I AM HealingStrong Podcast Episode 118

"A Search to Heal Neuroendocrine Cancer" | Tracy Goldhardt

Host: Jim Mann
Guest: Tracy Goldhardt
Date: January 16, 2026

Overview

In this heartfelt episode, stage 4 cancer survivor and HealingStrong group leader Jim Mann sits down with Tracy Goldhardt of Ohio to discuss her journey through a rare neuroendocrine cancer diagnosis. Tracy shares how her faith, holistic healing methods, and supportive community led her from fear to freedom—ultimately embracing a happier, healthier post-cancer life. The conversation is candid and uplifting, providing practical advice and spiritual encouragement for those walking similar challenging paths.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Tracy’s Life Before Diagnosis

• Tracy was "living the dream," enjoying newfound freedom after stepping back from work to help care for her grandson and pursuing her passion for natural health.
• She had been active in natural health circles, working with a chiropractor and felt she was doing all the right things for her wellbeing.
• The diagnosis came post a routine calcium score test for cardiovascular health, which incidentally revealed "something very ugly" in her lung.
  • [04:10] Tracy: "He called me three days later and said my calcium score was perfect but there was something very, very ugly in my lung that we needed to look at further."

The Diagnosis & Immediate Reactions

• Initial thought was that the spot may be leftover COVID lung scarring, but further tests confirmed cancer.
• Tracy describes a moment of fear and reflection before her biopsy, recognizing this might be a significant turning point.
• After confirmation of cancer, she processed the news differently than expected, overcoming decades of anxiety and panic disorder with newfound peace:
  • [06:00] Tracy: “Now comes the time to find out if I really believe what I've said. I believed all these years, if I trust in God… this body will heal like it's supposed to.”
• Her main emotional struggle was with the thought of leaving her very young grandson, not wanting him to forget her if things turned for the worst.

Faith, Community Support, and Service

• Tracy and her husband received overwhelming support from their new church, even though they’d only just started attending.
• She is deeply involved in women’s ministry and children’s ministry, emphasizing the power and need for supportive faith communities.
  • [07:41] Tracy: “That church rallied around my husband and I. They covered us in prayer, they sent meals... They really brought us in and took care of us.”

Medical Path & Treatment Decisions

• Diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer, a rare but increasingly common type of cancer.
• Doctors recommended immediate surgery due to potential risks (e.g., sepsis) from dead lung tissue; two-thirds of her right lung were removed.
• Chemotherapy was suggested “preventively,” but Tracy declined:
  • [12:40] Tracy: “You're telling me I don't have cancer in my body anymore. Why would I take poison that we know causes cancer?”
• Tracy sought resources emphasizing successful self-healing (Chris Wark’s materials), which led her to discover HealingStrong and eventually start a group in her community.

The Distinctives of HealingStrong and Faith-Based Groups

• Contrasted the overall negative, resigned mindset at a traditional neuroendocrine cancer seminar with the hope, positivity, and faith at the HealingStrong conference.
  • [14:08] Tracy: “It’s not ‘if it comes back, it’s when it comes back.’ … I came home from HealingStrong, I’m like, I found my people.”
• Highlighted the synergy between holistic wellness and faith not found in all health communities.

Radical Lifestyle Changes and Holistic Healing

• Tracy immediately enlisted the guidance of a naturopathic doctor friend who created a personalized healing protocol.
  • Emphasized the holistic approach: nutrition (juicing, using protocols from Chris Wark), hydration, sleep, mental health (including forgiveness), and spiritual practices.
  • [18:26] Tracy: “We dove right into healing protocol and just all kinds of different things she suggested… We're going full in, 100% on this.”
• She now approaches life with much greater equanimity and gratitude, having cleaned up "the corners and the crevices" of her own mind and heart.
• Tracy’s background included competitive bodybuilding and she valued fitness, but learned to adapt her regimen following an autoimmune diagnosis and cancer.
• Mental health and managing anxiety were game-changers in her healing, as neuroendocrine cancer is hormone-driven and linked to stress and cortisol.

