A paper published in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine is exploring an unconventional approach to cancer treatment that combines existing medications, nutritional strategies, and metabolic interventions to target cancer cells through multiple pathways.
Titled “Targeting the Mitochondrial-Stem Cell Connection in Cancer Treatment: A Hybrid Orthomolecular Protocol,” NEW JOM Template the paper’s authors include Dr. Paul Marik, Ilyes Baghli, William Makis, Pierrick Martinez, and other collaborators. – Search Videos
The proposed Protocol For Cancer explores repurposed medications, including ivermectin, mebendazole, and fenbendazole, alongside vitamins, dietary interventions, and strategies aimed at cancer metabolism, mitochondrial function, and cancer stem cells.
The underlying idea is that cancer may be approached not only by targeting genetic changes in tumor cells, but also by investigating how cancer cells use energy, survive treatment, and contribute to disease progression.
Instead of developing entirely new medicines from scratch, researchers are investigating whether existing medications, already known in other medical contexts, may have overlooked anti-cancer properties.
The next important step would be rigorous human studies to determine whether these approaches actually improve outcomes for patients.
There is also a legitimate conversation to be had about research funding and commercial incentives. Inexpensive medicines may offer less financial incentive for some companies to develop, and that’s why little research is done to find out what else may work. But these forward-thinking doctors are pushing the envelope on the subject.
Novel Cancer Protocol is Promising Alternative to Chemotherapy
Understanding the Mitochondrial-Stem Cell Connection in Cancer Treatment
This is a synopsis of an educational, peer-reviewed paper written through a collaboration of sixteen researchers and scientists from all over the world. It was published in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine on September 19, 2024. The sixteen authors gathered and assimilated information from over 170 articles and studies.
Citation: Baghli I, et al. (2024) Targeting the Mitochondrial-Stem Cell Connection in Cancer Treatment: A Hybrid Orthomolecular Protocol. J Orthomol Med. 39.3
Introduction
Cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease, and understanding its origins is crucial for developing effective treatments. Traditionally, cancer has been viewed through various lenses such as the Metabolic Theory, the Somatic Mutation Theory (SMT), and the Cancer Stem Cell (CSC) theory.
In a recent study published in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, a new perspective called the mitochondrial-stem cell connection (MSCC) theory is introduced. This theory aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how cancer develops and progresses, proposing a novel treatment approach.
What is the MSCC Theory?
The MSCC theory suggests that cancer originates from a failure in oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) within stem cells. OxPhos is a process by which cells generate energy. When this process is disrupted, it can lead to the transformation of normal stem cells into cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are known for their ability to initiate and sustain tumor growth.
This theory integrates aspects of both the cancer stem cell theory and the metabolic theory, focusing on the role of CSCs and mitochondria at all stages of cancer. Unlike the traditional CSC theory, which often views cancer as a purely genetic disease, the MSCC theory emphasizes the metabolic dysfunctions that occur in cancer cells.
Why is This Important?
Standard cancer treatments often target the DNA of cancer cells based on the SMT. However, these treatments do not address the metabolic deficiencies in cancer cells and can sometimes worsen these issues. The focus on genetic mutations could possibly explain why new therapies only modestly improve overall survival rates for cancer patients.
Conversely, the MSCC theory emphasizes the importance of restoring proper mitochondrial function and targeting CSCs, which are believed to be responsible for cancer’s growth and spread.
The Hybrid Orthomolecular Protocol
The proposed hybrid orthomolecular protocol proposes to tackle cancer by enhancing OxPhos, reducing the availability of cancer’s primary fuels (glucose and glutamine), and directly targeting CSCs and metastasis. The protocol includes seven therapeutic recommendations that combine orthomolecules, drugs, and lifestyle interventions to achieve these goals.
Key Facets of the Protocol:
Vitamin C is known for its anti-cancer properties and can induce death in cancer cells, whilst reducing tumor weight and metastasis. It works by infiltrating cancer cells, reducing oxidative stress, and restoring normal cellular respiration.
Diet and lifestyle changes can help reduce the fermentable fuels (like glucose) that cancer cells rely on, thereby inhibiting tumor growth.
Repurposing certain existing drugs can be used to enhance mitochondrial function and target CSCs.
The Protocol Outline
Cancer cells have impaired mitochondria, which leads them to rely heavily on glycolysis, a less efficient energy production process. By improving mitochondrial function, the hybrid protocol aims to force cancer cells to revert to normal energy production methods, thereby reducing their viability.
Moreover, the protocol targets the unique tumor microenvironment characterized by hypoxia and acidity, conditions that support cancer growth and spread.
Conclusion
The mitochondrial-stem cell connection offers a promising new method for cancer treatment. By focusing on the metabolic dysfunctions at the center of cancer, this approach aims to not only halt tumor growth but also prevent metastasis. This comprehensive approach could pave the way for more effective and holistic cancer therapies, giving hope for improved patient outcomes.
The Protocol
Intravenous Vitamin C
Intermediate- and high-grade cancers:
Dose of 1.5g/kg/day, 2-3x per week
Oral Vitamin D
All cancer grades:
Dose of 50,000 IU/day for patients with an initial blood level of Vitamin D ≤30ng/mL;
25,000 IU/day for levels 30-60ng/mL;
5000 IU/day for levels 60-80ng/mL.
It is necessary to reach a blood level of 80 ng/mL of vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamine D (25(OH) D
This level is non-toxic. Once the level is achieved it must be sustained with a reduced daily dosage of ≈2000 IU/day. The concentration of vitamin D in the blood should be measured every two weeks for high doses and every month for lower.
Zinc
All cancer grades:
Dose of 1 mg/kg/day is established as a non-toxic dose for cancer patients.
The reference range for serum zinc concentration is 80 to 120 μg/dL.
Once this level is reached it must be maintained with a reduced daily dosage of 5mg/day. The zinc blood concentration should be measured monthly.
Ivermectin
Low-grade cancers:
Dose of 0.5mg/kg, 3x per week.
Intermediate-grade cancers:
Dose of 1mg/kg, 3x per week.
High-grade cancers:
Dose from 1 mg/kg/day (de Castro, et al., 2020) to 2 mg/kg/day.
All doses are known as tolerable for humans.
Benzimidazoles and DON
Low-grade cancers:
Mebendazole: Dose of 200 mg/day.
Intermediate-grade cancers:
Mebendazole: Dose of 400 mg/day.
