WHO WE ARE
The HealingStrong Mission & Vision
Our mission is to connect, support, and educate individuals in community who are facing cancer and other diseases by focusing on strategies that help to rebuild the body, renew the soul and refresh the spirit through God’s Word.
Our Vision
Meet Our Founder
Suzy's Journey: Overcoming Cancer with Strength and Resilience
HealingStrong began with a difficult question: Why is it so hard to find this life-giving information after a cancer diagnosis? For founder Suzy Griswold, this was deeply personal. After her own diagnosis and losing 10 family members, she found little guidance on lifestyle changes, natural healing strategies, or the power of faith to heal emotional wounds. Out of the struggle, HealingStrong was born.
Join Our Mission
Because HealingStrong groups are offered at no cost, donations directly fund free access to community, education, and encouragement for those in need. Your generosity makes healing possible—partner with us today to bring hope and strength to more communities.
Get to Know the Amazing Faces Behind HealingStrong
OUR TEAM
Meet the passionate individuals behind HealingStrong.
Kay Blackburn
Chairperson, Board of Directors
Kay has walked a powerful journey of faith, resilience, and hope, diagnosed with stage 3 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2016, she endured a year of harsh conventional treatment and exhausted all standard of care treatment, and a clinical trial with only partial success. After seeking alternative ways to heal her body through nutrition, integrative therapies, and lifestyle changes, by God’s grace Kay was able to put cancer into remission. Kay became a dedicated advocate and encourager in the HealingStrong community in 2020 as a group leader and developed a deep compassion for others dealing with their own diagnoses. Kay joined our board of directors in early 2025 and now serves as our Board Chairperson. Professionally, Kay has over 25 years of experience in sales and marketing and has her own consulting business in Tucson, AZ.
Christine Holcomb, M.FIN
Board of Directors, Treasurer
Diagnosed in 2011 with breast cancer, Christine decided against chemotherapy and instead chose to support her immune system with raw foods, supplementation, and detoxification. In 2013, she attended the first HealingStrong Conference and realized then the importance of continuing face to face support. This led her to start the first group in Gainesville, GA. Christine is mom to 2 beautiful daughters and grandma to 3 amazing children.
Mary Ryder
Board of Directors, Secretary
Mary was introduced to Suzy and HealingStrong in 2014 as her husband Nigel was fighting colon cancer. Mary and Nigel recognized the benefit of going beyond conventional treatment to include Spiritual and Emotional healing, dietary changes and realizing that Hope is a huge strategy when battling chronic diseases. Mary joined the HealingStrong Family as a leader in Houston in 2016 and is a Regional mentor. The Houston group is the longest running HealingStrong group. Mary is now retired, loves to travel and her focus is on ensuring that each person going through a cancer journey has a Village of support, Hope, Faith, & Love.
Julie
Julie DeKam lives in Phoenix, AZ, and was diagnosed with stage 3 ER/PR + breast cancer in 2015. After surgery and chemotherapy, she stepped away from radiation and hormone therapy and focused on faith, nutrition, and lifestyle change.In 2016, Julie discovered Chris Wark and Chris Beat Cancer and adopted a whole food, plant-based diet through the Square One program. She joined the Chris Beat Cancer team in 2017 and continues to serve by producing and editing interviews, supporting educational content, researching cancer and health-related topics, assisting with digital content development, and answering health questions for the Chris Beat Cancer and Square One communities.Julie brings both lived experience and practical service to her role and is aligned closely with the mission of HealingStrong to support and equip individuals through faith-based, community-centered healing.
Suzy Griswold, MPH
Board of Directors, Founder and Executive Director
With over 36 years of experience in education and public health, Suzy leads the HealingStrong’s community in its mission to empower individuals through peer-to-peer support in HealingStrong Groups. With her own personal cancer journey using holistic approaches to heal, coupled with her family losses, she is passionate about HealingStrong’s mission and started HealingStrong in her living room more than a decade ago. She firmly believes that healing starts and ends at home and occurs through the day-to-day choices we make. She can’t underscore enough that health is a “one step at a time” experience.
