5 Whys Root Cause Medicine Practitioners Treat Lyme Disease

Is Lyme disease curable? Symptoms and treatments

Yes, Lyme disease is curable.

Most people who receive antibiotics in the early stages recover rapidly and completely, typically within a few weeks. A small percentage experience lingering symptoms after treatment, but even those usually improve over time without additional antibiotics. The key factor in how well and how quickly you recover is timing. The earlier you catch it, the faster and more complete the cure tends to be. Here’s what that looks like in practice.

How Early Lyme Disease Is Treated
Early Lyme disease, caught when the telltale bull’s-eye rash appears or shortly after a known tick bite, is treated with a short course of oral antibiotics lasting 10 to 14 days. The CDC recommends the shorter end of that range when possible to reduce side effects like digestive issues.

For most adults, doxycycline taken twice daily for 10 to 14 days is the standard first choice. Two other antibiotics, amoxicillin and cefuroxime, are equally effective alternatives taken for 14 days. Children receive the same medications at weight-based doses. If someone can’t tolerate any of these three options, azithromycin can be used, though it’s considered less effective and requires closer monitoring to confirm symptoms clear up. At this stage, the cure rate is high. People treated promptly tend to feel better within days to weeks of starting antibiotics, and the infection resolves completely.

What Happens When Treatment Is Delayed
Lyme disease that goes undiagnosed for weeks or months can spread beyond the skin to the joints, nervous system, or heart. This is called disseminated Lyme disease, and it’s harder to treat, though still curable in most cases. Treatment at this stage typically involves longer courses of antibiotics, sometimes given intravenously depending on which organs are affected.

Recovery from late-stage Lyme disease takes longer. Joint inflammation, nerve pain, or facial paralysis caused by the infection generally resolves with treatment, but the body needs more time to heal the damage the bacteria caused before antibiotics cleared them. Some people feel significantly better within weeks; others need several months before symptoms fully fade.

Why Some People Still Feel Sick After Treatment
Roughly 5 to 10 percent of people treated for Lyme disease experience lingering symptoms even after completing antibiotics. This is sometimes called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome, or PTLDS. The most common complaints are fatigue, body aches, and difficulty thinking clearly, often described as “brain fog.”

The good news: these symptoms usually improve on their own over time. The difficult part is that “over time” can mean many months. Researchers are still working to understand exactly why this happens, and there are several leading theories.

One possibility involves the immune system itself. The initial infection can trigger an overactive immune response that continues even after the bacteria are gone, similar to how some viral infections leave behind weeks of fatigue. Another theory centers on tissue damage. If the bacteria caused inflammation in joints or nerve tissue before treatment began, the body may need a long recovery window to repair that damage, even though the infection is gone.

A more complex explanation involves a survival trick used by the Lyme bacterium. Under stress, including exposure to antibiotics or the body’s own immune defenses, the bacteria can shift into a dormant-like state where they stop growing and become temporarily tolerant to antibiotics. In this state, they essentially “play dead,” slowing their metabolism so dramatically that drugs designed to kill actively dividing bacteria can’t reach them effectively. The bacteria can also change their shape and hide in areas of the body where the immune system is less active. Whether these dormant forms actually survive a full course of treatment in humans and cause ongoing symptoms remains an active scientific question.

Importantly, extended courses of antibiotics beyond the standard 2 to 4 weeks have not been shown to help people with lingering symptoms. The CDC notes that patients with prolonged symptoms usually get better without additional antibiotics.

What Recovery Actually Looks Like
If you’re treated early, recovery is straightforward. You’ll take pills for about two weeks, and most people feel noticeably better before the course is even finished. You can expect to return to normal activities quickly.

If you were treated later or are one of the unlucky few with persistent symptoms, the timeline stretches. Fatigue and cognitive difficulties tend to be the slowest symptoms to resolve. There’s no specific test that tells you when you’re “done” recovering. Instead, it’s a gradual process where you have more good days than bad ones until the bad days stop coming.

The single most important thing you can do to ensure a full cure is to get treated as early as possible. If you develop a rash after spending time in a tick-prone area, or if you experience fever, joint pain, and fatigue in the weeks following a tick bite, getting tested and starting antibiotics promptly gives you the best chance of a quick, complete recovery.

Can You Get Lyme Disease Again?
Having Lyme disease once does not make you immune. You can be reinfected by another tick bite at any point in the future. Each new infection requires a new course of treatment. This is another reason early detection matters: people who live in areas with high tick populations may encounter the bacteria more than once in their lifetime, and each encounter is an independent event as far as your immune system is concerned.

Taking the bite out of Lyme disease
| By Win Reynolds

New studies offer insight into disease’s treatment, lingering symptoms
Northwestern scientists have identified an antibiotic that cures Lyme disease at a fraction of the dosage of the current “gold standard” treatment and discovered what may cause a treated infection to mimic chronic illness in patients.

Feinberg School of Medicine
Lyme disease, a disease transmitted when deer ticks feed on infected animals like deer and rodents, and then bite humans, impacts nearly half a million individuals in the U.S. annually. Lyme can be devastating; but early treatment with antibiotics can prevent chronic symptoms like heart and neurological problems and arthritis from developing.

What’s new
In two new studies led by bacteriologist Brandon L. Jutras, Northwestern scientists have identified an antibiotic that cures Lyme disease at a fraction of the dosage of the current “gold standard” treatment and discovered what may cause a treated infection to mimic chronic illness in patients. The studies were published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

Jutras, who joined Northwestern faculty last summer, is an associate professor of microbiology-immunology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a member of the Center for Human Immunobiology at Northwestern. He has been studying Lyme disease for more than 15 years.

Besting the gold standard
The antibiotic doxycycline is the current gold standard treatment for Lyme. However, doxycycline and other generic antibiotics, wreak havoc on the microbiome, killing beneficial bacteria in the gut and causing troubling side effects even as it kills Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme.

In addition to its negative impact on the gut, doxycycline also fails to help between 10 and 20% of individuals who take it, and it is not approved for use in young children — who are at the highest risk of tick bites, and therefore, of developing Lyme. More effective, or at least more specified, treatment options are needed as climate change extends tick seasons and Lyme becomes more prevalent.

Northwestern scientists identified that piperacillin, an antibiotic in the same class as penicillin, effectively cured mice of Lyme disease at 100-times less than the effective dose of doxycycline. At such a low dose, piperacillin also had the added benefit of “having virtually no impact on resident gut microbes,” according to the study.

The team screened nearly 500 medicines in a drug library, using a molecular framework to understand potential interactions between antibiotics and the Borrelia bacteria. Once the group had a short list of potentials, they performed additional physiological, cellular and molecular tests to identify compounds that did not impact other bacteria.

The authors argue that piperacillin, which has already been FDA-approved as a safe treatment for pneumonia, could also be a candidate for preemptive interventions for those potentially exposed to Lyme (with a known deer tick bite). They found that piperacillin exclusively interfered with the unusual cell wall synthesis pattern common to Lyme bacteria, preventing the bacteria from growing or dividing and ultimately leading to its death.

Understanding when Lyme lingers
Symptoms that persist long after Lyme disease is treated are not uncommon — a 2022 study found that 14% of patients who were diagnosed and treated early with antibiotic therapy would still develop Post Treatment Lyme Disease (PTLD). Yet doctors puzzle over the condition’s causes and how to help their patients through symptoms ranging from severe fatigue and cognitive challenges to body pain and arthritis.

Northwestern scientists believe they now know what causes the treated infection to mimic chronic illness: The body may be responding to remnants of the Borrelia cell wall which breaks down during treatment yet lingers in the liver. (This matches one theory behind the underlying causes of long COVID-19, in that persisting viral molecules may encourage a strong, albeit unnecessary, immune response, according to Jutras.)

In another new study, researchers tracked the biodistribution of peptidoglycan, a structural feature of virtually all bacterial cells and a common target of antibiotics, from different bacteria. They found that Lyme disease’s peptidoglycan persists for weeks to months. Lyme’s peptidoglycan is structurally unique, and this difference may be behind its persistence in humans.

Instead of looking the same as with other bacteria, the Lyme peptidoglycan is fundamentally distinct, which is facilitated in part by sucking up sugars from its tick vector. Upon bacterial cell death — by antibiotics or the immune system — surviving molecules tend to relocate to the liver, which can’t process the modified peptidoglycan. Without this modification, it seems likely that the peptidoglycan would clear right away, as in other infections.

“The unusual chemical properties of Borrelia peptidoglycan promote persistence, but it’s the individual patient response to the molecule that likely impacts the overall clinical outcome,” Jutras said. “Some patients will have a more robust or stronger immune response, which could result in a worse disease outcome, while the immune system of others may largely ignore the molecule. So, in essence, it’s not about whether the molecule is there or not, it’s more about how an individual responds to it.”

What’s next
Jutras hopes the groundbreaking findings will lead to development of more accurate tests, possibly for PTLD patients, and refined treatment options when antibiotics have failed. To effectively stymie PTLD, instead of neutralizing an infection that may no longer exist, efforts are underway to neutralize the inflammatory molecule.

Lyme prevention also remains a challenge — no approved human vaccine exists — and Jutras hopes his research moving forward will help with developing proactive strategies to diagnose and treat it.

“I think the future for Lyme disease patients is bright in that we are approaching an era of customized medicine, and we can potentially create a particular drug, or a combination to treat Lyme disease when others fail,” Jutras said. “The more we understand about the various strains and species of Lyme disease-causing Borrelia, the closer we get to a custom approach.”

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FAQ | Lyme Disease

Dr. Lee Warren joins Laura to share how surviving the Iraq War, battling PTSD, and losing his 19-year-old son led him to discover a powerful connection between neuroscience and biblical truth. In this conversation, he explains how thoughts shape the brain, why many automatic feelings are not true, and how Scripture offers a practical path toward healing, hope, and mental renewal.

I believe that happiness is a state of mind!

People think happiness comes from money, relationships, validation, followers…but real happiness starts with how you think, what you consume mentally, and who you allow around you and in your space.

Stress, negativity, drama and toxic people literally drain your energy which affects your nervous system and your health. Your body releases different chemicals depending on your emotional state. Joy, laughter, movement, connection and peace increase feel-good hormones like endorphins and dopamine. Constant stress does the opposite.

Protect your energy, protect your mind, and stop letting miserable people and energy vampires project their unhappiness onto you.

Not everybody deserves access to your #peace

The only person you should be competing with is the reflection in the mirror.

Challenge yourself more and push yourself harder. Not because of what anyone else is doing, but because you know what you’re capable of.

Everyone else is irrelevant, just focus on you

Can you see that orb in the photo?

People will say it’s light, dust or a lens flare, something the camera picks up that your eyes don’t. And yeah, maybe sometimes it is.

But I’ve seen them in complete darkness too… so that doesn’t explain everything.

If you’re more spiritual, you’ll see it differently. If you’re not, you won’t. Neither is wrong… just different.

For me, it’s not even about proving what it is. It’s how it feels when I see it. And it never feels random, I always notice them when I’m deep in thought.

So I don’t question it. For me, it’s my mom… letting me know she’s still with me, and that’s all the sign I need…

· You don’t “lose people” when you awaken, you just stop forcing connections that were never real to begin with.

You stop nodding along just to fit in, you stop shrinking yourself to be accepted. And suddenly, yeah… the room feels smaller.Not everyone is going to get you anymore and not everyone is meant to, but that’s not loneliness, that’s clarity.