High-grade cancers:
Mebendazole dose of 1,500 mg/day or Fenbendazole 1,000 mg 3x per week.
Benzimidazoles can be replaced or combined with DON (6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine), administered without toxicity; intravenously or intramuscularly: 0.2 to 0.6 mg/kg once daily;
or orally:
0.2 to 1.1 mg/kg once daily.
Benzimidazole is much easier to obtain than DON. However, for metastatic cancers, which rely heavily on glutamine, a combo of DON and Benzimidazoles should be administered.
Dietary Interventions
All cancer grades:
Ketogenic diet or low carbohydrate-high fat diet, 900 to 1500 kcal/day.
Ketone metabolic therapy consists of 60-80% fat, 15-25% protein and 5-10% fibrous carbohydrates.
Adequate hydration and single-ingredient whole food ketogenic meals are necessary to achieve a glucose ketone index (GKI) score of 2.0 or below. GKI should be measured 2–3 hours after lunch and dinner, twice a day. At-home ketone test strips are available online or at your local drug store.
Intermediate- and high-grade cancers:
The ketogenic diet should be combined with a water fast for 3 to 7 consecutive days in advanced cancers.
The water fast should be repeated several times approximately every 3-4 weeks throughout the treatment, however fasting needs to be undertaken cautiously in individuals using certain drugs and those with less than 20 BMI, to prevent loss of lean
body mass. For patients who are unable to fast, a Fasting-Mimicking Diet (300 to 1,100 kcal/day of broths, soups, juices, nut bars, and herbal teas) can be used in its place.
Additional Actions
All cancer grades:
Moderate physical activity, 3x per week. A moderate heart rate is usually between 40–59% of your maximum heart rate. Increased heart and respiratory rate for a period of 45 to 75 minutes with activities such as cycling, running, swimming, etc.
Intermediate- and high-grade cancers or individuals who are unable to engage in physical activity:
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, 1.5 to 2.5 ATA for 45 to 60 minutes 2-3x per week
Horse crazy girl Tara Coyote – Search Videos with Kaua’i, Hawaii roots, Equine Facilitated Learning Teacher, author, life coach, mother, mermaid, dancer, grief facilitator & stage 4 cancer thriver are some of the titles I identify with.
In 2013, I founded Wind Horse Sanctuary, which is currently in Kaua’i, Hawaii and am a certified Eponaquest ‘Equine Facilitated Learning’ instructor, life coach and workshop leader. I’m grateful to be currently thriving on my Hawaiian island home with my gorgeous animals: two horses, Australian Shepard and a cat. When not swimming in a mermaid tail (Mermaid IG page & Mermaid Biz page) in the gorgeous ocean surrounding the Garden Island, playing my fiddle or writing, you can find me happily scooping horse manure! About — Tara Coyote
New YouTube video! It’s so exciting for me to share this video!
On 9/22/16 I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. A few years later, it progressed throughout my body (lungs, liver, spine, adrenal gland, hip) and in the winter of 2019 I was referred to Hospice and actively dying.
It was looking pretty dire!
Miraculously, over a period of years and a combination of allopathic (standard), non-toxic medicine and a ton of inner healing, I am elated to say I have been NED (no evidence of disease) for four years now!
Miracles are possible!
This year, in the fall of 2026, I am celebrating 10 years since my late stage diagnosis. I am so grateful to be alive!
I am also celebrating the 5 year anniversary of my best selling memoir sharing my story of healing cancer: Grace, Grit & Gratitude: A Cancer Thriver’s Journey from Hospice to Full Recovery with the Healing Power of Horses which was published in August of 2021. – Link in comments –
Publishing my book was a huge feat and took tremendous discipline and focus. When I worked so hard to self publish my book I told myself that if I helped inspire one person then I would have done my job. Since it’s publication, people from all over the globe have reached out to me sharing how much my story has helped them through difficult times! This is indeed a wondrous thing.
I hope you enjoy my vulnerable share here. I recorded this video weeks after an incredibly damaging Category 2 hurricane on the beloved island of Kaua’i Hawaii where I live, so I am a bit cracked open and extra teary sharing my story here. My story of healing involves processing a great amount of grief with the death of many of my beloveds, so sharing it in video form like this is a tender experience for me.
Tara Coyote has been declared “No Evidence of Disease” (NED) since 2022 and has been stable for nearly four yearsRadical Remission Project.
According to the Radical Remission Project, Tara Coyote was referred to hospice care in 2019 with widespread cancer throughout her body Radical Remission Project. She chose an integrative path of self‑care, complementary medicine, the healing power of horses, and the supportive environment of Kaua’i, Hawaii, which she has described as pivotal to her recovery Radical Remission Project.
By 2022, she was officially declared NED — meaning no detectable cancer evidence — and has remained stable for almost four years Radical Remission Project. This marks a significant milestone in her journey, which she has shared publicly through her Cancer Warrioress website and other platforms www.cancerwarrioress.com+1.
Tara is the bestselling author of Grace, Grit & Gratitude: A Cancer Thriver’s Journey from Hospice to Full Recovery with the Healing Power of Horses, and she continues to work as an Equine Facilitated Learning instructor at Wind Horse Sanctuary on Kaua’i www.cancerwarrioress.com+1. She has also published children’s books and ocean conservation works, often blending her personal healing story with themes of resilience and gratitude www.cancerwarrioress.com+1.
Social media influencer Grace Helbig has brain tumors, will undergo surgery
Story by Bob D’Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Key takeaways
Brain Tumors & Surgery: Grace Helbig, 41, diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer in 2023, revealed she has two operable brain tumors and will undergo surgery on Wednesday.
Podcast & Work Impact: She and collaborator Mamrie Hart are canceling remaining 2026 podcast tour dates, planning to reschedule next year.
Public Presence & Positivity: Helbig, a popular YouTube influencer with 2M+ subscribers, remains optimistic, sharing updates via Instagram videos and keeping fans informed.
Veteran social media influencer Grace Helbig is battling cancer for the second time in three years.
Grace Helbig’ – Search 41, who was diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer in 2023, said in an Instagram video on Monday that she has two brain tumors and will undergo surgery on Wednesday, Variety reported.
“She missed me. My cancer missed me,” the internet comedian said in her video. “Why wouldn’t she want to be in my body?”
Helbig said she went to a hospital after experiencing numbness in her leg, USA Today reported. That is when doctors discovered the tumors, according to the newspaper.
Helbig said in her video that the tumors were “operable,” People reported.