Jeff Griswold
Board of Directors
Jeff Griswold is married to Suzy and has served HealingStrong since day 1. You will often find him behind the scenes preparing videos or directing the conferences. He works full-time in television ministry and creates and shares stories that bring glory to God. Married for 35+ years, he loves all things soccer and being Dad to their two adult sons, daughter in law, and precious grandchild. Jeff’s passion is getting the stories of hope into the hands of those who need it most.
Dan Sartor, Ph.D., M.B.A., LPC, NCC, ACS
Board of Directors
Dan Sartor is a new member of our board of directors and is the Clinical Director of the Wings Center at Eagle Ranch, Inc. He is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (GA) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (GA). He holds national board certification as a counselor (NBCC) and as a clinical supervisor (ACS). Dan has garnered over 25 years of experience in mental health care as a generalist in clinical psychology, addressing issues of depression, anxiety, grief, and relational difficulties. Dan’s clinical specialties include trauma and complex trauma recovery, sexuality issues, addiction recovery, marital therapy, and the integration of Christian faith with clinical practice. His mission is to facilitate personal renewal, relational restoration, and spiritual vitality in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
David Sanders, MBA
Board of Directors
David is a Senior Strategy Consultant with Accenture in Chicago and lives in Greenville, SC. In 2018 he was diagnosed with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis after years of unexplained, worsening symptoms. Ten months of traditional chemotherapy delivered little progress, so he broadened his approach to include nutrition, faith, and emotional healing. That pivot introduced him to Healing Strong’s resources and community, which guided many of the lifestyle changes that ultimately helped restore his health and allowed him to complete 18 months of chemo and move forward cancer‑free. Today cancer no longer dominates his life, but the transformation God sparked in that season left him with a deep reserve of empathy and resolve. David holds an MBA from Emory University and a Masters in Nonprofit Management.
Lisa Stuckey, JD
Board of Directors
Lisa is an attorney with Georgia Property Tax Counsel, LLC. She has been involved in HealingStrong since 2016 and was an integral part of the Around the Word in 80 days podcast. She continues to serve diligently in HealingStrong ministries through product and content development and prayer support.
Cortney Campbell
Board Emeritus, Founding Team
A former school teacher, her life took a drastic turn when at 26, she was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma. Facing severe side-effects that included infertility from treatment, Cortney and her husband Kevin went on a quest to find non-toxic therapies. Now almost 8 years later, she and Kevin have 3 beautiful daughters, and Cortney has devoted her spare time to educating others and sharing her story on her blog anticancermom.com
Kevin Campbell
Board Emeritus, Founding Team
Studio artist turned filmmaker and business owner, Kevin was thrust into the world of cancer treatment when his wife Cortney was diagnosed just 3 months into their marriage in 2008. Prompted by an unshakable impression to pursue other options, Kevin led their prayerful decision to pursue non-toxic holistic cancer therapies. Today, with Cortney in full health, he welcomes the opportunity to share their journey and experience to help encourage others.
Billy Echols
Board Emeritus
Billy developed a passion for natural remedies in treating cancer after he lost his youngest daughter to cancer, following conventional treatment of less than a year. His search for more information and ways to help others suffering with cancer lead him to be part of the founding team of HealingStrong. Billy’s greatest joy is when people realize cancer does not have to be a death sentence and conventional treatments are not the only option.
Chris Wark
Board Advisor
Chris is the Wall Street Journal best-selling author of Chris Beat Cancer and a speaker, patient advocate, and wellness crusader. He was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2003 at 26 years old. He had surgery, but instead of chemotherapy, he used nutrition and natural therapies to heal himself. Chris was featured in the award-winning documentary film The C Word and inspires countless people to take control of their health and reverse disease with a radical transformation of diet and lifestyle.
