Believe… 
in Facing Your Challenges
James Martinez
In 2009, I was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer at 30, a new father, and I was a non-smoker. I was in disbelief.
I nearly ignored the signs, but a trusted physician colleague urged me to go to the ER. That decision, along with an ER doctor who looked deeper, saved my life. The nodule was found early, and I underwent a lobectomy before the cancer could spread.
The days that followed were humbling. Life slowed down, but with the support of my family, friends, and an incredible community of doctors, nurses, and public health mentors, I was back at work within three months while completing my doctorate at Columbia University.
Along the way, I learned the healing power of nutrition and naturopathic regimes from colleagues who survived terminal illnesses like HIV. These approaches once felt out of reach, but are now part of how I live.
I now advocate for integrative care that supports both medical treatment and holistic health.
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