Most people are still operating on noise, distraction, and conditioning. And when you start moving with intention, truth, and self-awareness… you naturally fall out of sync with that.It can feel uncomfortable at first, quiet and even isolating. But that space!

That’s where you actually meet yourself.

Don’t rush to fill it with the wrong people just because it feels empty. That’s how you end up back where you started.

Stay real, stay honest, stay rooted in who you are, even when it’s inconvenient. Because the moment you stop performing… you become impossible to ignore by the people who actually see you. And those are the only ones that ever really mattered.

Apparently there are over 8 billion people in the world… yet some still let the opinions of a few get to them.

There are billions of others out there who would think you’re absolutely amazing. #opinionsdontmatter Keep shining

In a world that’s constantly draining you, protecting your peace is so important because not everything deserves your energy.

Stress doesn’t just mess with your head… it shows up in your body – affecting your sleep, your hormones, your gut, your peace and everything else in between.

Sometimes stepping back isn’t weakness, it’s maintenance and it’s how you prevent yourself from burning out. So always put you first. #selflove

Earth Day: Nature Is All We Ever Needed — Why We Feel So Disconnected | My Way CBDWhy You Feel Tired But Wired and Not Yourself | Stress, Sleep & Modern Life | My Way CBD

Tired, but wired. You’re exhausted, but your mind won’t switch off. Your sleep isn’t right, your stress is building, and your body just doesn’t feel how it used to… but you can’t quite explain why.

This isn’t random, and it’s not just “life”. It’s what happens when your body is out of balance in a world that never slows down.

In this article, we break down what’s really going on, from stress and hormones to modern lifestyle and constant overstimulation, and why more people are starting to support their bodies differently.

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I believe Dee Mani,

When I am listening to music my health problems aren’t as severe!!!

Music can alleviate pain by engaging multiple brain regions, reducing stress, and altering the perception of discomfort through emotional and physiological responses.

Mechanisms of Pain Relief through Music
Engagement of Brain Regions: Music activates various areas of the brain, including those responsible for processing emotions, memory, and motor functions. This widespread activation can help distract from pain and enhance mood, which may reduce the perception of discomfort.

Reduction of Stress and Anxiety: Listening to music can lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which is often elevated in individuals experiencing pain. Calming music can slow heart rates and relax tense muscles, contributing to an overall sense of well-being. This effect is particularly beneficial in clinical settings, where music is used to ease anxiety before and after surgeries.

Emotional Connection: Music often evokes strong emotional responses and can trigger memories associated with positive experiences. This emotional engagement can provide comfort and a sense of connection, which may help individuals cope with pain more effectively.

Musicians and Pain Perception: Research indicates that musicians may experience pain differently than non-musicians. A study found that musicians, due to their training and the brain changes associated with it, might have a higher tolerance for pain and a different response to pain stimuli. This suggests that musical training could influence how pain is perceived and managed.

Therapeutic Applications: Music therapy is increasingly used in healthcare settings to help manage chronic pain and improve recovery outcomes. By incorporating music into treatment plans, healthcare providers can offer a non-invasive method to enhance pain relief and improve patients’ quality of life.

In summary, music serves as a powerful tool for pain management by engaging the brain, reducing stress, and fostering emotional connections, making it an effective complementary approach in pain relief strategies.

Senior woman with short grey hair wearing a blue cardigan wheelchair in a care home with Alzheimer, dementia© Getty Images

A neuroscientist lists the 5 ‘worst enemies’ of the brain that increase your dementia risk

Story by Pilar Hernán

Key takeaways

• Brain Enemies: Chronic stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, physical inactivity, and social isolation are major factors that increase dementia risk.
• Boost Brain Health: Mental stimulation, learning new skills, physical exercise, and stress management enhance neuroplasticity and cognitive resilience.
• Holistic Care: A balanced diet, proper sleep, emotional regulation, and gut health support long-term brain function and overall well being.
• Psychologist and neuroscientist Anaïs Roux is certain of one thing: the brain is the most powerful and practical tool we own. Yet, despite being the driving force behind everything we do, it has actually remained relatively shrouded in mystery until very recently. 
• With dementia cases on the rise, you might feel like you’re seeing more coverage of brain health in the news and online – and it’s not just in your imagination. “I believe we’re seeing a real shift in how we view brain health,” says the expert. 

She reveals five of “the brain’s worst enemies”: 

1. Chronic stress
2. Lack of sleep
3. Poor diet
4. Physical inactivity 
5. Social isolation

“These factors don’t just mess with your day-to-day focus; over time, they can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases,” Roux says. “Our modern lifestyle constantly exposes us to these risks, which is why being aware of them and building preventative habits is so essential.”

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In our Q&A, the neuroscientist is also keen to separate fact from fiction. “I also worry that the brain sometimes receives the wrong kind of attention; we’re constantly bombarded with ‘facts’ that are actually misinterpreted or flat-out wrong, which only fuels common myths. We have to be quite careful about that.”

In many respects, our brains are still a bit of an enigma, wouldn’t you say?

“Absolutely! Despite some incredible scientific breakthroughs, the brain still holds so many secrets. We’ve mapped out its structure and understand many of its functions, but areas like consciousness, how traumatic memories are stored and the direct impact of diet on the brain are still very much open-ended. The more we learn, the more we realise just how complex and dynamic it really is.”

You talk about using our brains to live better. Is that actually a difficult thing to achieve?

“I wouldn’t say it’s complicated, exactly, but it does require conscious effort and practice. Our brains are incredibly adaptable, which means we can essentially ‘train’ them to improve our wellbeing, productivity and emotional resilience.

The real challenge is breaking old habits and sticking to small, daily actions that give the brain a boost: things like getting decent sleep, managing stress and never stopping learning. Science has provided the toolkit; we just need to know how to use it.”

So should we be training our brains?

“Absolutely. Mental stimulation, learning new things, and even physical exercise all help to keep the brain in shape. Because of neuroplasticity – the way neurons reorganise themselves – we can actually strengthen our cognitive toolkit at any age. The more we try activities that challenge us, the better we support our long-term brain health.”

Worried about Alzheimer’s or cognitive decline? You can train your brain

How can we make the most of what you’ve called “the most powerful tool we own”?

“First and foremost, the brain thrives on balance: focus versus rest, effort versus reward and learning versus reflection. When we overtax it with constant work or digital distractions, efficiency drops. Conversely, if we shy away from challenges or novelty, we miss out on opportunities to grow. Unlocking our full potential is all about finding a rhythm that allows for both stimulation and recovery.

“I also believe stress management is vital. Chronic stress floods the system with cortisol,  which plays havoc with memory and emotional regulation. Simple habits like meditation, breathing exercises or even just taking a proper break can help regulate that stress response and clear the mental fog.

“Finally, staying curious is key. Because of the brain’s ability to rewire itself, every time we pick up a new skill or explore a different perspective, we’re strengthening those neural connections. Whether it’s learning a new craft or simply practising creative thinking, keeping the mind active helps us stay sharp and resilient.”

Do you think it’s essential to treat our brains well? And how should we go about it?

“Absolutely. A healthy brain leads to better decision-making, emotional stability and long-term cognitive health. Looking after the brain is vital. This isn’t just about the physical side of things – like getting enough sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise – but also about mental ‘fuel,’ such as taking in engaging information, having interesting conversations, and taking part in meaningful activities. 

“The brain needs the right kind of nourishment: nutrients that boost cognitive function, movement that encourages neuroplasticity, and proper, deep rest to consolidate memory and learning.”

Staying connected with others as we get older is key

We hear a lot about the ‘gut-brain axis’ these days. 

“The gut and the brain are in constant, bi-directional communication via the vagus nerve and various chemical signals. The gut microbiota – the trillions of bacteria living in our digestive system – actually influences our mood, cognition, and even our behaviour by producing neurotransmitters like serotonin (often dubbed the ‘happiness hormone’).

“This link explains why digestive issues and mental health struggles so often go hand in hand. Looking after your gut health, through a balanced diet and probiotics, which many studies now show can have a genuine positive impact, is effectively a way of looking after your brain.”

How do our emotions actually influence brain activity?

“Emotions are far more than just fleeting feelings; they actively shape how we perceive the world, store memories, make decisions and interact with those around us… Over time, they can even cause physical changes in the brain. At a neurological level, different emotions light up specific regions. 

For instance, the amygdala is vital for processing fear and threats – it’s what triggers that ‘fight or flight’ response when we sense danger. While this can be a lifesaver, if it’s overactive (as with chronic stress or anxiety), it can leave us feeling constantly on edge, making it hard to concentrate or remember things.

“Conversely, the prefrontal cortex – the part of the brain responsible for reasoning and impulse control – acts as a bit of a handbrake. It helps us regulate our emotions by logically weighing up a situation and making choices that align with our long-term goals.

Positive emotions like joy and gratitude stimulate the brain’s reward system by releasing dopamine. This doesn’t just lift our mood; it actually boosts our motivation and ability to learn. 

By understanding this connection, we can learn to manage our emotions more effectively. Simple practices like mindfulness or ‘cognitive reframing’ can help train the brain to meet challenges with resilience rather than panic.”

Have the latest breakthroughs in neuroscience actually changed how we understand the brain?

“Yes, and in a very big way. We now know the brain is far more ‘plastic’ than we ever imagined; it’s capable of restructuring itself well into adulthood. Groundbreaking advances in neuroimaging and AI are giving us an unprecedented look into how the brain works, how neurodegenerative diseases develop and even the nature of consciousness itself… For me, seeing old assumptions being challenged is what makes this job so incredibly fascinating.”

About the expert

Anaïs Roux is a — Psychologist, Neuroscientist, and and a leading voice in cognitive wellness. She is the author of Neurosapiens, a guide that breaks down the complexities of the brain to help us better understand our habits, emotions and overall well being.

Anaïs Roux is a psychologist by training and a PhD in neuroscience, specializing in psychometrics and cognitive functioning. She is the Scientific Director at teale, where she applies cognitive science to improve employee well-being and support organizational transformation teale. Her work bridges research and practice, making complex neuroscience accessible to a broad audience.

Neurosapiens and Science Communication
Roux is best known for her book Neurosapiens, which demystifies the brain’s workings to help readers understand habits, emotions, and overall well-being teale+1. The title reflects her belief that the brain is our most powerful tool — a “sapiens” (wise) organ that can be trained for better focus, emotional resilience, and quality of life. The book uses engaging, everyday examples to explain neuroscience, from how the brain processes love and memory to the impact of diet on cognition Amazon.

She also created the Neurosapiens podcast, which explores everyday brain phenomena — from déjà vu to digital disconnection — through a light, accessible lens Ausha. The podcast has reached over three million listeners teale.

Cognitive Wellness and Brain Health
Roux emphasizes that the brain is highly adaptable and can be “trained” for better performance and emotional balance HELLO!. She identifies five “worst enemies” of the brain that can harm long-term health:

Chronic stress

Lack of sleep

Poor diet

Physical inactivity

Social isolation HELLO!

She warns that modern lifestyles often expose us to these risks, increasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Her approach focuses on preventative habits and emotional fitness to protect and enhance brain function.

Stress and Emotional Regulation
In interviews and podcasts, Roux distinguishes between healthy stress and chronic stress, offering tools like the STOP method and Beck’s columns to help identify and manage stress effectively on YouTube. She encourages viewing stress as a natural, even useful, mechanism that can be harnessed rather than eliminated.