Nate Sheets
Board Advisor
From a backyard hive to America’s #1 branded honey, Nathan Sheets has built his life on a mission for a cleaner, healthier food supply. As founder of Nature Nate’s Honey, he proved that principled stewardship and high standards can deliver food that is both pure and profitable. Nathan is ready to continue that mission serving Texans by running for public office, and standing with farmers and ranchers, advocating for better food quality, and ensuring families can trust what’s on their table. Nathan’s servant leadership extends far beyond business. He has served as a missionary with E3 Partners, championed the Evangecube and the I Am Second Campaign, and continues to live out his faith through community and public service. A U.S. Navy Reserve veteran, Nate is husband to Patty for 29 years, and father of four.
Cherie Calbom, MS, CN
Cherie Calbom, M.S. is a leading authority on juicing for health and detoxification. Known as The Juice Lady and America’s Most Trusted Nutritionist, TV chef and celebrity nutritionist, she has helped in pioneering the fresh juice movement around the world. Cherie is the author of 35 books including her bestseller Juicing For Life with over 3.5 million books sold. She holds a Master of Science degree in whole foods nutrition from Bastyr University where she sat on the Board of Regents for five years. Cherie has received two Lifetime Achievement Awards and was also awarded Juicing Expert of the Year 2019 by Global Health & Pharma Magazine. She was George Foreman’s nutritionist and the other spokesperson for the George Foreman Grills. Cherie has lectured worldwide on juicing, detoxing and fasting including consulting for the Royal Family of the UAE. She and her husband offer juice and raw foods retreats throughout the year.
Dr. Rhett Bergeron, MD
Medical Advisor
Dr. Bergeron, MD, specializes in integrative functional medicine and has been practicing since 1995. Dr. Bergeron’s passion for complementary and integrative medicine started during medical school, and his expertise includes Orthomolecular, Bio-Energetic, Environmental, Metabolic, Biological, and Functional Medicine methods.In his clinical practice at Real Health Medical Center in Atlanta, GA, Dr. Bergeron focuses on metabolic and immune therapy for comprehensive cancer protocols. He also collaborates on clinical research for neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and Parkinson’s, and practices Regenerative-Restorative Medicine for longevity.
Kay Blackburn
Chairperson, Board of Directors
Kay has walked a powerful journey of faith, resilience, and hope, diagnosed with stage 3 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2016, she endured a year of harsh conventional treatment and exhausted all standard of care treatment, and a clinical trial with only partial success. After seeking alternative ways to heal her body through nutrition, integrative therapies, and lifestyle changes, by God’s grace Kay was able to put cancer into remission. Kay became a dedicated advocate and encourager in the HealingStrong community in 2020 as a group leader and developed a deep compassion for others dealing with their own diagnoses. Kay joined our board of directors in early 2025 and now serves as our Board Chairperson. Professionally, Kay has over 25 years of experience in sales and marketing and has her own consulting business in Tucson, AZ.
Christine Holcomb, M.FIN
Board of Directors, Treasurer
Diagnosed in 2011 with breast cancer, Christine decided against chemotherapy and instead chose to support her immune system with raw foods, supplementation, and detoxification. In 2013, she attended the first HealingStrong Conference and realized then the importance of continuing face to face support. This led her to start the first group in Gainesville, GA. Christine is mom to 2 beautiful daughters and grandma to 3 amazing children.
Mary Ryder
Board of Directors, Secretary
Mary was introduced to Suzy and HealingStrong in 2014 as her husband Nigel was fighting colon cancer. Mary and Nigel recognized the benefit of going beyond conventional treatment to include Spiritual and Emotional healing, dietary changes and realizing that Hope is a huge strategy when battling chronic diseases. Mary joined the HealingStrong Family as a leader in Houston in 2016 and is a Regional mentor. The Houston group is the longest running HealingStrong group. Mary is now retired, loves to travel and her focus is on ensuring that each person going through a cancer journey has a Village of support, Hope, Faith, & Love.
Julie
Board of Directors, Secretary
Julie DeKam lives in Phoenix, AZ, and was diagnosed with stage 3 ER/PR + breast cancer in 2015. After surgery and chemotherapy, she stepped away from radiation and hormone therapy and focused on faith, nutrition, and lifestyle change.In 2016, Julie discovered Chris Wark and Chris Beat Cancer and adopted a whole food, plant-based diet through the Square One program. She joined the Chris Beat Cancer team in 2017 and continues to serve by producing and editing interviews, supporting educational content, researching cancer and health-related topics, assisting with digital content development, and answering health questions for the Chris Beat Cancer and Square One communities.Julie brings both lived experience and practical service to her role and is aligned closely with the mission of HealingStrong to support and equip individuals through faith-based, community-centered healing.