“I’m getting a brain surgery on Wednesday, which is obviously a normal thing to say,” Helbig said in her video. “I wanted to fill you all in on what’s going on.”
While remaining “very positive and optimistic,” Helbig conceded she originally experienced a moment that was “quite scary.”
She added that she and Mamrie Hart, her collaborator on her podcast, “This Might Get Weird,” will be canceling the remaining 2026 dates on their podcast tour and hope to reschedule them next year, Variety reported.
“Obviously, we’ll take this week off of podcasting, but trust me, there’ll be plenty of stories for the next podcast, when that happens,” Helbig said in her video.
Helbig has a devoted following on YouTube, with more than 2 million subscribers, USA Today reported. She is known for her comedy skits and videos that she makes with her celebrity friends, according to the newspaper.
Grace Helbig shares recovery update after brain surgery
Successful surgery: Helbig posted a smiling photo from her hospital bed, thanking supporters after brain surgery to remove two operable tumors.
Cancer history: The diagnosis comes three years after Helbig’s breast cancer treatment, raising concerns about possible recurrence.
Tour postponed: Remaining 2026 dates of her This Might Get Weird tour have been postponed until 2027 as she focuses on recovery.
Grace Helbig’s first post-surgery update
On October 15, Grace Helbig shared a smiling hospital-bed photo on Instagram, captioned “We did it!” to celebrate her successful brain surgery. She expressed being “overwhelmed with love and support” from doctors, family, friends, husband, and fans, noting the kindness she experienced was “wholly special.” Fans flooded the comments with relief and encouragement, calling her a “superhuman” and wishing her a speedy recovery.
Relief for fans after days of uncertainty
Helbig’s surgery followed an October 12 announcement that doctors had found two operable brain tumors after she sought treatment for leg numbness. She kept her tone light despite acknowledging the uncertainty of her treatment plan, which may include radiation.
The upbeat post-surgery update brought relief to fans who had been anxiously following her health journey. Parade +1
From diagnosis to surgery
Helbig revealed her brain tumor diagnosis just days before undergoing surgery, sharing that both tumors were operable and that she felt optimistic about the procedure. She had previously been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, undergoing chemotherapy, lumpectomy, radiation, and hormone therapy before entering remission. In light of the new diagnosis, she postponed the remainder of her 2026 tour and paused podcasting with Mamrie Hart, promising to keep her audience informed. EarlyGame +1
What comes next in Helbig’s recovery
While doctors confirmed the tumors were operable, Helbig’s future treatment could include radiation, though specifics remain undecided. She emphasized taking recovery “day by day” and credited her positive attitude, even if it cannot directly heal her, with helping her navigate the process. With strong support from her husband Elliott Morgan, collaborators, and fans, Helbig remains cautiously optimistic about the next phase. E! News +1
Some experiences change your life. Others change the way you understand life itself.
Today, October 15, 2026, marks my 15-year anniversary of being cancer-free. And during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I find myself thinking not only about what happened to me, but about the women I’ve met along the way, the stories they’ve trusted me with, and how much I’ve learned about fear, hope, and the kindness we need from one another.
Throughout my entire cancer journey, I never received chemotherapy, which is why many people find my healing story to be incredible. Even today, fifteen years later, I struggle to describe what I felt the day I found out I was healed. Relief is too small a word.
When I was first diagnosed with stage three breast cancer on July 19, 2006, it changed my life- I can honestly admit not a day has gone by where cancer in one way or another has crossed my mind. I underwent a bilateral mastectomy that October, got an infection and was too sick to do chemotherapy. Four years later, cancer had spread to all lobes of my lungs and bones. I now had advanced stage four breast cancer. I tried to do radiation but got another infection halfway through and cancer was still progressing
That September, my physician at UCLA told me nothing else could be done and to go home, talk to my family, and get my affairs in order. His prognosis was that I had only months to live.
There is a unique kind of fear that comes with hearing those words that I still struggle to describe. It renders you powerless, which means fear is present, and you turn everything over to God and pray. The future I had been imagining was gone. My friends and family around me cared but continued making plans for the future, and when they spoke with me, I could sense their awkwardness because they did not want to say something insensitive.
I felt alone in a way I had never experienced before. I felt frightened,and a strange disconnected feeling from the world around me. I didn’t understand it then, but that loneliness, fear and pain would change the way I saw other people’s suffering for the rest of my life.
I prayed fiercely.
As the physical pain worsened, it was a reminder about how little time the physician had told me I had. But I felt there was more I could do. Thinking about saying goodbye to so many people I loved felt unbelievable, and I wasn’t ready for that, so I didn’t give up, and I began searching for another path. I chose to pursue treatment with Dr. Edgar Payán at CMN Hospital in San Luis Río Colorado, Mexico.
Treatment began on February 7, 2011, and by October 15 that same year, I received the results of my PET scan, and I was completely healed- the treatment I received from Dr. Payán and his team saved my life.
I had a future again.
I believe with all my heart that God heard my prayers, and I will never stop being grateful. Fifteen years is an extraordinary amount of life when you’ve been told you have only months left. Today, I have seven grandchildren. I’ve watched children grow, celebrated birthdays, made wonderful friends, written, created, laughed, and enjoyed countless ordinary moments I once feared I would never experience.
October is one of my favorite times of year in Wyoming. Aspen Alley, where the photograph I’m sharing was taken, is one of my favorite places to visit. I love being surrounded by those beautiful autumn colors, knowing how fortunate I am to be here for another October.
For years, I’ve spent time coaching women facing cancer. They came from different backgrounds, with different diagnoses and circumstances, but so many shared something I recognized immediately. They were frightened and standing at a crossroads. They wanted to know which treatment to choose, whether they were making the right decisions. I knew what that felt like to have those questions unanswered and have no guarantee.
When your life is at stake, you wish someone could show you where each road leads before you decide and take a step in a certain direction. I know what it’s like to be so frightened that you can’t hold yourself together anymore. I know what it’s like to be angry about what’s happening to your body, to cry because you don’t want to die, because you love your family, because there’s so much life you still want to experience.
When a woman is sitting across from me, apologizing because she’s falling apart, I want her to understand something. She can unravel with me. She doesn’t have to be composed. She doesn’t have to choose her words carefully or worry that she’s making me uncomfortable. I don’t need her to pretend she’s okay. I want to be that safe person for her. Because I remember how badly I needed someone like that.