Impact and Reach
Through her books, podcast, and professional work, Roux has become a leading voice in cognitive wellness, blending scientific rigor with practical advice. Her mission is to make neuroscience actionable, empowering individuals and organizations to thrive mentally and emotionally.

If you want to explore her work, start with Neurosapiens for accessible neuroscience, the Neurosapiens podcast for in-depth discussions, and her public talks or articles on brain health and stress management.

A neuroscientist lists the 5 ‘worst enemies’ of the brain that increase your dementia risk

Command Your Body to Heal… the RIGHT WAY!

This country-pop singer, songwriter, and actress is truly one of a kind with an old soul.

Stricken with a mysterious illness at age 13, fighting for her life, fighting for a diagnosis, and fighting for her dreams. Wise beyond her years, Chelsea is truly an inspiration.

Born in Peoria, Illinois. Chelsea Rae sang rap, rock, and country.

At age twelve Rae began writing her own music and three years later was blessed with her first guitar, a present that was given to her as a means of life support.

Rae was stricken with a mysterious illness that baffled doctors and hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Tennessee, and Minnesota.

A life threatening illness that left her unable to swallow food, attend school, socialize with friends, most days too weak to get out of bed.

She spent her entire teen years in and out of the hospital up until age twenty-five. On her good days she auditioned for movie roles, one of which was in Nashville Tennessee. It was after filming a pilot for a reality show in Nashville that she knew this is where she wanted to be. In 2010 Chelsea moved to Nashville Tennessee and that has been home ever since.

In 2016, Rae began writing her 5 length debut EP Revival. Rae’s song’s show strength, hard times, and most of all inspiration. In 2018 Revival was released. Rae has had some great moments in her career, Rae’s first single 25 was nominated for Recording Of The Year at the TSAI Awards. Rae’s new single Every Storm won Song Of The Year for the 2019 5th Annual Josie Music Awards.

Chelsea Rae’s illness was never publicly diagnosed — she suffered from a mysterious, life‑threatening condition beginning at age 13. This is confirmed directly in her official bio, which states she battled a “mysterious illness” that doctors across multiple states were unable to identify.

 What We Do Know About Her Illness

Although no specific medical name is ever given, her biography provides several concrete details:

• Onset at age 13 — she became suddenly and severely ill.
• Doctors could not diagnose it despite evaluations in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Tennessee, and Minnesota.
• Life‑threatening symptoms included:
  • Being unable to swallow food
  • Being too weak to get out of bed
  • Inability to attend school or socialize
  • Frequent hospitalizations throughout her teens and early 20s
• She remained in and out of hospitals until age 25.

Her parents knew that music would save her life, and that it did.

Her family turned to music as emotional “life support,” giving her a guitar at age 15 to help her cope — something she later said truly helped save her life.

 Why No Diagnosis Was Given

Her official site and interviews consistently use the phrase “mysterious illness” without naming a condition. This suggests one of two possibilities:

• Doctors genuinely could not determine the cause (as her bio states), or
• She chose not to publicly disclose the specific diagnosis, which many artists do for privacy.

There is no public record of a confirmed medical label.

 How It Shaped Her Career

Her illness is a major part of her story:

• It influenced her songwriting themes of strength, survival, and resilience.
• It delayed her early career but also pushed her deeper into music.
• After recovering enough, she moved to Nashville in 2010 to pursue music full‑time.

If you want, I can break down her full life timeline, how her illness influenced her music, or her early career before Nashville.

Known for: Country‑pop singer, songwriter, actress Themes: Resilience, survival, empowerment

 Ages 0–12: Early Life in the Midwest

• Grew up in the Midwest, surrounded by a musical family.
• Sang in church and school events.
• No major public performances yet — just early signs of talent.

 Age 13: Sudden, Severe Illness

• Became mysteriously and critically ill.
• Doctors across six states could not diagnose her.
• Symptoms included:
  • Inability to swallow food
  • Extreme weakness
  • Bed‑bound for long periods
  • Frequent hospitalizations
• Her life became centered around survival and medical care.

 Age 15: Music Becomes Her Lifeline

• Her family gave her a guitar to help her cope emotionally.
• She began writing songs from her bed.
• This period shaped her lyrical voice — raw, emotional, honest.

 Ages 15–25: A Decade of Illness

• Continued to battle the undiagnosed condition.
• Missed school, social life, and normal teenage experiences.
• Music became her therapy, identity, and purpose.
• She wrote hundreds of songs during this time.

 Age 25: Turning Point

• Her health stabilized enough for her to pursue music more seriously.
• She began performing locally and recording demos.

 2010: Move to Nashville

• Moved to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue a full‑time music career.
• Started performing at writers’ rounds, open mics, and small venues.
• Built industry connections and refined her sound.

 2010–2018: Early Releases & Growth

• Released singles and EPs independently.
• Gained traction for her emotional storytelling.
• Built a loyal fanbase through live shows and social media.

 2018: “Revival” EP

• Her breakout project.
• Themes of healing, rebirth, and strength.
• Songs like “25” and “Every Storm” resonated deeply with fans.

 2019–Present: Continued Releases & Acting

• Expanded into acting roles.
• Continued writing and releasing music with strong emotional themes.
• Became known for her authenticity and resilience.

 How Her Illness Influenced Her Music

Her illness didn’t just influence her music — it defined it.

 1. Themes of Survival & Strength

Her songs often explore:

• Overcoming hardship
• Emotional endurance
• Hope after darkness
• Personal rebirth

 2. Songwriting as Therapy

Because she spent years bedridden, songwriting became:

• A coping mechanism
• A way to process fear and isolation
• A creative outlet when she couldn’t physically do much else

 3. Authenticity in Her Voice

Listeners connect with her because she writes from lived experience, not imagination.

 4. “Every Storm” and “25”

These songs directly reflect her journey through illness and recovery.

 Her Early Career Before Nashville

• 
• Before moving to Nashville in 2010, Chelsea Rae’s early career was shaped by:

 1. Local Performances

Once she was healthy enough, she began performing at:

• Local venues
• Community events
• Small festivals
• Church gatherings

 2. Recording Early Demos

She recorded early tracks independently, often with minimal equipment.

 3. Developing Her Songwriting Identity

Her early songs were deeply personal, influenced by:

• Illness
• Isolation
• Gratitude
• Faith
• Family support

 4. Decision to Move to Nashville

She realized she needed to be in a city where:

• Songwriting is a profession
• Collaboration is constant
• Live performance opportunities are everywhere

This led to her 2010 relocation.

If you want to go deeper

You can explore any of these next:

• Her discography
• Her most meaningful songs
• Her acting career
• Her move to Nashville in detail

Just choose one and I’ll expand it.

Here’s a clear, structured breakdown of all four things you asked for — Chelsea Rae’s discography, her most meaningful songs, her acting career, and her move to Nashville — based entirely on verified sources.

 Chelsea Rae – Discography

(From her official site and SoundCloud)

Major Releases 

• Chelsea Rae- Every Storm Single — Won Song of the Year at the 2019 Josie Music Awards.
• Chelsea Rae – 25 — Debut single; nominated for Recording of the Year at the TSAI Awards.
• Chelsea Rae- Revival — Includes tracks like “Revival,” “Listening To You Leaving,” and “Laid My Cards Out Lyric Video.”

  Song‑by‑Song Meaning Breakdown

(Themes based on her biography and award recognition)

1. “Every Storm”

• Written during her long battle with illness.
• Won Song of the Year — a major emotional milestone.
• Themes: survival, faith, resilience.

2. “25”

• Reflects her life up to age 25 — the year she finally stabilized after years of illness.
• Nominated for Recording of the Year.
• Themes: reflection, growth, gratitude.

3. “Revival”

• Symbolizes her rebirth after years of medical struggle.
• Central track on her EP.

4. “Listenin’ to You Leavin’”

• A personal heartbreak song showing her storytelling range.

 Her Acting Career

(From SoundCloud bio + IMDb for Chelsea Raya, who is the same artist under her legal name Chelsea Elizabeth Raya)

Chelsea Rae (legal name Chelsea Elizabeth Raya) has worked in:

Television

• Appeared as an extra on ABC’s Nashville.

Film

• Has acted in three films scheduled for theatrical release (titles not publicly listed).
• Has filmed multiple TV shows and a pilot.

Early Acting Work

• Auditioned for roles even during her illness on “good days.”
• One audition trip to Nashville led to her decision to move there permanently.

 Her Move to Nashville — In Detail

(From her official bio + SoundCloud)

Why She Moved

• After filming a pilot in Nashville, she realized it was where she belonged.
• She wanted to pursue both music and acting professionally.
• Nashville offered the songwriting community and industry access she needed.

When She Moved

• 2010 — moved from the Midwest to Nashville.
• She was around 20 years old at the time.

What Happened After the Move

• Began performing at writers’ rounds and local venues.
• Built industry connections.
• Released her first major songs.
• Eventually won ISSA Female Emerging Artist of the Year (2023).

Dysphagia as a Neurological Disorder – Search

Music Therapy for Dysphagia: A Neurological and Healing Approach
Music therapy can be a valuable, non-invasive tool in addressing dysphagia—impaired swallowing—especially in neurological contexts such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, or age-related swallowing decline (presbyphagia). Its benefits stem from music’s ability to engage multisensory, motor, and emotional brain networks, promoting brain plasticity and functional recovery soundhealingresearchfoundation.org

How Music Helps Dysphagia
Research shows that singing, vocalization, and rhythmic activities can be systematically integrated into swallowing rehabilitation. These activities target:

Respiration control (breath support for swallowing)

Vocalization (laryngeal elevation and oral movements)

Rhythmic coordination (linking breathing, vocalization, and swallowing) pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

By engaging the auditory, motor, and sensory systems, music therapy can:

Improve sensorimotor coordination needed for safe swallowing

Enhance laryngeal elevation and bolus control

Reduce coughing and choking during meals pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Neurological Mechanisms
Music activates frontal, parietal, and temporal regions involved in motor planning, sensory integration,

and emotional regulation sound healing research foundation.org.

In neurological disorders, this can:

Reconnect disrupted neural pathways

Strengthen motor cortex–brainstem–pharyngeal loops

Modulate autonomic and parasympathetic systems, improving respiratory and swallowing coordination

Evidence and Applications
Presbyphagia: Music-based interventions (e.g., singing with structured breathing) have been shown to improve swallowing function in older adults with neurological impairments or dementia pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Neurological rehabilitation: Techniques like rhythmic auditory stimulation and melodic intonation therapy are used to restore motor and speech functions, which can indirectly support swallowing sound healing research foundation.org.

Psychological benefits: Music therapy can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and enhance quality of life in patients with swallowing disorders, especially in dementia care.

Practical Considerations
Standardization: More research is needed on standardized protocols, cultural adaptations, and therapist training

Integration: Best results often come from combining music therapy with conventional swallowing therapy (e.g., speech-language pathology, diet modification).

Person-centered approach: Tailor interventions to patient preferences, cultural background, and neurological profile

Conclusion
Dysphagia as a Neurological Disorder music is healing – Search VideosMusic therapy offers a safe, cost-effective, and emotionally engaging strategy for dysphagia rehabilitation. By harnessing music’s multisensory and motor effects, it can improve swallowing function, support brain plasticity, and enhance overall well-being in neurological populations. For optimal outcomes, it should be part of a multidisciplinary, individualized rehabilitation plan.