Suzy Griswold, MPH
Board of Directors, Founder and Executive Director
With over 36 years of experience in education and public health, Suzy leads the HealingStrong’s community in its mission to empower individuals through peer-to-peer support in HealingStrong Groups. With her own personal cancer journey using holistic approaches to heal, coupled with her family losses, she is passionate about HealingStrong’s mission and started HealingStrong in her living room more than a decade ago. She firmly believes that healing starts and ends at home and occurs through the day-to-day choices we make. She can’t underscore enough that health is a “one step at a time” experience.
Jeff Griswold
Board of Directors
Jeff Griswold is married to Suzy and has served HealingStrong since day 1. You will often find him behind the scenes preparing videos or directing the conferences. He works full-time in television ministry and creates and shares stories that bring glory to God. Married for 35+ years, he loves all things soccer and being Dad to their two adult sons, daughter in law, and precious grandchild. Jeff’s passion is getting the stories of hope into the hands of those who need it most.
Dan Sartor, Ph.D., M.B.A., LPC, NCC, ACS
Board of Directors
Dan Sartor is a new member of our board of directors and is the Clinical Director of the Wings Center at Eagle Ranch, Inc. He is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (GA) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (GA). He holds national board certification as a counselor (NBCC) and as a clinical supervisor (ACS). Dan has garnered over 25 years of experience in mental health care as a generalist in clinical psychology, addressing issues of depression, anxiety, grief, and relational difficulties. Dan’s clinical specialties include trauma and complex trauma recovery, sexuality issues, addiction recovery, marital therapy, and the integration of Christian faith with clinical practice. His mission is to facilitate personal renewal, relational restoration, and spiritual vitality in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
David Sanders, MBA
Board of Directors
David is a Senior Strategy Consultant with Accenture in Chicago and lives in Greenville, SC. In 2018 he was diagnosed with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis after years of unexplained, worsening symptoms. Ten months of traditional chemotherapy delivered little progress, so he broadened his approach to include nutrition, faith, and emotional healing. That pivot introduced him to Healing Strong’s resources and community, which guided many of the lifestyle changes that ultimately helped restore his health and allowed him to complete 18 months of chemo and move forward cancer‑free. Today cancer no longer dominates his life, but the transformation God sparked in that season left him with a deep reserve of empathy and resolve. David holds an MBA from Emory University and a Masters in Nonprofit Management.
Lisa Stuckey, JD
Board of Directors
Lisa is an attorney with Georgia Property Tax Counsel, LLC. She has been involved in HealingStrong since 2016 and was an integral part of the Around the Word in 80 days podcast. She continues to serve diligently in HealingStrong ministries through product and content development and prayer support.
Cortney Campbell
Board Emeritus, Founding Team
A former school teacher, her life took a drastic turn when at 26, she was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma. Facing severe side-effects that included infertility from treatment, Cortney and her husband Kevin went on a quest to find non-toxic therapies. Now almost 8 years later, she and Kevin have 3 beautiful daughters, and Cortney has devoted her spare time to educating others and sharing her story on her blog anticancermom.com
Kevin Campbell
Board Emeritus, Founding Team
Studio artist turned filmmaker and business owner, Kevin was thrust into the world of cancer treatment when his wife Cortney was diagnosed just 3 months into their marriage in 2008. Prompted by an unshakable impression to pursue other options, Kevin led their prayerful decision to pursue non-toxic holistic cancer therapies. Today, with Cortney in full health, he welcomes the opportunity to share their journey and experience to help encourage others.
Dr. Rhett Bergeron, MD
Board Emeritus
Billy developed a passion for natural remedies in treating cancer after he lost his youngest daughter to cancer, following conventional treatment of less than a year. His search for more information and ways to help others suffering with cancer lead him to be part of the founding team of HealingStrong. Billy’s greatest joy is when people realize cancer does not have to be a death sentence and conventional treatments are not the only option.
