Glenn Birchall was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in November 2023. “I did radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, but by April 2024 my cancer had metastasized throughout my body as Stage 4,” said Glenn. “My oncologist gave me a 10% chance to live. My cousin, Josie Gillan, had been to OHI during her breast cancer journey, and she told me about the scholarship program. I was fortunate to be awarded a scholarship, and an 18+ hour flight later, here I am. I was a wreck when I arrived, but Josie helped me through the first week. What’s really impressed me about OHI is the sense of community here. The staff, the missionaries, and the guests are all so giving and supportive. The personal stories that people share, and the love they receive in return, is quite powerful. This is what I traveled halfway around the world to be a part of.”
Prior to arriving at OHI, Glenn had put in the hard work to change his thinking. “After my Stage 4 diagnosis, I had about five days of total depression,” said Glenn. “Then I worked diligently with a therapist to get myself into a space of love and acceptance. I now understand how my thoughts and underlying attitude play a pivotal role in my wellbeing. I’ve let go of all my cynicism and arrogance. I’m thankful I had developed enough self-awareness to grasp the OHI program and immediately embrace it whole-heartedly.”
While the power of wheatgrass is undeniable, Glenn has found the hugs given out at OHI to be just as powerful. “The hugs that I have received from people I don’t even know have created such a strong emotional bond in me,” said Glenn. “The love that fills this community has opened my heart even more than it already was. I want to thank OHI for the scholarship. It has been truly life changing. I hope other scholarship recipients find the program to be as meaningful as I have. And I also want to thank my cousin, Josie. She has been my support and my advocate, and I am just so grateful for her presence in my life.”
Please consider contributing to the OHI Scholarship Fund to help those in need experience the benefits of the OHI for Life program. Over the course of our 47 years, OHI has provided scholarships to individuals who could not afford to otherwise attend. In most years, we have been able to fulfill all requests for assistance through the generosity of our community. OHI invites you to join us in celebrating our healing mission with a tax-deductible gift. Your contribution will help to make our community stronger, healthier, and more vibrant.
Provide the Gift of Healing today by supporting the OHI Scholarship Fund with a tax-deductible:
• One-Time Donation, or
• Sustainable Monthly Contribution
Call us at (800) 588-0809 to make your contribution.
Thank you for your generosity!
Optimum Health Institute is a non-profit, religious organization. Your donation is tax-deductible.