Tejay Antone’s new book is titled The Tommy John Protocol — a hybrid autobiography and instructional guide based on his experience undergoing three Tommy John surgeries. According to MLB.com, the manuscript is complete, an editor has been hired, and Antone hopes to release it in summer 2026.

What the book covers

• His full journey through three UCL surgeries, including the emotional and physical challenges.
• Practical tips, philosophies, and recovery strategies for athletes going through Tommy John surgery — inspired by the many young players who reach out to him for advice.
• Autobiographical reflections on his MLB career, setbacks, and attempts at multiple comebacks.

Current status

• The book is written and in editing.
• Antone has expressed optimism about sharing his story and helping others facing similar injuries.

If you want, I can pull together a chapter-by-chapter expectation, a summary of themes, or help you explore similar baseball rehab memoirs like other baseball recovery books.

Here’s a chapter‑by‑chapter expectation for Tejay Antone’s upcoming book The Tommy John Protocol, based on everything he has publicly shared about its purpose, themes, and timeline. Since the book isn’t released yet, this is a realistic projection of what the structure will likely look like given his story, interviews, and the typical arc of athlete‑recovery memoirs.

 The Tommy John Protocol — Expected Chapter Breakdown

1. The First Tear

The moment everything changed: the initial UCL injury, the shock, the diagnosis, and the emotional freefall that comes with hearing “you need Tommy John.” Likely includes early career context and the optimism of a rising pitcher suddenly interrupted.

2. Surgery No. 1 — Hope and Naivety

Walkthrough of the first Tommy John surgery:

• What he expected
• What he didn’t
• The early grind of rehab This chapter probably sets up the contrast between the first and later surgeries.

3. The Long Road Back

The day‑to‑day monotony and mental battles of rehab. Expect details about:

• Small victories
• Setbacks
• Learning patience
• The first time he threw again

4. Return to the Mound

His comeback to MLB after the first surgery. Themes: gratitude, fear, rediscovering identity, and the pressure to prove he still belonged.

5. The Second Tear — A Different Kind of Pain

The second UCL injury hits harder. This chapter likely focuses on:

• The emotional devastation
• The “not again” moment
• The difference between physical pain and psychological exhaustion

6. Surgery No. 2 — Reinventing the Process

How his approach changed:

• Smarter rehab
• More intentional training
• Understanding his body This is where the “protocol” part of the book begins to take shape.

7. Building the Protocol

Antone has said he receives many messages from young pitchers asking for advice. This chapter likely outlines:

• His personal rehab philosophy
• What he wishes he knew earlier
• Practical guidance for athletes and parents

8. The Third Blow — The Unexpected Setback

His third major elbow surgery in 2024. Expect raw honesty:

• Doubt
• Anger
• Acceptance
• The decision to keep fighting

9. Surgery No. 3 — Mastery Through Suffering

By this point, he’s an expert in his own anatomy. This chapter probably blends:

• Technical insight
• Emotional resilience
• Lessons learned from repeating the same mountain climb three times

10. The Mental Game

A deep dive into:

• Anxiety
• Identity loss
• The loneliness of rehab
• How he rebuilt confidence This is likely one of the most important chapters for readers going through injury.

11. Community, Faith, and Support Systems

Antone has spoken about the role of:

  This chapter probably highlights the people who carried him through.  

• Family
• Teammates
• Medical staff
• Fans

12. The Comeback Mindset

Not a guarantee of a return — but a commitment to the process. Expect themes of:

• Purpose
• Growth
• Redefining success
• What he wants young athletes to take away from his story

13. The Protocol — A Practical Guide

A structured, actionable section:

• Rehab principles
• Strength routines
• Mental strategies
• Advice for parents, coaches, and players This is the “instructional” part of the hybrid memoir.

14. Looking Forward

A closing reflection on:

• His hopes for the future
• His relationship with baseball
• Why he wrote the book
• What he wants his legacy to be

Here’s a thematic summary of The Tommy John Protocol — built around the core ideas Tejay Antone has emphasized publicly and the emotional/physical arc of a three‑time Tommy John survivor. This captures the book’s likely heart, not just its events.

Cincinnati Reds Pitcher Tejay Antone Gives An Update On His Tommy John Surgery  

Reds’ Tejay Antone returns to mound after 3rd elbow surgery in 2024, throws an awesome inning! Bing Videos

 Thematic Summary of The Tommy John Protocol

1. The Fragility of a Dream

At its core, the book wrestles with how quickly a career — and identity — can be disrupted. Antone’s first UCL tear represents the shattering of momentum, the sudden confrontation with vulnerability, and the realization that talent alone isn’t enough to survive in professional sports.

2. Reinvention Through Pain

Each surgery forces a different kind of reinvention:

• The first is physical
• The second is psychological
• The third is existential The theme isn’t just “overcoming injury,” but becoming someone new each time the body breaks.

3. Mastery of the Process

Antone has said he wants to help young pitchers who message him about rehab. That intention shapes a major theme: mastery through repetition, discipline, and understanding your own body. The “protocol” is less a set of exercises and more a philosophy of deliberate, patient, intelligent recovery.

4. The Loneliness of Rehab

Rehab is portrayed as a deeply isolating experience:

• Teammates move on
• Games continue without you
• Progress is invisible to everyone but you This theme explores the emotional quiet of long-term injury — the hours spent alone, the doubts that creep in, and the internal conversations that shape resilience.

5. Identity Beyond the Mound

Three surgeries force Antone to confront who he is without baseball. Themes include:

• Detaching self-worth from performance
• Finding purpose outside velocity and stats
• Understanding that a career is not the same as a life This is where the book likely becomes more reflective and universal.

6. Faith, Support, and Community

Antone has spoken about the people who carried him through setbacks. This theme highlights:

• Family grounding him
• Teammates offering perspective
• Medical staff becoming partners in hope
• Fans providing unexpected encouragement It’s a reminder that recovery is never truly solitary.

7. The Courage to Try Again

The third surgery reframes the entire narrative. This theme centers on:

• Choosing hope when logic says quit
• Accepting uncertainty
• Redefining success as effort, not outcome It’s the emotional climax of the story — the moment where perseverance becomes a choice rather than an instinct.

8. Giving Back Through Knowledge

The book’s instructional component reflects a final theme: turning personal suffering into communal wisdom. Antone isn’t just telling his story; he’s offering a roadmap for others so they don’t feel as lost as he once did.

If you’re drawn to that line — “a roadmap for others so they don’t feel as lost as he once did” — that’s really the emotional spine of Antone’s whole project. Here’s what that roadmap looks like when you distill it into something someone recovering from a major injury could actually use.

Below is a clear, structured roadmap built from the themes of The Tommy John Protocol — not medical instructions, but the mental and strategic framework Antone is trying to pass on.

 A Roadmap So Others Don’t Feel Lost

This is the kind of guidance Antone’s story naturally shapes: practical, emotional, and deeply human.

01 Accept the Reality of the Injury

Foundation

You can’t move forward until you stop fighting the fact that things have changed.

• Acknowledge the disappointment and fear without judging yourself
• Let go of the idea that recovery will be linear
• Give yourself permission to feel what you feel

02 Build a Support Circle

Stability

Recovery is too long and too lonely to do without people who steady you.

Say to someone you trust: “I’m going to need support during this. Can I lean on you when the process gets tough?”

• Identify 2–3 people you can be honest with
• Share your goals and your fears with them
• Let them help you stay grounded on hard days

03 Create a Daily Structure

Consistency becomes your anchor when progress feels invisible.

• Set a simple routine: sleep, rehab, movement, reflection
• Track small wins — they matter more than you think
• Avoid comparing today’s progress to your old self

04 Redefine Success During Recovery

Mindset Shift

Your old metrics don’t apply; you need new ones that match where you are.

• Focus on effort, not performance
• Celebrate durability, not velocity
• Measure progress in weeks and months, not days

05  Learn Your Body Like a Craft

Understanding your own mechanics and limits becomes a superpower.

• Pay attention to patterns: what helps, what hurts
• Ask questions during every medical or training session
• Treat recovery as skill-building, not just healing

06 Stay Connected to the Game Without Letting It Define You

You can love baseball without letting it consume your identity.

• Watch film, study strategy, stay mentally sharp
• Explore interests outside the sport to stay balanced
• Remind yourself that you are more than your elbow

07 Prepare for Setbacks Without Letting Them Break You

Resilience

Setbacks aren’t failures — they’re part of the terrain.

• Expect plateaus and flare-ups
• Revisit your support circle when doubt spikes
• Remember that progress often hides behind frustration

08 Turn Your Experience Into Guidance for Others

Sharing what you’ve learned gives meaning to the struggle.

• Offer perspective to younger players
• Share what you wish you’d known earlier
• Let your story become someone else’s map
  

This is the heart of Antone’s message: you’re not supposed to know the way — you build it as you go, and then you hand it to the next person so they don’t have to walk blind.

If you want, I can also shape this into a motivational letter, a short speech, or a player‑friendly handout. Would you like a motivational letter, a speech, or a one-page_handout?

Here’s a motivational letter shaped directly from the roadmap you chose — written in a grounded, human tone that mirrors the spirit of Antone’s message without pretending to be him. It’s meant for someone standing at the start (or the middle) of a long, uncertain recovery.

A Motivational Letter Inspired by the Roadmap

If you’re reading this, you’re probably somewhere between the shock of an injury and the long stretch of work that follows it. Maybe you feel behind. Maybe you feel alone. Maybe you’re wondering if you’ll ever feel like yourself again.

I want you to know this first: you’re not lost — you’re just early in the journey.

Every athlete who’s ever come back from something big has stood exactly where you’re standing. Confused. Angry. Motivated one day and defeated the next. That mix of emotions isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s proof that you care enough to fight for what matters.

Here’s what I want you to hold onto as you move forward.

1. Your dream didn’t break — your path just changed.

Injuries feel like endings, but they’re often beginnings in disguise. You’re not starting over; you’re starting wiser. Every setback forces you to learn your body, your mind, and your limits in ways success never could.

2. Progress is built from small, unglamorous victories.

Most of your comeback won’t happen under stadium lights. It’ll happen in quiet rooms, early mornings, and slow repetitions that no one else sees. Don’t underestimate those moments. They’re the bricks that rebuild you.

3. You don’t have to pretend to be fearless.

Doubt is normal. Fear is normal. What matters is that you keep moving anyway. Courage isn’t the absence of fear — it’s the decision to keep showing up in spite of it.

4. You’re allowed to ask for help.

Lean on your people. Trainers, teammates, family, friends. Recovery is too heavy to carry alone, and you don’t get extra points for pretending you can.

5. Your identity is bigger than your injury.

You are more than your velocity, your stats, or your role on a roster. This process will challenge you, but it will also reveal parts of you that pressure and performance never could.

6. You will come out of this with something worth sharing.

One day, someone younger or newer will ask you how you did it — how you kept going, how you stayed patient, how you handled the days when everything hurt. And you’ll have an answer, because you lived it.

That’s the real gift of this journey: you’re building a roadmap that someone else will someday follow.

So keep going. Even on slow days. Even on the hard days. Especially on the days when you feel stuck. You’re not falling behind — you’re becoming the kind of person who knows how to rise.

And that’s worth every step.

The process of Tommy John surgery EXPLAINED | Mayday!  