I’ve been told I’m sensitive, and I am. I’m glad I feel things deeply. I believe sensitivity helps us recognize another person’s pain. Empathy is developed that way, and it helps us have compassion and patience.
It takes patience to listen when someone needs to talk about the same fear more than once or to sit quietly while someone cries, to hear anger without taking it personally, and to resist rushing in with advice when someone hasn’t even finished telling you how badly they’re hurting.
A patient person is my favorite kind of person.
Surviving stage four cancer doesn’t mean I know which decisions another woman should make. But I know what fear and confusion feel like, all while holding on to Faith in God. The women I’ve coached have trusted me with their fears, their hopes, and some of the most private thoughts a person can share. I don’t take that trust lightly.
I never want my survival to suggest that I made better decisions than a woman who chose differently and had an unfavorable outcome. A different outcome does not mean someone made the wrong decision. Their lives were no less precious. Their prayers were no less sincere. Their courage was no less remarkable.
I know that someone can have tremendous faith, receive excellent medical care, make thoughtful treatment decisions, and still not get the outcome they desired.
Life offers no guarantees.
And I will never believe that my being here today means I was more deserving than someone else.
As I reflect on this anniversary, I think about everyone who helped me through my journey.
My girlfriends who raised money when I desperately needed help-it took us five months, and racing the clock is stressful. My family, friends, and strangers who gave what they could. Dr. Edgar Payán and his medical team at CMN Hospital, whose treatment saved my life.
If you’re facing a frightening diagnosis today, I hope you have compassionate medical care and someone who will be patient and listen when you need to talk about what you’re going through.
And if someone you love is facing something frightening, please remember you don’t need the perfect words. You don’t have to know how to fix everything. Sometimes you just need to listen long enough for that person to feel heard. I know how much that matters because I needed it myself.
At the end of each day, I care whether I’ve helped someone.- I really do.
Shannon Knight’s Cancer Journey and “Diagnosed TV”
Shannon Knight is a stage 4 breast cancer survivor who has shared her story through her website, YouTube channel, and the Diagnosed TV platform, which focuses on cancer awareness, survivorship, and alternative treatment options YouTube+1.
Her Diagnosis and Prognosis
Knight was first diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2006 and later recurred in 2010 with stage 4 breast cancer that had metastasized to her lungs, bones, and other areas Solitarius. In September 2010, UCLA oncologists told her she had only 3–12 months to liveYouTube+1.
Treatment Choices
Instead of conventional chemotherapy, Knight sought advanced alternative cancer treatments at CMN Hospital in San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora, Mexico YouTube+1. She described this as a “second chance at life” and credited the hospital’s therapies with achieving complete healing without toxic side effectsYouTube.
Therapies she used According to interviews and her own accounts, her regimen included dendritic cell therapy, high-dose vitamin C, laetrile (B-17), hyperthermia, ozone therapy, enzyme therapy, and coffee enemasChris Beat Cancer.
She also emphasized the importance of nutrition, faith, and personal resilience in her recovery YouTube+1. and vitamin D optimization, and integrative approaches, and Holistic Support has spoken about the importance of studying medical records and questioning tumor marker reliability
Knight has been cancer-free since 2011 and continues to advocate for hope, healing, and exploring alternative possibilities YouTube+1. She is the creator of Diagnosed TV, a show that highlights survivor stories and cancer awareness, and she also runs the Angels for Shannon initiative Chris Beat Cancer.
Her message centers on:
Raising awareness of the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges of cancer YouTube
Encouraging patients to research and consider alternative treatment options alongside conventional care
Sharing personal testimony to inspire others facing similar diagnoses YouTube+1
Current Work
She runs Diagnosed TV, supports others through coaching and community programs, and continues to speak publicly about her journey Chris Beat Cancer+1. Her official site is shannonknight.comYouTube.
In her own words:“Had I not persevered in 2010… I would have never discovered CMN Hospital and their life‑saving treatments… I am now committed to supporting others as they navigate their own cancer journeys”YouTube.
Personal and spiritual perspective
Knight has likened her experience to The Wizard of Oz, describing her life before cancer as “Kansas” and her treatment journey as entering a “land of spectacular color”. She credits faith, determination, and the support of friends and family as key to her survival Solitarius+1.
Current mission Since 2011, Knight has been cancer-free and dedicated to sharing her story to inspire others, raise awareness about the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges of cancer, and promote exploring alternative possibilities YouTube+1.
Shannon continues to advocate for hope, healing, and informed choices in cancer care.
Key takeaways
Diagnosed twice: stage 3 (2006) and stage 4 (2010).
Survived and healed without chemotherapy.
Used integrative/alternative therapies at CMN Hospital.
Now a public advocate for hope, healing, and alternative cancer treatment options Solitarius+2.
In summary: Shannon Knight’s journey from a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis to full recovery is documented in her own media, where she blends personal testimony, alternative treatment details, and advocacy for hope and healing. https://www.shannonknight.com/surviving-cancer-story
“Solitarius” is a Latin adjective meaning “solitary,” “alone,” or “lonely,” derived from the word “solus,” meaning “alone.”
Definition and Origin
The Latin term “solitarius” comes from “solus” (alone) combined with the suffix “-arius,” which denotes a state or condition, indicating the quality of being alone or in solitude. It conveys notions of isolation, seclusion, or tranquility associated with being alone.
Usage in Latin
As an adjective, “solitarius” follows the first and second declension pattern in Latin. Examples of its usage include:
“Solitarius philosophus multa meditatur.” – “The solitary philosopher meditates a lot.”
“Solitarius in montibus habitabat.” – “He lived alone in the mountains.”
In essence, “solitarius” describes someone or something existing, living, or acting alone, often with a connotation of peaceful solitude or isolation. It is widely used in Latin literature to describe both physical and metaphorical states of being alone goong.com+1
Cancer Quick Facts at Solitarius.
The strongest evidence points to Kenneth E. Goubeaux (“Ken”) as the founder, primary writer, and curator of this non-agenda, non-facade and non-profit website. In a July 2025 post, I Can Only Imagine | Cancer Quick Facts the site explicitly identifies Kenneth E. Goubeaux as “the founder and voice behind Cancer Quick Facts at Solitarius.” The same article describes the blog as having been shaped by his father’s battle with leiomyosarcoma and by his own experiences with depression, grief and disbelief in the medical profession’s impersonal approach to treating cancer.
In another post written by Ken, he states:
He received the vision for the blog in 2006.
His father died on April 3, 2006, from leiomyosarcoma.
