Today we’d like to introduce you to Donna Pinto.
Donna, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In 2010, I was 44 — a healthy, happy, fit mom of two young children with no signs or symptoms of anything wrong. I was completely blindsided and shocked when I was given a diagnosis of Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS), also known as “stage zero” breast cancer.
I could not believe the alarming “cancer” treatments I was told were the standard protocol for treating women with a non-invasive, non-life threatening condition. My intuition told me something was not right.
Thankfully, I began researching and soon felt reassured by a handful of outspoken breast cancer experts, studies, resources and support for a less rushed and less aggressive approach to DCIS. Sadly these voices of great wisdom were not being heard. The information was often overshadowed by mainstream media hype and a culture of fear around breast cancer, despite conclusive evidence of massive over-diagnosis and over-treatment.
I found myself continually in disbelief, not only at how inconclusive all the imaging, biopsies and surgeries were — but at how casually all these aggressive and potentially harmful treatments were being given to thousands and thousands of women every year without them knowing there was actually no survival benefit whatsoever.
The more I researched, the more I questioned. How could so many women not be aware or informed about this very serious problem of overdiagnosis and over-treatment stemming from mammograms?
I felt I had to do something to help inform women and make sure they did not rush into irreversible, life-changing and possibly unnecessary “cancer” treatments. I had no clue how to make a website but I was highly motivated to learn.
DCIS 411 was launched in less than a month. My goal was to share my story along with countless hours of research to inform women worldwide and provide resources for a “less is more” approach if diagnosed with DCIS. I also wanted this website to be a space for emotional support and connection that I felt was missing in online support groups and forums. Since December 2011, DCIS 411 has steadily and organically grown. It is evidence that one person’s story and passion can truly make a positive difference for hundreds of thousands of lives all around the world.
Though my experience with DCIS was challenging, I also went through an incredible life transformation. I was blessed to come to a new understanding of cancer (and all illness) and how the body heals and thrives. I went from being frightened, confused and anxious to feeling calm, empowered and inspired. I became an avid researcher, blogger, Certified Nutritionist, and advocate for informed decision-making and pro-active wellness practices.
In 2013, I co-created a second website — DCIS Redefined — with another passionate patient advocate.
In 2016, I founded a nonprofit — Give Wellness — with the mission to inspire a holistic (mind-body-spirit) approach to wellness — and to ensure everyone has access to educational events & activities, especially those in need or facing a life or health challenges such as cancer.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Shock + Scary Statistics + What ifs + Treatment Controversies + Confusion + Uncertainty + FEAR
All of this initially took a huge emotional toll on my life and well-being. I understand how hard a cancer diagnosis can be — even if it is “stage zero” and not life-threatening. The mind is very powerful and if you are not careful or if you don’t have support, it can be very lonely and difficult to navigate.
I was extremely blessed to have a supportive husband as well as a dear friend who appeared like an angel to help me find my way out of the dark and into the light.
I also took the time to understand and analyze my particular DCIS diagnosis; I sought out expert 2nd, 3rd, and 4th opinions; I found support from other women with similar feelings about treatment risks for DCIS, and I became empowered with information. The more facts I gathered, the more my worries diminished.
Overcoming the FEAR of cancer-initiating, progressing or recurring is truly the greatest hurdle following a diagnosis of DCIS. I know what struggles women and their families go through when given this diagnosis and I hope by sharing my story, insights, and resources, I may offer comfort, support and the same guiding light that I was given.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Give Wellness; DCIS 411 – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Give Wellness is a unique nonprofit project I created as my way to “pay-it-forward” in a simple and tangible way.
In addition to providing Donna’s “Recipes for Wellness” for free on the website, we give wellness in three ways:
1. We educate, advocate & inspire… through films, videos, blogs, social media, and presentations.
“Beyond Breast Cancer Awareness” was an inspiring and educational event sponsored by many local businesses including Hera Hub, Beaming, Pink Image, Jimbos Naturally, SonoCine Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound
In 2017, Give Wellness partnered with Veg-Appeal, PlantDiego, Union Co-work, Kombucha Culture, Jimbos, and many other health-minded organizations throughout San Diego in hosting a Film Screening of “WHAT THE HEALTH.”
2. We grant wellness wishes… for people in need. Dana, a single mom, received a scholarship for a “plant-based” cooking program. Sandie, a stage four breast cancer patient, received a scholarship for massages and healing sessions with a holistic practitioner.
Everyone is invited to apply for a scholarship simply by telling us their “wellness wish” and how it will make a difference in their life or in the life of someone you care about.
“Wellness wish list” ideas: blender, organic food/products, gym membership, yoga mat/classes, healthy cooking classes, spa treatments, acupuncture, hands-on help, cash for medical/healing costs.
3. We facilitate “Healthy Happy Hours”…for under-served groups such as low-income housing apartments, youth programs, senior centers and other community organizations.
Many wellness products and services are not covered by insurance and the people most in need often do not have access. Give Wellness believes in partnering with local business and community nonprofit organizations. TOGETHER WE CREATE A WORLD OF HEALTH AND HAPPINESS FOR ALL.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
The mission of Give Wellness is to inspire a holistic (mind-body-spirit) approach to wellness — and to ensure everyone has access to educational events & activities, especially those in need.
My DCIS story and wellness journey have recently been featured in major mainstream media such as Inside Edition, KBPS/NPR, ABC News, The Daily Beast, Woman’s Health, and more. I plan on continuing to raise awareness and publicly advocate for women to be informed about benefits and harms of early detection and potential over-diagnosis and over-treatment of breast cancer.
I hope to cultivate partnerships with health-minded businesses, nonprofits, and individuals who wish to work together to be the change our health-care system needs. Give Wellness seeks grants, sponsors and community partners in order to ignite a movement for holistic lifestyle strategies to be covered by insurance as part of a comprehensive “prevention” plan of cancer and other chronic life-threatening illness.
Pricing:
- Sponsor a “Healthy Happy Hour” for youth, low-income group, etc: $150 – $250
- Sponsor a “Wellness Wish” for an individual in need: $100- $500
- Sponsor “Beyond Breast Cancer Awareness”: $25 – $5,000
Contact Info:
- Website: www.givewellness.life
- Phone: 858-531-8631
- Email: dp4peace@yahoo.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/givewellness.life/
- Twitter: @dcis411
Image Credit:
Donna Pinto; Glenn Pinto
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