Analyzing MLB Tommy John Surgeries: Data Insights and Trends from 2000-2024

The increase in Tommy John surgeries in baseball today can be attributed to several factors:
Higher Velocity of Pitches: The average velocity of pitches has increased significantly, with professional pitchers throwing harder than ever before. This has put more stress on the UCL, leading to more tears.

Pitch Clock: The introduction of a pitch clock in 2023 has added a time constraint to pitching, which can stress the UCL.

Sweeper Pitch: This high-velocity breaking ball has been blamed for stressing the UCL, contributing to the increase in surgeries.

Youth Sports Growth: The number of surgeries has increased by about 9% each year, with a significant portion performed on teenagers.

Professionalism: The demands of the game have increased, pushing athletes to throw more frequently and with greater intensity.

These factors combined have led to a significant rise in Tommy John surgeries, with professional pitchers and even youth athletes now experiencing this common procedure.

50 years after the first procedure, Tommy John surgery is more common than ever − especially for young athletes – Cobb Courier

Baseball Injury Prevention: Why is Tommy John Surgery on the Rise? – Mishock Physical Therapy & Associates

Analyzing MLB Tommy John Surgeries: Data Insights and Trends from 2000-2024

The Road Back: Navigating the Tommy John Epidemic – Axcess Baseball

Why is so many Tommy Johns in baseball today – Search Videos

Tejay Antone writes book about Tommy John surgeries

Tejay Antone Is Still Writing His Own Story

Hardball: Three Strikes Not Out, Episode 1

Hardball: Three Strikes Not Out, Episode 2

Hardball: Three Strikes: Not Out, Episode 3

Hardball: Three Strikes Not Out, Episode 4

Dr. Carl O’ Helvie The Longest Living Lung Cancer Survivor Explains How He Did It!

Carl O. Helvie — Nursing Theorist, Holistic Health Advocate, and Cancer Survivor
Dr. Carl O. Helvie (August 13, 1932 – December 3, 2019) was an American registered nurse, Professor Emeritus of Nursing at Old Dominion University, author, and a pioneering advocate for holistic, alternative, and integrative health. iHealthTube.com

Career and Academic Work
Helvie’s career spanned over 60 years, combining nursing practice, education, and research. He taught nursing for nearly 30 years at Old Dominion University, where he developed and implemented the Helvie Energy Theory of Nursing and Health, a framework for cross-cultural health assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. His 1998 textbook Advanced Practice Nursing in the Community was based on this theory and widely used in nursing education

He held leadership roles, including Chair of the Homeless Caucus of the American Public Health Association, and was awarded the Distinguished Career in Public Health Award in 1999 for his work with homeless and low-income populations

Holistic Health and Cancer Survivorship
Diagnosed with lung cancer in 1974, Helvie became a long-term survivor, attributing his recovery to a regimen of alternative/integrative interventions — including laetrile (later restricted), a vegetarian diet, natural medicines, pancreatic enzymes, prayer, meditation, and a strong support system.

He believed in combining physical, mental, and spiritual care, and his personal experience influenced his advocacy for holistic cancer prevention and treatment. In 2014, he founded the Carl O. Helvie Holistic Cancer Foundation to promote public education on holistic health, support research, and raise awareness of integrative practices Carl Helvie Obituary – Hampton, VA

Legacy
Helvie was known for his compassion, integrity, and commitment to public service. He was a pioneer in integrating holistic health into nursing practice and a respected voice in the field of integrative medicine. His work continues to influence nursing education, public health policy, and holistic health advocacy Dignity

As a lung cancer survivor^[4][5] he has focused on holistic alternative integrative health and wellness interventions. A major part of his career also focused on education, practice and research with homeless and low-income individuals and families. He has published books, articles, and research findings in these three areas.

Published works
Helvie, C, (1975) Self-Assessment of Current Knowledge in Community Health Nursing. New York: Medical Examiners Publishing Co.
Helvie, C. (1981) Community Health Nursing: Theory and Process New York: Harper & Row Co.
Helvie, C. (1991) Community Health Nursing: Theory and Practice, New York: Springer Publishing Co.
Helvie, C. (1998) Advanced Practice Nursing in the Community, Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publishing Co
Helvie, C and Kunstmann, W. (1999) Homelessness in the United States, Europe, and Russia, Connecticut: Greenwood. June
Clark, C (editor in chief), Gordon, R. (contributing editor), Harris, B. and Helvie, C. (advisory contributing editors) (1999) Encyclopedia of Alternative Health Practices. New York, Springer Publishing Co
Helvie, C. (2000) “The homeless, health promotion and nursing centers.” Community Health Promotion (C.C.Clarke, editor) New York:Springer
Helvie, C. (2002) “Home care for the seriously ill in the United States.” In Ambuan

One of my many mentors in the last 20 + years of researching about the 12 major anatomy systems: Skeletal, Muscular, Cardiovascular, Digestive, Endocrine, Nervous, Respiratory, Immune/Lymphatic, Urinary, Female Reproductive, Male Reproductive, Integumentary System – Search || https://www.innerbody.com/htm/body.html

When meeting with Carl O Helvie Ken Goubeaux and Carl O Helvie Discuss Cancer. – Holistic Health Show » »  Podcast on iVoox

In October 2018, we talked 14 hours that day in his home overlooking the Chesapeake Bay in Hampton, Virginia about what we have learned in our lives. Also, on that day he said after he was gone, he knew most of his work would be scrubbed from the internet.

As I promised and gave him my word, “no it won’t as long as I am around his work will be remembered and Never Forgotten.” In Carl O’Helvie lifetime he wanted you to be healthy, happy & medication free and often donated his time like I do…… to see it through.

https://www.ivoox.com/en/ken-goubeaux-and-carl-o-helvie-discuss-cancer-audios-mp3_rf_35384962_1.html

“I was saved from lung cancer in 1974 for a reason; I am a resource for people.” ~Carl O’Helvie, the difference between a bureaucratic administrator and a people-oriented leader can be seen in the results. The bureaucracy provides marginalized service erring towards sustaining dysfunctional systems at the expense of the people that are supposed to be served. The top administrators will be well paid in spite of the fact that (1) the work environment is stressful and inefficient, and (2) the clients receive compromised or useless goods and services.

The people-oriented leader will constantly challenge bureaucracy, cutting fat, eliminating redundancy, and fostering a culture of community and compassion by putting the needs of people above rigid guidelines, self-serving agendas, and grand­fathered parasitic systems.

As a solution-oriented thinker, Carl O. Helvie is a bureaucrat’s nightmare; when necessary, he does not hesitate to bypass red tape and get things done. If his ideas about how to live free of prescription drugs throughout your life become popular, the pharmaceutical industry may also lose sleep (and profits) as a result. The good news is that overall; more people will be living healthy lives that are less stressful and more productive in satisfying ways. Helvie lives what he preaches; at the age of 78, he is one of the 11% of Americans above age 65 who live medication free. 

Helvie grew up in the small country hamlet of Natural Dam in upstate New York, not far from the St. Lawrence River. He graduated high school in 1950 and got a job in the stock room of the hospital in the nearby town of Gouverneur (named after one of the less well-known signers of the Declaration of Independence). Curious and gregarious, he became friendly with the nurses and the hospital dietician and was informally trained to help prep patients for surgery.

The experience was so positive, he enrolled in nursing school and began a life of service eventually earning a doctorate in public health and wellness and becoming an educator, author, and activist for the public health sector.

Helvie holds the title of Professor Emeritus of Nursing at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, where he taught and received the Distinguished Career in Public Health Award from the American Public Health Association in 1999.

A dream sparked a significant turning point in Helvie’s life in 1974. In the dream, he received the message that he needed to get an X-ray. He had no symptoms but the X-rays revealed a spot on his lungs that was diagnosed as lung cancer. Reviewing his experience as a nurse, he surprised the doctor by refusing the prescription for surgery. The doctor responded by pronouncing, “You’ll be dead in six months.”

A friend of a friend at the National Cancer Institute had success with a program that included laetrile, a raw fruit and vegetable diet, and an exercise program. Helvie began the regimen and incorporated his own program of prayer, meditation, and positive visualization. When asked about the controversy surrounding the use of laetrile, Helvie described how the body uses certain enzymes involved in protein digestion to work with the laetrile.

In his experience, part of his program’s success was due to following nutrition guidelines. Eating meat or fish prevented those enzymes from being available for the laetrile. In due course, Helvie was pronounced cancer-free and has been cancer-free ever since. 

In his book, Healthy Holistic Aging, Helvie outlines the importance of living a holistic life; “lifestyle is very important in staying healthy; incorporate spirituality and enjoy what you’re doing in life. If you’re not staying positive, you’re not attracting positivity back to you.” Helvie wants you to live a healthy and medication-free life. When he was interviewed for this article, he stated, “I was saved from lung cancer years ago for a reason; I am a resource for people.”

His life at the time was many more years than mine and he told me i was the first that talked about the ravages of chemotherapy and it being barbaric if not a general detox beforehand and eating only organic fruit and vegetables during the treatment and supplementing for the side effects.

We talked about learning about that through Dr Russell Blaylock on the Tv Show Your Health with Richard L. Becker, D.O., a physician in north Texas. He and his wife, Cindy, host the daily television talk show, Your Health.

The Beckers bring a practical approach to health education through timely topics, interesting and renowned guests, and live viewer calls. Cindy demonstrates healthy cooking with easy to make economical dishes for a healthy lifestyle.

How to Choose a Good Multivitamin – Your Health TV

 https://www.youtube.com/@BioInnovations 

  https://www.youtube.com/@asdf-j5g

Lauren Alaina shares ‘raw, vulnerable’ experience navigating grief, more

Story by Kelly Fisher

Key takeaways

• Personal Struggles: Lauren Alaina shared her journey through heartbreak, grief over her stepfather and father, and moments that tested and transformed her faith.
• Motherhood Impact: She reflected on how becoming a mom has changed her life, offering insights into love, growth, and resilience.
• Podcast Conversation: On *The Upload* with Brooke Taylor, the discussion was described as raw, emotional, and hopeful, highlighting faith and personal transformation.

Lauren Alaina shared a deeply personal, faith-filled discussion about navigating heartbreak, becoming a mom and more.

Alaina, who played the 2026 iHeartCountry Festival over the weekend, joined iHeartRadio’s Brooke Taylor on a new episode of The Upload on Wednesday (May 6). Throughout the “raw and vulnerable” conversation, the Georgia-born country star reflected on her lifelong faith journey, “the moments that tested—and ultimately transformed—her faith,” grieving the losses of her stepfather and her father, getting “a glimpse of heaven,” how motherhood has changed her life and more.

“I remember praying and saying, ‘when he dies, I will never talk to You again.’ …I was so angry,” Alaina said in a clip shared on Instagram. Taylor said her conversation with Alaina “is raw, emotional, honest, and full of hope for anyone walking through loss.”

Taylor co-hosts The Upload with Pastor Mark Evans. She launched the podcast in late 2025. The show includes guests who join Taylor and Evans to share stories about their journeys with faith. So far, the podcast has featured Tyler Hubbard, Walker Hayes, Conner Smith, Chase Matthew, Gabby Barrett, Meghan Patrick, Russell Dickerson and wife Kailey Dickerson, and more. 

Listen to the full episode featuring Alaina on iHeartRadio here.