The inspiration for Solitarius.org came from following his father’s illness and death.
A 2018 article explains the origin of the site’s name:
Ken created Solitarius.org because his father was an avid solitaire player.
He envisioned a website where people could go for “answers to cancer.”
The name and symbolism of the site are closely tied to his father’s lifelong habit of playing solitaire.
A 2025 article further states:
“The Title of the Blog Solitarius.org Originating from Ken’s Father being an Avid Card Player of Solitaire.”
Major sections found on the site include:
Cancer and Health Resources
18 Major Types of Cancer
A Cancer Guide
Cancer Patient Forum
Chemo FAQ
Childhood Cancer
Science of Cancer
Stem Cell Research
Prevention Awareness
Nutritional Medicine
Revolutionary Procedures
The Evolutionary Dynamics of Cancer
The Cachexia State
Mammograms vs. Thermograms
Medicinal Cannabis Oil
The Endocannabinoid System
Major Chronic Illness and Medical Topics
Alzheimer’s Disease
Diabetes
Fibromyalgia
Cystic Fibrosis
Autoimmune Disease
Chronic Pain
Severe Depression & Chronic Pain
Lyme Disease related material
Dementia-related discussions
Holistic and Alternative Healing
Detoxification
Angel & Essiac Tea
Healing Within Yourself
Heart Smart Plan
Holistic Angel
Living in Longevity
Naturopathic Directory
Deflame Diet
Various nutrition and wellness articles
Personal Journeys and Survivor Stories
The site contains hundreds of stories from cancer survivors, caregivers, patients, and people facing major life challenges. Examples include:
One Patient’s Experience
Survivor Quest
Your Own Kind of Beautiful
La Pine’s Remarkable Journey
Numerous patient profiles and recovery stories
Spiritual, Philosophical, and Inspirational Content
The Spirit Within
Angel’s Awakening
Native American Belief
I AM The Universe
The Theory of Everything
The Documentary Heaven
World Peace
Soul Purpose
Transformational Well Being
Many reflections on grief, resilience, meaning, and personal transformation
Ken’s Personal Writings
Several posts reveal that Kenneth E. Goubeaux uses the site as a personal journal and educational platform. Topics include:
His father’s battle with bladder cancer and leiomyosarcoma
Perhaps the most important thing about Solitarius.org is that it is not merely a cancer-information website. According to Ken’s own writings, it grew from his father’s long struggle with cancer and from Ken’s desire to create a place people could visit for “answers to cancer,” healing, and meaning. The site’s name itself comes from his father’s lifelong love of the card game solitaire.
Viewed as a whole, the site is not a facade and functions as:
A cancer-information archive.
A survivor and caregiver storytelling platform.
A holistic-health resource.
A spiritual and philosophical journal.
A personal legacy project honoring Ken’s father and others affected by serious illness.
Based on the content publicly visible on Solitarius.org, the site appears to convey several recurring messages rather than a single unified doctrine. The website is organized around health, illness, spirituality, personal growth, alternative perspectives on healing, and human resilience.
Some of the strongest themes are:
1. Healing Is More Than Medical Treatment
The site contains extensive material on cancer, chronic illness, nutrition, detoxification, medicinal cannabis, stem cell research, and holistic health approaches. This suggests a message that healing involves the whole person, not only conventional medicine.
2. Personal Empowerment and Self-Responsibility
Titles such as “Healing Within Yourself,” “Will Yourself to Move,” “Stepping Forward,” and “We Resurrect Ourselves” emphasize personal agency and the belief that individuals can participate actively in their own recovery, growth, or transformation.
3. Hope in the Face of Illness and Adversity
Much of the site’s content focuses on people confronting cancer, chronic pain, depression, and other major challenges. The underlying message appears to be that suffering does not have to be the end of one’s story and that meaning can be found amid hardship.
4. Spiritual Connection and Higher Meaning
Many page titles reference angels, the soul, the universe, purpose, awakening, and spiritual forces. The site often frames healing and life journeys in spiritual terms, suggesting that physical life is connected to a deeper reality.
5. Questioning Mainstream Assumptions through Awareness
Topics such as alternative cancer theories, nutritional medicine, thermograms versus mammograms, and other unconventional health discussions indicate an encouragement to investigate, question, and think independently rather than relying solely on established institutions.
6. Human Stories Matter
Posts often focus on individuals, survivors, caregivers, and inspirational figures. In one example, a featured article emphasizes listening to people’s experiences and treating culture, art, and personal testimony as sources of truth and understanding.
A Mythic Reading
Since you often enjoy symbolic and archetypal interpretations, Solitarius can be read as a modern “wounded healer” archive. The recurring archetype is the traveler who enters illness, loss, confusion, or suffering and seeks transformation through knowledge, spirit, community, and perseverance. The site’s deeper message seems less about disease itself and more about the search for meaning when life becomes uncertain.
Conclusion
The available evidence indicates that the curator of Solitarius.org is Kenneth E. Goubeaux, commonly identified on the site simply as Ken. He appears to be the founder, principal author, and ongoing curator of the site’s extensive cancer, wellness, spirituality, caregiving, and personal-reflection content.
An interesting detail is that the site’s origin story is deeply personal: it is linked to his father, a WWII veteran and lifelong solitaire player, whose struggle with cancer became the symbolic and emotional foundation for the project.
Based on the site’s navigation and the content visible through public indexing, Solitarius.org is a very large, personally curated health, cancer-awareness, healing, spirituality, and life-reflection resource created by Kenneth E. Goubeaux (“Ken”). It combines educational material, personal writings, survivor stories, research links, discussion content, and philosophical reflections.
Maya Gebala her birthday September 20th is a 13‑year‑old survivor of the February 2026 Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia school shooting, who has made remarkable progress in recovery With steady hope.
Background of the Shooting
On February 10, 2026, 12‑year‑old Maya was shot three times — in the head, cheek, and neck — during a mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. The attack, carried out by 18‑year‑old Jesse van Rootselaar, killed eight people, including students, an educator, and the shooter’s mother and half‑brother CBC+1. Maya was airlifted to B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, where she underwent at least five complex surgeriesCBC+1.
Maya, who was shot twice—in the neck and the head—during the rampage that left nine dead and 27 injured, underwent emergency surgery but continues to heal gradually. Surgeons showed the family CT scans with noticeable improvement. Her father described some movement in her right arm and leg and her left eye reacting to light. The family remains cautious but hopeful, taking it day by day.
