Our Story
Amanda (Pretorius) McLaughlin
Amanda’s first husband, Michael, received a recurring cancer diagnosis after going through traditional treatment five years prior. When the doctors found a tumor between his spine and lungs after his five year check-up, the two turned to integrative medicine for a solution. At 26 years old, a terminal diagnosis was not in their plans. By taking a natural approach, Michael’s overall health improved, but the cancer continued to spread.
Over the next three years, they prioritized Michael’s healing. He had six surgeries, met with doctors around the United States, endured several rounds of radiation, and made multiple trips out of the country for new treatments. After a courageous and transformative battle with cancer, Michael passed at the age of 29, leaving Amanda a young widow with a home full of supplements, bandages, and supplies they had gathered through his fight.
Amanda met Marcy through Michael’s healing journey and the two decided that companions of cancer patients could use more support than what is being offered. With firsthand experience navigating challenges through the healthcare system, emotional rollercoasters, and grief, Amanda has chosen to share her story and serve as a companion to those who find themselves in the support role.
Marcy Jimenez
Marcy’s life forever changed when her six year old daughter was diagnosed with cancer. Desperate for survival against the odds, she traveled two-thousand miles away from her home town in Illinois to a holistic clinic in Mexico.
Today, 24 years later, her daughter is cancer free with a family of her own.
“When we took the leap of faith all those years ago, I couldn’t have imagined one day marrying the man who helped save my daughter’s life. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of serving others, from around the world, in their healing alongside him. I feel blessed to have a first-hand understanding of what our patients are walking through, so that I can bring authentic love, support, and healing to so many others who are facing cancer.”
Marcy has devoted the past 24 years to patients who come through Hope4Cancer Treatment Centers, inspired to help others find the healing her daughter received. She knows what it’s like to be a guardian and companion to a loved one facing a diagnosis. Her experience inspires her to champion and nurture the support person, too, as patients come to heal.