Lori Brooks, founder and president of the Haven's Healing Hands Foundation, came back on the show to share some updates on the foundation's progress. Since August of 2014, the 501c3 non-profit organization has strived to spread awareness and education about the natural alternatives available to help fight pediatric cancer, support families and newly diagnosed children - all in honor of Lori's son Haven Henry Brooks who became an angel on June 23, 2014. With the help of The Petteruti Center in Warwick, RI, they have been able to fund Intravenous Vitamin C treatments for two children.
One of those children is Thomas Harrington who, along with his mother Elisabeth, joined Lori and I to discuss the incredible effects of this treatment. I was quite literally blown away by getting to meet Thomas after hearing everything he has been through. He has such an amazing spirit. Thomas has a maturity perfectly mixed with his innocence and a dash of witty sarcasm that most people try so hard to emulate.
Elisabeth shared with me a very poignant summary of Thomas' story from diagnosis to how he is doing today:
"He was diagnosed with metastatic Ewing Sarcoma in July 2013 at age 10. He went through chemo, radiation, and surgery to remove his entire 3rd right rib. Then we did additional "maintenance chemo". He finished all conventional treatment in December 2014. They've declared him of having "No Evidence of Disease" in the summer of 2014, but the docs said that because of his initial presentation, his chance of relapse was 80%. Because of that, we consulted with additional doctors at hospitals as far as away as North Carolina, and although he was prescribed additional chemos to throw at the cancer, we wanted something to build his body back up and help stimulate his own immune system to fight any lingering cancer cells. That's where the IV vitamin C came in. It was a mom I knew from Hasbro who had just lost her 5 year old daughter to Ewing Sarcoma that told me about Dr. Petterutti and IV Vitamin C. We started it in Feb of 2015. I've never stopped researching since the day he was diagnosed, and although no one has yet unlocked the key to curing metastatic Ewing Sarcoma, I will know the second that they do because of all the list serves, Facebook groups, etc. that I'm a part of. We are so blessed to have so many amazing people along this journey. Lori is an incredible person to be doing what she is doing in Haven's name, and we are so grateful to be beneficiaries. We want to do whatever we can to spread the message of HHH. I am not one to throw out conventional medicine completely, but I truly believe that we need a revolution in cancer treatment and we need naturopathic, wholistic medicine to complement conventional medicine. I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but I do believe that we're missing some big pieces of the puzzle when it comes to treating children and adults with cancer."
Here, you will see the heartbreaking image of Thomas in July of 2014, totally depleted from treatment. The other picture is of Thomas now - thriving, rosy-cheeked and smiling! He is currently preparing to perform in Les Miserables, Jr. with The Studio Theatre Company in just a few weeks.
I'm not sure of much in this world, but I can say without a doubt that Haven is smiling down with pride as he watches Thomas soar through his life, spreading joy with everyone around him, all thanks to the beautiful legacy that his mother Lori and all of the family and friends created with Haven's Healing Hands.
To support and learn more about Haven's Healing Hands, you can visit their website and Facebook page to stay updated on all of the events they have planned. On July 17th, they are holding their 2nd Annual Memorial Golf Tournament at Swansea Country Club - $125 per player/4 person scramble. It will be a 1pm shot gun. Price includes 18 holes, carts, contests, lunch and dinner. Join us just for dinner tickets $30 and raffle prizes. Please contact Lori Brooks 508-951-1509 for your registration form and/or if you'd like to donate raffle prizes.
As for The Petteruti Center, I urge you to learn more about their amazing work. Thanks to Lori, I spotted the "Headache Stopper" treatment and after just three weeks I haven't had a single migraine. A stretch this long hasn't happened for me in 3 years. As a mother of 3 children under 5, funeral director and radio show host it's been a blessing for me. I also feel more centered, focused and infused with energy. The center's Drip Bar can help with anything from Cancer, Lyme's Disease and Fibromyalgia to fighting a cold/flu, beating a hangover, weight loss and more - all delivering essential nutrients right at the cellular level for maximum absorption.
The Silva Lining is thankful for our wonderful sponsor, St. Anthony of Padua Credit Union. We are proud to be sponsored by such an incredible bank, that in an age of conglomerate banks treating people like numbers, maintains a relationship with its members based on trust, friendly service and loyalty. With competitive rates for savings accounts and various loans, St. Anthony of Padua can handle all of your financial needs. Convenient online banking and more information at www.stanthonyofpaduafcu.com