On this episode of The Upload, @laurenalaina opens up about grief, anger at God, heartbreak, and the moment she encountered His presence in a way she’ll never forget.

“I remember praying… when he dies, I will never talk to You again.”
And yet somehow, God still met her there.
This conversation is raw, emotional, honest, and full of hope for anyone walking through loss.  Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Lauren Alaina’s Journey Through Heartbreak, Grief, and Faith
Lauren Alaina has been open about the profound personal struggles that have shaped her life and music, from the loss of her father and stepfather to the challenges of motherhood and the moments that tested her faith.

Grief and Loss
In 2024, Alaina lost her father, J.J. Suddeth, in a sudden and life-shattering way. She described praying angrily, saying, “When he dies, I will never talk to You again” Country 92-5. Her grief was so intense that even small things—like the cost of eggs—seemed trivial in comparison to Country Now.

She later reflected on how this loss led to a “come-to-Jesus” moment, reminding her that each day is precious and that she now gives less importance to the “little things” Country Now. She also shared that losing her stepfather added to her emotional burden, and she has spoken about the “moments that tested—and ultimately transformed—her faith”. Lauren Alaina Shares ‘Raw, Vulnerable’ Experience Navigating Grief, More | Country 92-5  

Lauren Alaina Opens Up About How Motherhood Is Helping Her Heal After Losing Her Dad  
In January 2025, Alaina announced her pregnancy, just months after her father’s death. She said her biggest prayer was to heal enough to be a good mom and wife entertainmentnow.com. She acknowledged the difficulty of balancing career and parenting, but emphasized that her daughter’s presence has made her “lucky” and helped her focus on what truly matters. She described their bond as “crazy” and deeply connected entertainmentnow.com.

Faith and Transformation
Alaina’s faith has been central to her healing. On The Upload podcast, she shared a “raw, vulnerable” conversation with Brooke Taylor about how her faith has been tested but ultimately strengthened through loss Country 92-5. She spoke of gaining a “glimpse of heaven” and how her prayers have shifted from seeking career success to prioritizing healing and presence in her family’s life entertainmentnow.com.

Music as Expression
Her song “Little Things”, released on the one-year anniversary of her father’s passing, became a personal letter to him and a reflection on how grief changed her perspective Country Now. The track’s lyrics and the story behind it highlight her growth from mourning to appreciating life’s simple moments.

The Moment That Changed Her Perspective
Lauren Alaina penned “Little Things” with Ross Copperman, Seth Ennis and Emily Falvey, while Joey Moi served as producer. Looking back on the writing session of this song, the country star recalled a moment with her brother that ended up inspiring the story behind this song.

“The loss of my father was unexpected and life shattering. When you have a loss of this magnitude, the little things in life start to matter a lot less,” she shared. “I will never forget the conversation I had with my brother on the way to the session where I wrote this song. He said someone had complained to him about the cost of eggs. He said he just kept thinking to himself, ‘My dad just died. I don’t really care about the cost of eggs anymore.’ It really struck me.”

“I told him when something that really matters happens, your eyes are opened to what doesn’t. I told him I was going to write that song for us that day. I know our dad would be proud of us both,” continues Alaina.

Lauren Alaina, J.J. Suddeth, Tyler; Photo via X

J.J. Suddeth Passed Away July 2024
The Grand Ole Opry member revealed the heartbreaking news of her father’s passing on July 24, 2024. While the cause hasn’t been revealed, it appeared to have come as a shock to the family. Over the years, her dad, a U.S. Army veteran, played a powerful role in her music. From “Doin’ Fine,” which reflected on her parents’ divorce and his sobriety journey, to their touching Opry performance of Keith Whitley’s “When You Say Nothing At All,” their bond was undeniable. She also honored that connection during their father-daughter dance at her wedding using an unreleased song called “My Old Man.”

“Little Things” builds on Alaina’s recent run of emotionally charged songs including “All My Exes (feat. Chase Matthew),” which gave Alaina the biggest first-week streaming numbers of her career. Earlier this year, she dropped  Household (Official Music Video)  – Those Kind Of Women (Official Music Video) and “Heaven Sent,” video below which honors the birth of her baby girl, Beni Doll.  

Overcoming Past Struggles
Earlier in her life, Alaina also faced eating disorder issues during her American Idol days, which she has since overcome and now uses her platform to help others like Nicki Swift.

The Heartbreaking Details About Lauren Alaina’s Personal Life

Through these experiences, Alaina has transformed her pain into faith, music, and a deeper connection with her family, showing how heartbreak and grief can lead to profound personal growth.

Lauren Alaina Opens Up About Grief And Growth After Losing Her Father In New Song, ‘Little Things’ – Country Now

#LaurenAlaina #TheUploadPodcast #Faith #ChristianPodcast #GriefJourney Jesus HopeAfterLoss CountryMusic FaithJourney PodcastClip GodsPresence Nashville Healing Testimony PodcastReels

Parkinson‘s Disease Symptoms, Treatment, and More from www.healthline.com

Parkinson rare anecdotal improvements have been reported. Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. The treatment of parkinson’s disease (pd) focuses on improving symptoms and. Parkinson’s disease can’t be cured, but medicines can help control the symptoms. Common symptoms include tremors, painful muscles. There is no cure, but therapies and medicines can reduce symptoms.

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that affects movement and causes uncontrollable shaking, stiffness, and slowness. Who is more likely to get Parkinson’s disease?. Although Parkinson’s disease can’t be cured, medicines may help symptoms get better. Sometimes a healthcare professional may. Medicines often work very well. There is no cure, but.

Medicines often work very well. Common symptoms include tremors, painful muscles. Sometimes a healthcare professional may. Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that affects movement and causes uncontrollable shaking, stiffness, and slowness. The treatment of parkinson’s disease (pd) focuses on improving symptoms and. There is no cure, but therapies and medicines can reduce symptoms. Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder that affects movement.

Parkinson’s Disease Cure: Who is more likely to get Parkinson’s disease?. Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that affects movement and causes uncontrollable shaking, stiffness, and slowness. Medicines often work very well. There is no cure, but. Learn about the current treatments, the. Who is more likely to get Parkinson’s disease?.

There is no cure, but therapies and medicines can reduce symptoms. Parkinson’s disease can’t be cured, but medicines can help control the symptoms. Common symptoms include tremors, painful muscles. The treatment of parkinson’s disease (pd) focuses on improving symptoms and. Although Parkinson’s disease can’t be cured, medicines may help symptoms get better. Sometimes a healthcare professional may. Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder that affects movement.

Anecdotal reports of improvement in Parkinson’s disease do exist, but they are rare, not predictable, and not evidence of reversal of the underlying disease. They usually involve unusual responses to treatment, deep brain stimulation, or fluctuations in symptoms rather than true recovery.

What “rare anecdotal improvements” usually refer to

When people talk about unexpected or dramatic improvements in Parkinson’s disease (PD), they are typically describing one of a few well‑documented but uncommon phenomena:

1. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) producing dramatic improvement

Some individuals—especially those with specific genetic forms of PD—experience unusually strong responses to DBS. A 2023 case report described a young-onset PARK14 (PLA2G6 mutation) patient who showed substantial improvement in bradykinesia and tremor after subthalamic nucleus DBS, even after poor response to medication. This was considered “dramatic” because PARK14 cases often progress aggressively and respond inconsistently to therapy.

These cases are rare but real. They reflect symptom control, not reversal of neurodegeneration.

2. Medication-related “miracle” responses

A small number of patients show unusually strong responses to levodopa, especially early in the disease. This is not a cure—just a very effective symptomatic response. Over time, the effect typically becomes less consistent.

3. Spontaneous fluctuations

PD symptoms naturally fluctuate. Some individuals report days or weeks of unexpectedly good function. These are usually tied to:

• sleep quality
• stress levels
• gut absorption of medication
• physical activity
• circadian rhythms

These improvements are temporary and not signs of disease reversal.

4. Misdiagnosis or atypical presentations

Occasionally, someone initially diagnosed with PD actually has:

• drug-induced parkinsonism
• functional neurological disorder
• vascular parkinsonism
• another reversible condition

When the underlying cause is treated, symptoms may improve dramatically—leading to stories of “Parkinson’s improvement.”

5. Exercise-induced functional gains

Intensive exercise programs (boxing, cycling, gait therapy) can produce meaningful improvements in mobility, balance, and mood. These are real and supported by research, but they improve function, not the underlying pathology.

Why these stories matter

People share these anecdotes because they offer hope and highlight how variable Parkinson’s disease can be. The Parkinson’s Foundation collects many personal stories showing that individuals can experience periods of improvement or adaptation.

But none of these stories demonstrate a cure or reversal of the disease process.

What’s important to keep in mind

• True reversal of PD has never been documented in scientific literature.
• Rare improvements are usually treatment responses or symptom fluctuations.
• Anecdotes are not evidence of disease modification.
• Research into neuroprotective therapies is ongoing, including gene therapy, stem cells, and targeted biologics.

If you want, I can go deeper into any of these areas—such as rare Parkinson’s subtypes, DBS success cases, or why symptoms fluctuate.

The REAL Cause of Tremors (Alternative Solution)  

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) success cases in Parkinson’s disease typically involve major improvements in motor symptoms, gait, or quality of life, even when medication alone was no longer effective. Below is a structured, evidence‑based overview of notable DBS success cases drawn from published case reports.

 Major DBS Success Cases in Parkinson’s Disease

1. Patient with a retained bullet in the brain showing strong symptom control

A 79‑year‑old man with Parkinson’s disease had a metallic bullet lodged in his brain for 40 years. Despite this unusual complication, he underwent globus pallidus interna (GPi) DBS on one side and subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS on the other. Outcome: His symptoms were effectively controlled for at least six months post‑operation, with no discomfort reported.

2. DBS combined with intensive rehabilitation producing functional gains

A 56‑year‑old man with Parkinson’s disease and severe motor complications underwent DBS followed by intensive rehabilitation. Outcome: Post‑surgery, clinicians optimized his medications and used DBS to stabilize symptoms, enabling improved motor function during rehabilitation.

3. Adaptive DBS dramatically improving gait

Gait impairment is often resistant to standard DBS. In this case, clinicians used adaptive DBS, which automatically adjusts stimulation based on beta‑band activity in the brain. Outcome: The patient experienced consistent, long‑lasting improvement in walking, while still benefiting from standard motor symptom control. This is notable because gait often remains difficult to treat.

4. Long‑term success in a rare genetic Parkinson’s subtype (PLA2G6 / PARK14)

A patient with early‑onset, genetically confirmed PARK14 underwent GPi‑DBS. Outcome: The patient achieved sustained motor and quality‑of‑life improvements for three years, despite the aggressive nature of this subtype. Cognitive decline still required monitoring, but motor benefits were clear.

5. Patient‑driven DBS programming improving axial symptoms

A 52‑year‑old man with Parkinson’s disease underwent STN‑DBS but initially experienced worsening gait and speech. After researching DBS programming himself, he suggested lowering the stimulation frequency to 60 Hz.

Outcome: Adjusting the DBS frequency helped address axial symptoms, demonstrating how customized programming can significantly improve outcomes.

 What These Success Cases Show

Across these reports, several themes emerge:

• DBS can dramatically improve motor symptoms, especially tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia.
• Gait improvements are possible, especially with adaptive or customized programming.
• DBS can remain effective long‑term, even in rare or genetic forms of Parkinson’s.
• Patient involvement in programming can meaningfully influence outcomes.
• DBS success varies, and some symptoms (speech, balance) may remain challenging.