Chris Wark
Board Advisor
Chris is the Wall Street Journal best-selling author of Chris Beat Cancer and a speaker, patient advocate, and wellness crusader. He was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2003 at 26 years old. He had surgery, but instead of chemotherapy, he used nutrition and natural therapies to heal himself. Chris was featured in the award-winning documentary film The C Word and inspires countless people to take control of their health and reverse disease with a radical transformation of diet and lifestyle.
Nate Sheets
Board Advisor
From a backyard hive to America’s #1 branded honey, Nathan Sheets has built his life on a mission for a cleaner, healthier food supply. As founder of Nature Nate’s Honey, he proved that principled stewardship and high standards can deliver food that is both pure and profitable. Nathan is ready to continue that mission serving Texans by running for public office, and standing with farmers and ranchers, advocating for better food quality, and ensuring families can trust what’s on their table. Nathan’s servant leadership extends far beyond business. He has served as a missionary with E3 Partners, championed the Evangecube and the I Am Second Campaign, and continues to live out his faith through community and public service. A U.S. Navy Reserve veteran, Nate is husband to Patty for 29 years, and father of four.
Cherie Calbom, MS, CN
Cherie Calbom, M.S. is a leading authority on juicing for health and detoxification. Known as The Juice Lady and America’s Most Trusted Nutritionist, TV chef and celebrity nutritionist, she has helped in pioneering the fresh juice movement around the world. Cherie is the author of 35 books including her bestseller Juicing For Life with over 3.5 million books sold. She holds a Master of Science degree in whole foods nutrition from Bastyr University where she sat on the Board of Regents for five years. Cherie has received two Lifetime Achievement Awards and was also awarded Juicing Expert of the Year 2019 by Global Health & Pharma Magazine. She was George Foreman’s nutritionist and the other spokesperson for the George Foreman Grills. Cherie has lectured worldwide on juicing, detoxing and fasting including consulting for the Royal Family of the UAE. She and her husband offer juice and raw foods retreats throughout the year.
Dr. Rhett Bergeron, MD
Medical Advisor
Dr. Bergeron, MD, specializes in integrative functional medicine and has been practicing since 1995. Dr. Bergeron’s passion for complementary and integrative medicine started during medical school, and his expertise includes Orthomolecular, Bio-Energetic, Environmental, Metabolic, Biological, and Functional Medicine methods.In his clinical practice at Real Health Medical Center in Atlanta, GA, Dr. Bergeron focuses on metabolic and immune therapy for comprehensive cancer protocols. He also collaborates on clinical research for neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and Parkinson’s, and practices Regenerative-Restorative Medicine for longevity.
SUPPORT STAFF
Janet Everhart
Director, Group Leader Programs
Mya Metzel
Communications and Partner Management
Joy Moleta
Technical Support
Birgit Cummings
Executive Assistant
Jose Albareda
Sr. Accountant
Janet Everhart
Director, Group Leader Programs
Mya Metzel
Communications and Partner Management
Joy Moleta
Technical Support
Birgit Cummings
Executive Assistant
Jose Albareda
Sr. Accountant
Volunteer Advisory Team
Cheryl Collins
Jim Mann
I Am HealingStrong Podcast Host
Kristine Reynolds
Lajuana Rich
Gains Gardner
Dawn Watson
Lucia Casado
International Mentor
Mary Garcia
Colette Moser
Group Leader Mentor
Betty Roush
Group Leader Mentor
Cheryl Collins
Jim Mann
I Am HealingStrong Podcast Host
Kristine Reynolds
Lajuana Rich
Gains Gardner
Dawn Watson
Lucia Casado
International Mentor
Mary Garcia
Colette Moser
Group Leader Mentor
Betty Roush
Group Leader Mentor
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Rooted in Christian faith, HealingStrong walks with those facing cancer and chronic illness. Through supportive groups, we share encouragement, connection, and integrative strategies that rebuild the body, renew the soul, and refresh the spirit.