story, documented through heartfelt videos and posts, shows how faith can evolve and sustain someone through unimaginable hardship.
2. Hope Is Essential
- Mark, a Stage 4 cancer survivor, held onto hope even when the odds were stacked against him. His story emphasizes how hope, combined with community support and access to advanced care, can lead to unexpected recovery. He credits early detection and personalized treatment plans for his survival.
3. Support Systems Matter
- Xenia, a child cancer survivor, benefited immensely from her family’s involvement and participation in clinical trials. Her story highlights how emotional and logistical support from loved ones can shape outcomes and provide strength during treatment.
4. Pain Can Be Transformed Into Purpose
- Rachel Baumgartner Lozano survived multiple life-threatening cancer diagnoses starting at age 15. Despite being given a 0% chance of survival, she went on to earn multiple degrees, become an international speaker, and was named Glamour magazine’s Woman of the Year. Her journey exemplifies how suffering can be transformed into advocacy, creativity, and inspiration.
5. Celebrate Small Victories
- Emily, a breast cancer survivor, found healing through meditation, journaling, and support groups. Her story shows how small emotional breakthroughs—like overcoming fear—can be just as important as physical recovery.
6. Faith Allows for Struggle
- Bonnie Annis, diagnosed with Stage 2b breast cancer, chose to share her raw and honest journey publicly, even when others criticized her openness. Her story reflects the complexity of faith—how it can coexist with vulnerability, doubt, and emotional pain.
1www.curetoday.com 2www.together 3sarcoma oncology.com 4cancer.com
What lessons did each person learn from their experience?
Here’s a breakdown of the lessons each person learned from their cancer journey, aligned with the themes from Beating Cancer Through Faith and Inspiration:
Personal Lessons from Survivors
| Person | Key Lessons Learned | Related Themes |
|---|---|---|
| Kim White | – Vulnerability builds community and strength. Faith can illuminate even the darkest moments 1 2 3 | Faith through adversity, support systems, pain into purpose |
| Mark (Stage 3B Colon Cancer) | – Trust your intuition and advocate for yourself. Positivity and mindfulness are powerful tools, Cherish every moment and reduce stress 4 | Hope, self-advocacy, celebrating small victories |
| Xenia (Childhood Cancer Survivor) | – Life after treatment can be more isolating than treatment itself, Support systems are crucial beyond the hospital, Emotional recovery is ongoing 5 | Support systems, faith allows struggle |
| Rachel Baumgartner Lozano | – Miracles can happen, even when medicine runs out of options. Art and creativity can transform suffering. Cancer gave her purpose as an advocate and therapist 6 | Pain into purpose, faith through adversity |
| Emily Venanzi (Metastatic Lung Cancer) | – Scientific research saves lives—advocacy matters. Living with uncertainty requires courage and gratitude. Every day is a gift worth fighting for 7 8 | Hope, celebrating small victories |
| Bonnie Annis (Breast Cancer Survivor) | – Self-pity is natural but must be managed. Gratitude and resilience are antidotes to despair. Cancer doesn’t define you—it refines you 9 10 | Faith allows struggle, emotional growth, celebrating small victories |
Cancer can lead to significant changes beforehand, during, and aftermath.
Each of these individuals turned their suffering into strength, and their stories echo the core message of Schwarz’s book: faith and inspiration are not just comforts—they’re catalysts for healing. Jesus says there are certain things that overcome only through prayer and fasting (Mark 9:2)
Life Was A Blur With My Cancer DX | Cancer Quick Facts
At age 69, Pam Sander had lived a wonderful life. A former teacher and lifelong St. Louis resident, Pam had been married to her soulmate, Roy, for almost 50 years. “We finish each other’s sentences,” Pam laughs. “We’ve gotten to be the typical old married couple.” After going to the doctor with stomach pain, Pam learned she had pancreatic cancer. “I asked the doctor how long somebody usually lives with this,” Pam recalls. “She said about four months.”
After realizing she wouldn’t make it to 70, Roy was overcome with sadness. But Pam took the opportunity to reflect on how wonderful her life had been: “How lucky I had been to live my whole life with someone I loved. With children that I loved. With friends that I love…so we didn’t cry anymore. We just got on with gettin’ on.”
As Pam tried to come to terms with her diagnosis, her doctor presented her with some potentially exciting news: she was eligible for a clinical trial of a new form of targeted radiation therapy, known as MRIdian, developed by ViewRay. – Search Videos Shortly after treatment, Pam learned that her tumor had not grown.
“I felt like I could exhale,” she says. “Like we could live our lives again.” Now six years after treatment, Pam is one of an incredibly small number of pancreatic cancer survivors who has lived more than five years. She attributes the clinical trial using MRIdian, to save her life: “I [feel] proud to be part of history,” says Pam. “If this can help other people, wouldn’t that be wonderful?”
It also just made [me] feel like [I was] doing something worthwhile…
“I thank the doctors and that machine for being my saviors.”
WATCH: Pancreatic cancer survivor was given four months to live; six years later she shares her story 92,280 views Nov 29, 2022
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