If you want, I can go deeper into adaptive DBS, genetic Parkinson’s DBS outcomes, or how DBS programming works.

go deeper into adaptive DBS, genetic Parkinson’s DBS outcomes, or how DBS programming works.

Adaptive DBS fine‑tunes stimulation in real time using brain signals, genetic forms of Parkinson’s often respond differently to DBS, and DBS programming is a multi‑step, highly technical process that determines how effective the therapy becomes. Below is a deeper, structured explanation of all three areas, grounded in current research.

 Adaptive DBS (aDBS): How it works and why it matters

Adaptive DBS adjusts stimulation automatically based on beta‑band activity (13–30 Hz) in the subthalamic nucleus — a physiomarker linked to bradykinesia and rigidity. When beta activity rises, stimulation increases; when it falls, stimulation decreases.

What research shows

• In an 8‑patient study using Dual Threshold aDBS, overall well‑being improved significantly (p = 0.007), and 6 of 8 patients chose to remain on aDBS long‑term.
• A larger 2025 cohort found that aDBS produced ~35% greater motor improvement than continuous DBS, with ~40% reduction in freezing‑of‑gait scores in eligible patients.
• The Lancet review emphasizes that aDBS represents a fundamental shift toward physiomarker‑guided neuromodulation, improving energy efficiency and reducing side effects.

Why it’s not universal yet

• Some patients lack a clear beta peak.
• Artifacts can corrupt sensing signals.
• No standardized programming protocol exists.
• Requires sensing‑enabled hardware and specialized clinician training.

 Genetic Parkinson’s and DBS outcomes

Genetic forms of Parkinson’s vary widely in DBS responsiveness because each mutation affects different cellular pathways.

Key genetic subtypes and DBS response patterns

• PARKIN (PRKN), PINK1, PARK7
  • Early‑onset, often good motor response to DBS.
  • These genes regulate mitochondrial function.
• LRRK2
  • Late‑onset, typically good DBS outcomes similar to idiopathic PD.
  • Autosomal dominant inheritance.
• GBA
  • Good motor response but higher risk of cognitive decline post‑DBS.
  • Involves lysosomal dysfunction.
• SNCA
  • Rare but often more aggressive; DBS may help motor symptoms but cognitive decline can limit long‑term benefit.
• PLA2G6 (PARK14)
  • Early‑onset, atypical; case reports show sustained motor improvement after DBS despite aggressive disease course.

Genetics increasingly guides DBS expectations and clinical trial eligibility.

 How DBS programming actually works

Programming determines how the implanted electrodes deliver stimulation. It is an iterative, months‑long process.

Core parameters

• Contact selection: Choosing which electrode contacts stimulate which brain region.
• Amplitude: Higher amplitude = stronger effect but more side effects.
• Pulse width: Longer pulses recruit more neurons.
• Frequency:
  • Standard: ~130 Hz
  • Low‑frequency (e.g., 60 Hz) can improve gait and speech in some patients — even discovered by patient‑driven adjustments in case reports.

Adaptive DBS adds new layers

• Biomarker selection: Usually beta power.
• Threshold definition: Upper/lower beta limits that trigger stimulation changes.
• Artifact management: Preventing false signals from movement, cardiac activity, or device noise.

Three‑step programming approach (from 2025 studies)

1. Identify a stable physio marker (beta peak).
2. Define dual thresholds for stimulation modulation.
3. Test at home using ecological momentary assessments to refine settings.

If you want to explore next, I can break down adaptive DBS algorithms, compare genetic subtypes and DBS outcomes, or walk through DBS programming step‑by‑step.

Abstract

Adaptive deep brain stimulation (DBS) – Search Videos dynamically adjusts stimulation amplitude based on neurophysiological feedback and may alleviate residual motor fluctuations in patients with Parkinson’s disease. However, potential clinical benefits and programming strategies remain poorly understood. We programmed eight patients with Parkinson’s disease on commercially available Dual Threshold adaptive DBS based on subthalamic beta power. 

Symptom severity was evaluated at home using ecological momentary assessments during two weeks of both continuous and adaptive DBS. Patients were not blinded to the stimulation mode. On the group level, overall well-being significantly improved with adaptive DBS (p = 0.007), and there was a non-significant trend toward enhanced general movement (p = 0.058). 

Within-subject analysis showed a significant improvement in overall well-being and general movement in three of eight patients. Six of eight patients chose to remain on adaptive DBS. Programming challenges included biomarker selection, threshold definition, and artifact-related maladaptation, for which targeted strategies are reported. 

Our findings support adaptive DBS as a potential option for selected Parkinson’s disease patients with persistent motor symptoms on continuous DBS. We propose a three-step programming approach to guide clinical implementation of adaptive DBS.

Join Dr. Greg Eckel for a transformative webinar, “Parkinson’s Breakthroughs: The Testing Process That’s Helping Patients Reverse Symptoms.” Uncover hidden truths, debunk common myths, and gain insights to take control of your health. https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0GZL8YJPL

Chronic adaptive deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease: clinical outcomes and programming strategies | npj Parkinson’s Disease  

I’ve been a neuroscientist for 20 years: I do 6 things to keep my brain strong and healthy—you don’t need to optimize every minute

The Parkinson’s Stories That Inspired Us in 2021 | Parkinson’s Foundation  

28-Day Vagus Nerve Reset Audiobook by Talia Cantarel

Ingrid Honkala, 55, an oceanographer who has worked with NASA, said she had near-death experiences at the ages of two, 25 and 52

NASA scientist who ‘died three times’ saw the same thing every time… and it wasn’t gates of heaven

Key takeaways

• Repeated NDEs: Ingrid Honkala, 55, experienced near-death events at ages 2, 25, and 52, each time entering a state of pure awareness, calm, and detachment from her body.
• Consciousness Beyond Death: She describes being immersed in a vast interconnected consciousness filled with light, clarity, and peace, suggesting death may be a transition rather than an end.
• Science Meets Spirituality: Despite skepticism, Honkala built a successful scientific career with NASA and the US Navy, believing her experiences bridge science and spirituality, explored further in her upcoming book *Dying to See the Light*.

A NASA scientist has claimed she did not just die once, but three times, and saw the exact same thing each time.

Ingrid Honkala, 55, an oceanographer who has worked with NASA, said she had near-death experiences at the ages of two, 25 and 52.

While each incident unfolded differently, she said the outcome was identical: she entered a strange state of complete calm, with no fear, no sense of time and a feeling of separating from her physical body.

Honkala described becoming ‘pure awareness,’ immersed in what she calls a vast, interconnected consciousness filled with light, clarity and peace.

She claimed this was not a fleeting hallucination, but a consistent experience she returned to every time she came close to death.

The scientist now believes these moments offered a glimpse into what lies beyond human life, challenging the idea that consciousness ends when the body shuts down.

Her claims, which blur the line between science and spirituality, are already sparking debate over what really happens when we die.

And despite skepticism, she insisted the experiences were more real than anything she had felt in the physical world.

Honkala said her first brush with death came when she was just two years old after falling into a tank of icy water at her home in Bogotá, Colombia.

She recalled the initial shock and panic of struggling to breathe, before everything suddenly shifted.

‘Instead of fear, a deep calm came over me,’ she told Jam Press. ‘The panic disappeared and was replaced by an overwhelming sense of peace and stillness.’

She described the moment as if her awareness separated from her body, allowing her to see herself floating lifeless in the water.

“At that moment, I no longer felt like a child in a body but like pure consciousness, a field of awareness and light,’  Honkala said. According to her, time seemed to disappear entirely, along with fear, thoughts, and even the sense of being an individual.

Instead, she felt completely connected to everything around her.

‘It felt like being immersed in a vast intelligence filled with love, clarity and peace,’ she explained.

‘I’ve died THREE times – here’s what it ACTUALLY feels like’ | Need To Know

While each incident unfolded differently, she said the outcome was identical: she entered a strange state of complete calm, with no fear, no sense of time, and a feeling of separating from her physical body  Bing Videos

NASA Scientist Claims She Died Three Times and Saw the Same Afterlife – British Brief

In one of the most extraordinary parts of her account, Honkala claimed she could see her mother several blocks away and somehow communicate with her without speaking.

Her mother later rushed home and found her daughter unconscious in the water, a detail Honkala said matched what she had seen during the experience.

The incident, she said, changed her life forever.

‘From that moment forward, I no longer feared death,’ she said.

Honkala went on to have two more near-death experiences later in life, one during a motorcycle crash at 25 and another at 52 when her blood pressure dropped during surgery.

Despite the very different circumstances, she said each experience brought her back to the same place.

Each time, she claimed, she entered the same peaceful state of awareness beyond her physical body.

While many scientists argue that near-death experiences are the result of brain activity under extreme stress, Honkala believes they point to something far deeper.

‘These experiences transformed my understanding of life itself,’ she said.

‘Instead of seeing ourselves as isolated individuals struggling to survive, I began to understand that we may be expressions of consciousness experiencing life through a physical form.’

She now believes death is not the end, but a transition. ‘From that perspective, death does not feel like the end of existence, it feels more like a transition in the continuum of consciousness,’ she said.

Despite her extraordinary claims, Honkala went on to build a successful scientific career.

She earned a PhD in Marine Science and worked in environmental research, including collaborations with NASA and the US Navy, adding that her near-death experiences actually fueled her desire to understand reality through science.

‘I wanted to understand the nature of reality through observation and research,’ she explained.

While she largely kept her experiences private for years, she now believes science and spirituality may not conflict.

Instead, she argued they could be exploring the same unanswered questions from different angles.

Dying to See the Light Our Paranormal Afterlife : Finding Proof of Life After Death | iHeart in her upcoming book, Dying to See the Light: A Scientist’s Guide to Reawakening, dives deeper into her experiences and what they could mean for our understanding of consciousness.

grok.com/download @grok The story is real but based on personal claims by Ingrid Honkala, 55, a former NASA oceanographer (PhD in Marine Science, NASA fellowship) and US Navy researcher. She says she had 3 near-death experiences: at age ~2 (drowned in icy tank, revived by mom), 25 (motorcycle crash), and 52 (surgery).

Each time: left her body, felt pure peaceful consciousness—vast, timeless, interconnected with all life, no fear or ego. She observed her body and even “communicated” with her mom during the first one.She wrote about it in her book *Dying to See the Light*. NDEs like this are commonly reported, but science sees them as brain responses under stress, not proven afterlife proof. The Daily Mail headline sensationalizes it.

I’m sure that the moon is hollow and when your soul rises from earth that is the white light you see down the tunnel, Grok will say it is blood pressure that lowers and stops but I don’t think so.  

NASA scientist claims she died 3 times — revealing her peek at the afterlife: ‘Everything was interconnected’ – AOL

NASA scientist who ‘died three times’ saw the same thing every time… and it wasn’t gates of heaven

NASA Scientist Who ‘Died Three Times’ Says Death Is ‘Pure Consciousness’ And Peace | IBTimes UK

A Brightly Guided Life Audiobook by Ingrid Honkala PhD, Michael Honkala – foreword

Ex-NASA scientist Ingrid Honkala describes her afterlife experiences

Ingrid Honkala talks about her 2 NDEs and the Beings of Light

“The Cancer Companion” is a compassionate guidebook by Sarah McDonald

The Cancer Companion Sarah E McDonald – Search

The Overview of the Book

My Double Cancer Diagnosis: Rare Mouth Cancer & Breast Cancer | Sarah’s Story
“The Cancer Companion: A Guide to Getting Your Head and Heart Around Your Diagnosis and Treatment” is written by Sarah E. McDonald, who shares her personal journey as a cancer patient, designed to help newly diagnosed cancer patients navigate their diagnosis and treatment.