“The doctors diagnosed a left cranial nerve palsy, specifically involving the third cranial nerve,” he wrote. “This nerve helps control the eye’s ability to move inward (toward the nose) and upward. Because all the nerves work together, they don’t believe this will be completely debilitating; it may just make the eye a little ‘lazier’ than the other.”
Early stage: Maya was unable to move or speak for months after the injury CBC.
Medical progress: She has been treated at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, with her family also considering relocation for ongoing care CBC.
Communication breakthrough: In June 2026, she began using a tablet with a “yes/no” button app to communicate, marking a major step forward CityNews Toronto.
Emotional milestone: In September 2026, her mother, Cia Edmonds, shared a video of Maya saying “Mom” in a raspy voice — a moment Edmonds said she had prayed for for months CHVN Radio.
Recent activities: In September 2026, Maya celebrated her 13th birthday in Vancouver, participating in bowling, air hockey, and attending a Foo Fighters concert, showing significant functional improvement CBC.
Family and Support
Her parents, Cia and David Gebala, have shared updates on social media, describing the journey as “one step at a time” and noting both setbacks and victories CHVN Radio. A GoFundMe campaign launched by Maya’s cousin has raised over $598,000 of a $650,000 goal to support her recovery and her mother’s care GoFundMe.
Current Status
As of the latest reports, Maya is awake, aware, and able to recognize her mother, but still cannot move her body or speak without assistive technology CBC+1. Her family hopes for continued progress, with her mother expressing pride in her resilience and the “miracles” she is showing CHVN Radio.
Key takeaway: Maya Gebala’s story reflects both the severity of her injuries and the remarkable strides in her recovery, supported by her family, medical team, and public donations.
According to court filings, a bullet shattered bone fragments through her brain CBC. She has been awake and aware, recognizing her mother’s voice and face, but has been unable to move her body or speak for much of her recovery CBC.
Recovery Milestones
September 2026: Maya celebrated her 13th birthday in Vancouver, activities including bowling, air hockey, and attending a Foo Fighters concert CBC+1.
Earlier in 2026: Her mother, Cia Edmonds, shared a video of Maya saying “Mom” in a raspy voice — a moment Edmonds described as a long‑prayed‑for milestone CHVN Radio+1.
Edmonds notes Maya is still in hospital, sometimes upset about wanting to go home, but showing “fragments of her blossoming into a version of her former self” CHVN Radio.
Family and Public Support
Maya’s parents have shared frequent updates on social media, highlighting both setbacks and victories CBC+2. A GoFundMe campaign launched by her cousin has raised over $598,000 CAD of a $650,000 goal to support Maya’s care and her mother’s expenses GoFundMe.
Personal Notes from Family
Her mother wrote: “13 looks different but you wear it well… I am watching you become someone new, again and again… Thank you for staying with us”CBC+1. Edmonds also described Maya’s recovery as “one step at a time” and “miracles” CHVN Radio.
In summary:
Maya Gebala’s journey is one of resilience after a catastrophic injury. While her recovery is ongoing, she has achieved significant milestones, including verbal communication, participation in celebratory activities, and public recognition of her strength CBC+2.
She continues to fight with courage that inspires thousands of people around the world.
This little warrior has already overcome so much.
Yet she keeps holding on.
Keeps healing.
Keeps showing everyone what true strength looks like.
There are still hard days ahead.
There are still prayers being whispered every night.
But there is also hope.
Hope for healing.
Hope for brighter days.
Hope for the moment we get to see Maya smile freely again.
Sweet girl, never forget how many hearts are standing beside you every single day.
No matter how long the journey may be, Maya’s story continues to remind people that even after unimaginable pain, the human spirit can still shine through.
Her strength has become something bigger than words — a reminder that courage is not about never being afraid, but about continuing to move forward even when the road feels impossible.
Every update from her family brings another wave of relief, hope, and emotion to the thousands of people who have been praying for her since the very beginning.
And while recovery is still ongoing, one thing has become clear to everyone following her journey:
Maya is not fighting alone.
An entire community — and people from around the world — continue standing behind her, cheering for every victory, every smile, and every step forward.
Keep shining, sweet girl. Your light is reaching farther than you could ever imagine.
There is something incredibly powerful about MAYA’s determination.
Even through the hardest moments, her story continues to inspire hope.
Every small step forward carries meaning and reminds us to keep believing.
MAYA deserves all the love, encouragement, and prayers surrounding her.
May her path ahead be filled with healing, courage, and beautiful days. #maya strong
“It’s not how far you fall, but how high you bounce that counts.” ~Zig Ziglar
What would you do if your bungee cord snapped mid-jump?
In this episode of Believe It or Not, She Fell 365 Feet… and Lived | The Shocking True Bungee Survival Story: we tell the incredible true survival story of Erin Langworthy, a 22-year-old student who fell 365 feet from Victoria Falls Bridge after her bungee cord broke — and survived. She hit the Zambezi River. She was tangled in rope. She had a broken collarbone. And she had to swim to safety in crocodile territory.
Learning: • How fast a 365-foot fall really is • Why water can feel like concrete at high speeds • The science of impact survival • How staying calm can save your life • And the unbelievable reason she says she would bungee jump again, Because she refuses to allow fear define her life.
— A woman fell 360 feet into crocodile-infested waters after her bungee cord snapped.
— Bungee jumping is on countless lifelong bucket lists, with many people dreaming of that exhilarating moment of freedom.
— But it also shows up just as often on the ‘absolutely never’ lists – and the story below may help explain why.
Where did Erin Langworthy do her bungee jump?
On December 31, 2011, 22-year-old Australian tourist Erin Langworthy stepped off the 365-foot Victoria Falls Bridge for what was supposed to be an unforgettable bungee jump. But when her cord suddenly snapped, she plunged headfirst into the crocodile-inhabited Zambezi River, briefly losing consciousness after hitting the water.
Australian traveler Erin Langworthy was exploring Zambia when she decided to take on the challenge of bungee jumping from a bridge, which overlooked the Zambezi River, known for its strong currents and crocodile population.
What was supposed to be a thrilling experience took a terrifying turn when her bungee cord snapped mid-air, sending her plummeting into the rushing waters below.
With her legs still attached to the broken cord, Erin was repeatedly pulled underwater as the rope became caught on rocks and powerful rapids threatened to sweep her away.
Despite suffering a fractured collarbone, bruising, and lung injuries, she managed to free herself and reach the riverbank in a remarkable escape captured on camera.
