Faith, Hope, and Healing: Ben Abell’s Journey from Stage 4 Cancer to Thriving Health
When Ben Abell was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer, his world was turned upside down. As a pastor, father, and grandfather, he had always lived a life grounded in faith and intentionality. His diagnosis, with a daunting Gleason score of 9, was a shock, but Ben’s journey to healing became a testament to resilience, prayer, and the power of integrative medicine.
A Life Redirected
Before cancer, Ben dedicated his mornings to prayer, scripture, and reflection. This foundation of faith became his anchor when he received his diagnosis. “We prayed a lot,” Ben recalls, “but we didn’t panic.” His approach was guided by Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything… And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Exploring Integrative Care
Ben’s journey led him to Believe Big, a nonprofit organization supporting patients with integrative and complementary treatments. Through Believe Big, he learned about mistletoe therapy—a natural cancer treatment widely used in Europe. Under the care of an integrative practitioner, Ben combined this therapy with conventional treatments like radiation, tailoring a plan unique to his needs.
“Mistletoe therapy was instrumental,” Ben shares. “It stabilized my cancer and helped me through radiation. The blend of conventional and complementary medicine made all the difference.”
The Role of Faith and Community
For Ben, faith wasn’t just a comfort—it was a strategy. He surrounded himself with a community of prayer warriors, including his wife Laura and their church. “Having people walk with me gave me hope,” he says. Together, they navigated the complexities of treatment, armed with research, prayer, and unwavering support.
Lessons from the Journey
Ben’s story is a powerful reminder that healing is multifaceted. He highlights four pillars for overcoming cancer:
- Prayer and Community: Lean into faith and surround yourself with supportive people.
- Education: Learn about all available treatments—both conventional and complementary.
- Integrative Expertise: Work with specialists who understand the whole picture of healing.
- Nutrition: Focus on a diet that supports your body’s ability to heal.
Today, Ben is cancer-free and thriving. His story encourages us to seek holistic approaches, blending modern medicine with timeless faith.
Suggested Resource Links:
- Radical Hope by Dr. Kelly Turner and Tracy White
- The Metabolic Approach to Cancer by Dr. Nasha Winters and Jess Higgins Kelley
- Prayer Requests at Believe Big (888) 317-5850
- Email Believe Big at Info@believebig.org
- Food for Thought webinars
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