David Sanders was a young, active guy from Atlanta, a biology major turned nonprofit professional turned MBA, when years of mysterious, unexplained symptoms finally led to a diagnosis in 2018: Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, a rare disease most commonly seen in infants. For David, it had already progressed through multiple systems in his body. The diagnosis, as scary as it was, was almost a relief, because at least now he knew what he was fighting.
After six months of chemotherapy that wasn't working well, David hit a pivot point. He reached out for help spiritually, emotionally, and holistically. That's when he connected with Healing Strong founder Susie, began working with a holistic doctor, started HBOT therapy, overhauled his nutrition, and leaned into detox protocols to help his body survive the chemo itself. Within months, his scans cleared. By early 2020, just before COVID, he had finished his last round of chemo.
Now living in Greenville, SC, David serves as the youngest board member of Healing Strong, bringing his nonprofit management background and his own cancer journey to help the organization reach more people with hope and practical support. In this conversation, he and Jim talk about what it means to fight something you can't name, why hope isn't just emotional but tactical, and why young voices in the cancer community matter more than ever.
HealingStrong's mission is to educate, equip and empower our group leaders and group participants through their journey with cancer or other chronic illnesses, and know there is HOPE. We bring this hope through educational materials, webinars, guest speakers, conferences, community small group support and more.
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