Footage shared on social media captured the moment Langworthy plunged into the water after the cord gave way.
The woman fell 360ft into crocodile-infested waters when her bungee cord snapped. Credit: Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Travel
Struggling against the powerful current, Langworthy fought to stay afloat as the river carried her downstream.
The fateful day…
But Langworthy could have never imagined the catastrophic event that unfolded the very next day. Despite being a fearful thought for many, over two million individuals have performed bungee jumps in total since the sport’s inception.
The desire for an adrenaline rush is a major motivation for travel, and bungee jumping is a prime example of this trend. And contrary to what most people might believe, the data suggests that women are slightly more likely to try bungee jumping than men.
Miraculously, Langworthy survived her fall, as well as the potential threat of lurking predators.
Erin Langworthy: ‘If I had been over land, I’d have been dead. Luckily, it had rained the day before, so the river was turbulent and full.’ Photograph: Ross Wallace for the Guardian
Speaking about her injuries in a Cover-More Youtube video,
Langworthy recalled: “I was black and blue all over, my lungs were full of blood and water.” She reportedly had to swim with her feet tied together, and was able to free the cord when it got caught on rocks. A staff member from the bungee company managed to rescue her from the river, after which she was rushed straight to a hospital in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Despite Langworthy’s fall occurring at 5:30 p.m., she only arrived at the hospital by 11:00 p.m., where she was placed on a ventilator and administered antibiotics to prevent infection.
What injuries did she sustain?
Medical professionals treated the young woman for injuries, such as partially collapsed lungs, and monitored her condition due to concerns over the contaminated water she had ingested.
Fortunately, X-ray results confirmed that she had not suffered any broken bones.
Erin Langworthy miraculously survived the fall and the potential threat of lurking predators. Credit: Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Travel
In an interview with The Guardian, Langworthy recalled: “I started coughing up blood and began to worry about internal injuries. I just felt exhausted and struggled to process what had happened.”
The bungee company later visited the woman in the hospital to apologize for the accident and expressed astonishment that she had survived such a dangerous incident.
What is the likelihood of surviving a bungee jump cord snap?
According to experts, the likelihood of surviving a bungee jump cord snap is extremely low due to the direct impact with the ground.
Modern bungee jumping has a very low fatality rate – about 1 in 500,000 jumps – but these odds are for the sport as a whole, not specifically for a cord snap.
The low overall fatality rate is a testament to the industry’s strict safety precautions, including equipment inspection and fully-trained staff.
Erin Langworthy fought for her life for 6 hours on the floor of the Zimbabwe jungle after a devastating drop into crocodile-infested waters while her limbs were tied together. This is her miraculous and treacherous story. The Treacherous Vacation Story of Erin Langworthy | Spooky Journaling
The Horrifying Fall
Image Credit: Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
A video capturing the incident shows the terrifying moment Langworthy hit the water with immense force. The Zambezi River, known for its fast-moving currents and crocodile inhabitants, presented immediate dangers beyond her injuries.
Langworthy later described the bungee jumping moment in an interview, saying, “I was completely black and blue, my lungs were filled with blood and water.” The impact left her disoriented, yet she summoned the strength to stay afloat as the river carried her downstream.
The Fight for Survival
Battling the river’s current, so badly injured, Erin faced a dire situation. Her internal injuries included partially collapsed lungs, and she risked severe infection from the dirty river water she had swallowed. Miraculously, a staff member from the bungee company rushed to her rescue, pulling her from the crocodile-laden waters.
“I just felt drained, like I couldn’t comprehend what had just happened,” Langworthy later reflected.
The Road to Recovery After Her Bungee Jumping Incident
Image Credit: Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Erin was immediately transported to the hospital in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Their medical team worked for hours to stabilize her. Miraculously, though her lungs were badly damaged, x-rays showed that she had not broken any bones. After such a high fall, this was extremely lucky of her.
Doctors were more concerned about severe infection, given her injuries and the water she was washed away in. “Coughing up blood was terrifying,” Langworthy recounted, underscoring the severity of her injuries and the exhaustion from the ordeal. The long journey to the hospital—lasting nearly six hours—only added to her distress.
The Aftermath and Reflection
Image Credit: Pexels
The bungee company’s representatives later visited Langworthy in the hospital to apologize, expressing their shock and disbelief at her survival. Falling from such a height into crocodile-infested waters should have ended in tragedy, yet Langworthy defied the odds. Her story became an inspiration, a testament to human resilience in the face of life-threatening danger.
A Grim Coincidence Just Days Before The Bungee Jump
Image Credit: Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
In a twist of irony, just a day before her jump, Langworthy had jokingly written on a postcard to her mother, “I’m going bungee jumping tomorrow, so I’ll say goodbye now… only kidding!”
Prior to the jump, Langworthy noted that she had jokingly sent a postcard to her mother the day before, in which she wrote: “I’m doing a bungee jump tomorrow, so I’ll say goodbye… only joking!”
The postcard has since become a treasured keepsake in her family’s home, reminding them all of how she was so close to death that day. Her mother has since made it clear that she will never be attempting such a stunt again, tempting fate.
A Miraculous Survival
Erin Langworthy’s survival is nothing short of miraculous.
Erin Langworthy’s survival is nothing short of miraculous. Image Credit: Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
She was treated for her injuries, which included partially collapsed lungs and concerns about the dirty water she had swallowed. Thankfully, X-rays confirmed there were no broken bones.
Langworthy later told the Guardian: ‘I started coughing up blood and began to worry about internal injuries. I just felt exhausted and struggled to process what had happened.”
She revealed how, despite jumping from the river at 5.30pm, she finally arrived at the hospital at 11pm, where she was placed on a ventilator and given antibiotics due to the risk of infection from ingested water.
The bungee company later visited her in the hospital to apologise for the incident, adding that they were ‘astounded’ she had survived.
Langworthy also mentioned that she had jokingly sent a postcard to her mother the day before the jump, in which she wrote: ‘I’m doing a bungee jump tomorrow, so I’ll say goodbye… only joking!’
The postcard has since earned a prized spot on the family’s fridge, but Langworthy insisted her mother is ‘adamant’ that her beloved daughter won’t be thrill-seeking any time soon.
Nervously getting into the correct harness position, the woman is captured in a video pushed just outside of the platform with her legs dangling mid-air.