The Power of Mental Attitude in Healing

• Both Tracy and Jim reflect on how beliefs—positive or negative—about prognosis can physically affect health outcomes.
  • [15:58] Jim: “When your mind grabs that [the prognosis], it pretty much tells the rest of your body… That’s why it’s usually accurate.”
• Tracy shares that doctors gave her a stark timeline, but living nine years cancer-free, Jim jokes he “likes that better than a month or two.”

Practical Healing Routines

• Tracy now juices 3–4 times a week and supplements with juices from a local shop.
• She continues to prioritize enjoyable and sustainable activities for movement, like Pilates and walking.

Advice to Those Diagnosed with Cancer

• Tracy urges listeners to begin with prayer and spiritual surrender, find relevant healing scriptures, and build a tight, positive community.
  • [26:32] Tracy: “Take it to God in prayer and really try to surrender to Him… Find those verses and lean into them. Make them yours.”
• Be selective with whom you share your news to limit negativity and protect your mental state.
• Be your own health advocate—never forget that medical professionals work for you, and your choices are valid.
• Make radical lifestyle changes focused on your unique needs, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
  • “If you made an appointment with a friend, you wouldn't cancel. Don't cancel on yourself. Show up… Be a little bit selfish through your healing journey.”

Life After Cancer—A New Perspective

• Both Tracy and Jim agree that life post-cancer becomes richer and deeper, with heightened appreciation and gratitude for loved ones and everyday moments.
  • [31:56] Tracy: “Absolutely. There's an element of not taking it for granted—that things can change overnight with one phone call. It’s much more beautiful now.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [04:10] Tracy: “My calcium score was perfect but there was something very, very ugly in my lung that we needed to look at further.”
• [06:00] Tracy: “Now comes the time to find out if I really believe what I've said I believed all these years, if I trust in God…”
• [07:41] Tracy: “[The church] rallied around my husband and I. They covered us in prayer, they sent meals...”
• [12:40] Tracy: “You're telling me I don't have cancer in my body anymore. Why would I take poison that we know causes cancer?”
• [14:08] Tracy: “It’s not ‘if it comes back, it’s when it comes back.’ … I came home from HealingStrong, I’m like, I found my people.”
• [18:26] Tracy: “[My friend] said, I'm clearing my afternoon. Get to my office right now... We're going full in, 100% on this.”
• [26:32] Tracy: “Take it to God in prayer… Find those verses and lean into them. Make them yours.”
• [29:29] Tracy: “If you made an appointment with a friend, you wouldn't cancel. Don't cancel on yourself. Show up for yourself.”
• [31:56] Tracy: “There's an element of not taking it for granted… things can change overnight with one phone call… It’s much more beautiful now.”

Important Timestamps

• 03:08: Tracy describes life just before diagnosis.
• 04:10: Discovery of lung abnormality during routine test.
• 06:00: Processing the diagnosis through a faith lens.
• 10:30: Reflections on ministry with young people.
• 12:40: Tracy describes rejecting chemotherapy.
• 14:08: Distinctions between traditional and faith-based cancer communities.
• 18:26: Starting her holistic healing protocol with a naturopathic doctor.
• 20:15: Changes in diet, exercise, and lifestyle.
• 25:55: Jim asks for Tracy's advice to newly-diagnosed patients.
• 26:32: Tracy’s multi-step advice for the newly diagnosed.
• 31:56: Conversation on life being better, richer after cancer.

Conclusion

Tracy Goldhardt’s journey illustrates the transformative power of faith, community, personal responsibility, and holistic healing practices when facing the challenges of cancer. Her story provides hope, practical strategies, and reassurance that it’s possible not only to survive, but to thrive—and find greater happiness and peace on the other side.

Find Tracy’s HealingStrong group in Northeast Ohio at HealingStrong.org and discover resources and support for your own journey.