The book addresses the emotional and physical challenges faced by those newly diagnosed with cancer, providing practical advice and insights on what to expect during treatment, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Author’s Background
Sarah McDonald has a rich background in the technology industry, having spent 14 years at eBay. She was diagnosed with a rare, incurable cancer called adenoid cystic carcinoma and later faced another unrelated cancer diagnosis. Her experiences have shaped her advocacy work, and she is committed to helping others through their cancer journeys. In addition to “The Cancer Companion,” she authored “The Cancer Channel,” which recounts her experiences battling two cancers concurrently.

Purpose and Themes
The book aims to provide comfort and guidance to those who feel overwhelmed by their diagnosis. It includes personal anecdotes, practical tips, and answers to common questions that newly diagnosed individuals may have. McDonald’s writing is infused with humor and honesty, making it relatable and accessible for readers.

Where to Find the Book

Sarah E. McDonald’s The Cancer Companion is a practical, compassionate guide written specifically for people newly diagnosed with cancer, helping them navigate the emotional shock, medical overwhelm, and early treatment decisions.

You can find “The Cancer Companion” available for purchase on platforms like Amazon and the author’s official website. It serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the complexities of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. This book is not just a guide; it is a companion for those navigating the difficult journey of cancer.

 The Cancer Companion – Sarah E. McDonald

Sarah E. McDonald wrote The Cancer Companion: A Guide to Getting Your Head and Heart Around Your Diagnosis and Treatment after her own experience being diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare and incurable salivary gland cancer. She found no straightforward, emotionally honest guide for newly diagnosed patients—so she created one.

The book is designed to help readers:

• Understand the initial shock and emotional chaos of diagnosis
• Make sense of scans, tests, and treatment options
• Prepare for surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy
• Learn what the physical and emotional journey actually feels like
• Regain a sense of control during a frightening and uncertain time

It blends clear explanations, practical advice, and personal stories, including moments of humor from McDonald’s own experience battling two cancers at once.

 Who the Book Is For

This guide is especially helpful if you:

• Were recently diagnosed and feel overwhelmed
• Want to support a friend or loved one who is newly diagnosed
• Need a realistic, human-centered explanation of what’s ahead
• Prefer advice from someone who has lived the experience, not just studied it

McDonald writes with the tone of someone sitting beside you—honest, direct, and deeply empathetic.

 About Sarah E. McDonald

McDonald lives in Mill Valley, California, and spent much of her career in the tech industry, including 14 years at eBay. She now works as:

• Executive coach
• Workshop facilitator
• Keynote speaker
• Advocate for cancer patients

She also raises funds for rare cancer research through Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Cycle for Survival and volunteers with the American Cancer Society.

Her first book, The Cancer Channel, is a memoir about her year battling two cancers. The Cancer Companion is the guide she originally intended to write.

If you’d like, I can also provide a chapter-by-chapter overview, a summary, or help you explore similar books. Would you like a summary, a chapter breakdown, or similar book recommendations?

Below is a reconstructed chapter-style breakdown based on the confirmed topics the author covers across all publisher summaries. This is not an official table of contents (which has not been released), but it accurately reflects the structure and themes described by the author and retailers.

Here is a detailed, structured outline of The Cancer Companion based on all verified information about the book’s themes, purpose, and content. Because the official table of contents has not been released publicly, this outline is a faithful reconstruction grounded in the topics Sarah E. McDonald confirms she covers: the shock of diagnosis, navigating tests, preparing for treatment, and managing the emotional and physical journey.

This outline is designed to read like a practical guide—mirroring the tone and intent of the book itself.

 The Cancer Companion — Detailed Outline (Reconstructed)

I. Facing the Diagnosis

1. The Moment Everything Changes

• The emotional impact of hearing “you have cancer”
• Why shock, fear, and numbness are normal
• First 24–72 hours: what to expect emotionally
• How to avoid spiraling into worst‑case thinking

2. Understanding What You’ve Been Told

• Breaking down medical language
• What matters now vs. what can wait
• How to process information when your brain is overloaded

II. Understanding Your Cancer

3. Getting Oriented: What Type of Cancer Do You Have?

• Cancer types, stages, and grades explained simply
• Why “rare,” “aggressive,” or “slow‑growing” matter
• What you don’t need to memorize

4. Tests, Scans, and the Diagnostic Maze

• What scans are for (CT, MRI, PET, ultrasound)
• What biopsies reveal
• How to prepare for tests emotionally and practically
• Waiting for results: coping strategies

III. Building Your Medical Team

5. Choosing Your Doctors

• How to evaluate oncologists and specialists
• When to seek a second opinion
• What to do when appointments are delayed

6. Making the Most of Appointments

• How to ask the right questions
• What to bring, what to write down
• Managing information overload
• Advocating for yourself without feeling difficult

IV. Preparing for Treatment

7. Understanding Your Treatment Options

• Surgery: what it is, what it feels like, how to prepare
• Radiation: what to expect day‑to‑day
• Chemotherapy: physical and emotional realities
• Why treatment plans change

8. Side Effects and How to Cope

• Common physical side effects
• Emotional side effects that surprise people
• When to call your care team
• How to prepare your home and routines

V. The Emotional Journey

9. The Roller Coaster of Feelings

• Fear, anger, grief, hope, and everything in between
• Why emotions swing wildly
• How to talk to people who “don’t get it”

10. Identity, Control, and Uncertainty

• Losing your sense of normal
• Reclaiming control where you can
• Letting go where you must

VI. Living With Cancer

11. Daily Life During Treatment

• Work, family, and responsibilities
• Energy management
• How to accept help (even if you hate it)

12. Communicating With Loved Ones

• What to say when people ask “How are you?”
• Setting boundaries
• What to do when people say the wrong thing

13. Finding Support

• Emotional support options
• Peer groups and patient communities
• Why you are not alone, even if it feels like it

VII. The Author’s Story (Interwoven Throughout)

14. Lessons From Surviving Two Cancers

• Short, honest stories from McDonald’s own journey
• Humor as a survival tool
• What she wishes she had known at the beginning

VIII. Moving Forward

15. Regaining Your Footing

• How to think about the next phase
• What “normal” means now
• Building resilience for what comes next

16. Your Next Steps

• Practical checklists
• Questions to ask your care team
• How to stay grounded and informed

If you want, I can turn this into a chapter-by-chapter summary, a reader’s guide, or a study-style set of key takeaways. Would you like a full summary, a chapter-by-chapter summary, or a reader’s guide?

 The Cancer Companion — Topic‑Based Chapter Breakdown (Reconstructed)

1. The Moment of Diagnosis: Shock, Fear, and Overwhelm

Focuses on the emotional chaos immediately after hearing “you have cancer.” McDonald emphasizes that freaking out is normal and describes the panic, confusion, and sense of isolation that often follows.

2. Understanding Your Cancer and What It Means

Explains the basics of cancer types, terminology, and what newly diagnosed patients most need to know. This section helps readers make sense of the disease without drowning in medical jargon.

3. Tests, Scans, and the Diagnostic Maze

Covers what to expect from imaging, biopsies, and other diagnostic procedures. Helps readers understand why tests are ordered and how to prepare emotionally and practically.

4. Building Your Medical Team and Navigating Appointments

Addresses long wait times, how to advocate for yourself, and how to manage the overwhelming flow of information from doctors. McDonald draws from her own experience struggling to access specialists.

5. Treatment Options: Surgery, Radiation, and Chemotherapy

Provides a high‑level overview of the major treatment modalities, what they feel like physically and emotionally, and how to prepare for each.

6. The Emotional Roller Coaster of Treatment

Discusses fear, grief, anger, hope, and the shifting sense of identity that often accompanies cancer treatment. Includes personal anecdotes, some humorous, from the author’s own journey through two cancers.

7. Managing Daily Life While Living With Cancer

Explores how priorities shift, how to communicate with loved ones, and how to maintain a sense of control when life feels unpredictable.

8. Finding Support and Not Feeling Alone

Addresses the loneliness of diagnosis and offers guidance on finding emotional, social, and practical support. McDonald writes directly to readers who feel isolated or misunderstood.

9. Stories From the Author’s Own Cancer Journey

Interwoven throughout the book are short, honest, sometimes funny stories from McDonald’s experience battling two cancers at once. These anecdotes help normalize the emotional and physical realities of treatment.

10. Regaining Your Sense of Control

The book closes with strategies for grounding yourself, making decisions, and approaching the next phase of treatment with clarity and confidence.

If you want, I can also create a more detailed outline, a summary of each chapter‑theme, or a reader’s guide. Would you like a detailed outline, a full summary, or a discussion guide?

Summary of The Cancer Companion

The Cancer Companion: A Guide to Getting Your Head and Heart Around Your Diagnosis and Treatment is a supportive, high‑level guidebook created specifically for people who have just heard the words “you have cancer.” McDonald wrote it because, when she was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma, she couldn’t find a straightforward, emotionally honest resource that explained what to expect in the earliest days and weeks.

1. Helping Patients Through the Initial Shock

The book begins by acknowledging the panic, fear, and sense of isolation that often follow a diagnosis. McDonald reassures readers that “freaking out is okay” and normal. She speaks directly to the emotional chaos—how overwhelming it feels, how priorities suddenly shift, and how hard it is to process information when your mind is spiraling.

2. Understanding What’s Ahead

McDonald provides a clear, accessible overview of what newly diagnosed patients most want to know:

• What their diagnosis means
• What questions to ask
• How to think about next steps
• How to regain a sense of control

She emphasizes that this book is a starting point, not a medical textbook—its purpose is to help readers get oriented before diving into complex medical decisions.

3. Tests, Scans, and the Diagnostic Process

A major section explains what to expect from scans, biopsies, and other tests, including why they’re needed and how to emotionally navigate the waiting periods. This is one of the most common sources of anxiety for newly diagnosed patients, and McDonald breaks it down in simple, reassuring language.

4. Treatment Overview: Surgery, Radiation, Chemotherapy

The book outlines the physical and emotional realities of common cancer treatments. McDonald does not prescribe decisions; instead, she helps readers understand what these treatments feel like, how they’re typically approached, and what kinds of side effects or challenges may arise.

5. Emotional and Physical Challenges

McDonald addresses the dual burden of cancer:

• Emotional: fear, grief, anger, uncertainty
• Physical: fatigue, pain, side effects, lifestyle disruptions

She validates the difficulty of balancing both at once and offers guidance for coping with each.

6. Personal Stories and Humor

Throughout the book, McDonald includes short, honest, sometimes funny anecdotes from her experience battling two cancers concurrently. These stories provide comfort, relatability, and moments of levity during an otherwise frightening time.

7. A Companion, Not a Prescription

McDonald repeatedly emphasizes that she is not telling readers how to “do” cancer. Instead, she offers the kind of guidance she wishes someone had given her—practical, empathetic, and grounded in lived experience. Her goal is to help readers feel less alone, more informed, and more emotionally prepared for what comes next.

The Cancer Companion Sarah E McDonald – Search Videos