Goodbye Autoimmune Disease

By Renée Maichiniak

As volunteer chaplain with our local hospital’s One-to-One Ovarian Cancer Support Group, I rejoice when any of our Teal Sisters overcome difficulties related to their ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment. Through all the ups and downs, we are there for each other sharing our individual journeys and helpful information about such things as medication side effects, family concerns, physician referrals, etc. Although I, myself, do not have cancer, I am able to offer empathy, compassion, encouragement, and supportive presence as I have lived with the chronic, life altering diagnosis of Lupus for almost a decade and have struggled mightily to keep going while living and working with nerve pain, fatigue, arthritis, and fear of the future. 

During the spring 2022 clergy Peer Supervision session, I was confiding with my colleague in ministry, Rev. Junchol Lee, that, at the age of 56, I was feeling a decline in my health. I felt worried and sad because my Lupus was progressing, i.e. I felt weaker and blood-test results were discouraging. I wondered if I should retire early from ministry. He suggested that I read the books, “Goodbye Autoimmune Disease” and “Goodbye Lupus,” written by a physician who, herself, suffered with Lupus as a girl and defied all the predictions that she wouldn’t make it to adulthood. When Dr. Brooke Goldner was age sixteen, she promised God that, if she survived Systemic Lupus Nephritis with stage IV kidney disease, she would become a physician and research solutions for healing the body at the deepest levels.

I read the books and spent some time prayerfully assimilating all the information. Basically, Dr. Goldner’s protocol uses inexpensive grocery store foods without any drugs or supplements. While informing and working with my primary physician, I embarked upon a completely new way of living. I bought a high-powered Vita-Mix blender, and every morning filled it half full of cruciferous greens and chia seeds or flax seeds, water and fruit to add natural sweetness. I began by following a strict six-week Hyper-nourishing Rapid Recovery Program and within three months, my test results started to show! My liver enzymes, thyroid numbers (I have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis), cortisol and cholesterol numbers were declining. Once the six-week recovery period was accomplished, I relaxed a bit, incorporated other healthy foods and continued to eat according to the overall life plan she advocates. 

To reverse such autoimmune diseases as Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Hashimoto’s, Sjogren’s, chronic pain, Scleroderma, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease and countless more conditions, Dr. Goldner advocates a six-step protocol: 

1) Eliminate Animal Products; 

2) Eliminate Added Oils; 

3) Eliminate Processed Foods; 

4) Hyper-Nourish Yourself with Raw Plant Foods; 

5) Consume Omega-3s Every Day; 

6) Water, Water, Water!

Of course, with each point of the protocol, there is much to understand, and it is very important to read the book(s) to gain the knowledge and understanding of the science and testimonials behind it all. At six months, all my blood test results and scans showed no evidence of disease. My high lupus markers were all gone, cysts on liver and kidney disappeared and my thyroid is getting healthier! Even my dentist noticed that the bone in my mouth is no longer receding! She asked, “Renee, what are you doing? Your mouth and teeth look great!” Personally, my favorite smoothie, and there are many in her booklet “Green Smoothie Recipes to Kick-Start Your Health & Healing,” includes half a blender of fresh kale, ¼ cup chia or flax seeds, avocado, a frozen banana, frozen wild blueberries, a handful of frozen raw cranberries, a sweet dark red apple and fresh ginger! I enjoy these raw vegan smoothies twice a day and eat vegetarian basically. Because I am now at a point of good health, I enjoy salmon once or twice a week.

God has directed my path and I am well. Throughout my life, God has presented special people who have altered the course of my destiny. In this case, Rev. Junchol Lee who suggested these books, Dr. Brooke Goldner, M.D., who shared her wisdom and her own path to wellness, as well as each and every woman in the One-to-One Support Group who has bravely shared their experiences, their courage, and their wisdom on how to persevere and rise above the obstacles that come with the diagnosis of cancer. God will provide a way through. To access free information, upcoming events with Dr. Goldner or to learn more about personal consultations, go to: http://GoodbyeAutoimmuneDisease.com. In the words and spirit of Dr. Goldner: I wish you amazing health and joy! 

Read the full issue of the June 2023 Messenger