Despite the terrifying ordeal and significant injuries, she emerged with a story that serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. For thrill-seekers worldwide, her experience is a stark reminder that while the pursuit of adrenaline is exhilarating, it comes with real risks that can change lives in an instant.
A team from Purdue University is investigating a potential discovery of Amelia Earhart’s plane on Nikumaroro Island. The expedition aims to identify the Taraia Object, a visual anomaly in the lagoon, as the missing aircraft.
A Purdue‑backed expedition has traveled to Nikumaroro Island—home to giant coconut crabs up to one meter across—to investigate a possible underwater object believed to be Amelia Earhart’s missing Lockheed Electra 10‑E, while also preparing for the dangers posed by the island’s large, meat‑eating crabs.
Their mission is to investigate the “Taraia Object,” a submerged anomaly detected by satellite imagery that may be the wreckage of Earhart’s aircraft. Modesto Bee+1
Findings are expected to be announced by October 16.
Nikumaroro, part of the Kiribati Republic, is known for its population of coconut crabs (Birgus latro), described as “bird‑eating behemoths” with leg spans up to one meter and the ability to lift objects as heavy as a 10‑year‑old child. These crabs are known to hunt rats and large birds and pose enough risk that the expedition team plans to leave the island before sundown each day.
Why the Crabs Matter to Earhart Theories
One long‑standing theory suggests that Earhart may have survived a crash landing on Nikumaroro but succumbed to injuries, after which coconut crabs scattered her remains. This idea is supported by anecdotal accounts, biological evidence, and historical reports of bones found on the island in 1940.
Expedition Goals
Verify whether the Taraia Object is the wreckage of Earhart’s Lockheed Electra 10‑E.
If confirmed, plan a full archaeological excavation in a future mission.
Navigate environmental hazards including dense vegetation, rats, and the island’s large predatory crabs.
The expedition reflects ongoing efforts to resolve one of aviation history’s most enduring mysteries. Could a crab (or crabs) be responsible for the ultimate demise of one of the 20th century’s great American heroes?
As researchers make their way to the remote Pacific island of Nikumaroro in search of the famed aviator Amelia Earhart, they’ll contend with thick vegetation, rats and giant meat-eating crabs.
Meat-eating crabs?!
Yes, meat-eating crabs. Nikumaroro, an island that’s controlled by the nation of Kiribati, is home to coconut crabs, a species of arthropod that the London Museum of Natural History calls “bird-eating behemoths” that thrive on “isolated tropical islands.”
A giant coconut crab on Christmas Island in 2022. By JohnKarmouche, Getty Images
“Their leg span is up to a meter,” or more than three feet, the museum says on its website, and the crabs, which can live up to 60 years, “have incredible grip strength and they can lift objects the weight of a 10-year-old child.”
The museum describes the crabs, whose scientific name is Birgus latro, as “absurdly large, land-dwelling, bird-hunting crustaceans.” Once fully grown, they can only live on land, and they’re known to hunt rats and large migratory birds, the museum says.
The Taraia Object expedition, which includes researchers from Indiana-based Purdue University, Purdue’s Archaeological Legacy Institute and the Purdue Research Foundation, departed on Oct. 2 and is expected to reach the island by Oct. 12.
They’re in search of the plane that belonged to Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, who went missing in 1937 as they attempted to be the first people to fly around the world at the Equator. (Purdue produced a podcast series about Earhart and the search for her plane.) A new search: Is it her plane? New Amelia Earhart expedition begins
Photo of pilot Amelia Earhart standing by her plane circa 1935. By Getty Images
While the research team is en route to Nikumaroro, communication is difficult. But one member of the team, Steve Schultz, senior vice president and general counsel at Purdue University, indicated that the team is well aware of the danger they pose, saying in an email through the university, “The coconut crabs are one of the reasons we’re leaving the island every night before sundown.”
Meanwhile, at least one theory has Earhart meeting her demise not in a crash, but instead at the hands, uh, claws of the giant coconut crabs, who have an excellent sense of smell and may have detected a wounded Earhart on the beach after a crash landing.
A 2013 article in Smithsonian Magazine, drawing on a story in Environmental Graffiti (a now-defunct online publication), lays out the long-held, if somewhat gruesome, theory that Earhart and Noonan crash-landed their Lockheed Electra 10-E in a lagoon on Nikumaroro and she survived, but was wounded.
The kaveo or coconut crab isn’t a crab but the biggest arthropod. By Patrick Bouvier, Getty Images/iStockphoto
The theory goes that the crabs, whose huge claws are strong enough to crack coconuts open, were drawn to the smell of blood and descended on the wounded aviator, overtaking her and, well, taking her.
Smithsonian Magazine quotes Environmental Graffiti, which wrote: “In 1940, researchers discovered a fraction of a skeleton on the island that matched the description of Amelia Earhart. Now, even more interesting clues are arising that seem to substantiate the idea that this is where she met her demise. The most compelling hypothesis currently under consideration is that coconut crabs overwhelmed her where she lay.”
In 2007, researchers even tried to test the theory, using a small pig carcass to see how the crabs would react, Environmental Graffiti said; the bones, it continued, were quickly removed and scattered by the crabs.
A giant coconut crab beside a coconut that gives a true idea of its immense size. By JohnKarmouche, Getty Images
Christmas Island, Territory of Australia, October 10th 2022: Christmas Island is an Australian Territory located in the Indian Ocean south of Java.
Perhaps the scariest thing about all of this?
Coconut crabs, according to the London Museum of Natural History, aren’t even the world’s largest crabs. The Japanese spider crab, the Monterey Bay Aquarium says, can be as large as 12 feet from claw to claw.
Phaedra Trethan is a national correspondent for USA TODAY, writing about history and Americana. Contact her by email at ptrethan@usatoday.com, on X @wordsbyphaedra, on BlueSky @byphaedra, or on Threads @by_phaedra.
I was stationed on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and there were coconut crabs on that island. They’re not a danger unless you fall asleep in the jungle. Their diet consists mainly of: Coconuts – They use their incredibly powerful claws to tear open coconuts and eat the flesh. Fruits – Especially fallen tropical fruits, including figs and pandanus fruit. Nuts and seeds – An important part of their natural diet. Dead animals – They scavenge carcasses, including dead birds, fish, and other crabs. Small animals – Occasionally rats, birds, turtle hatchlings, and other small creatures. Other coconut crabs – They sometimes practice cannibalism.
Coconut crabs are endangered in most inhabited islands that are part of their habitat. They hide from humans. When they are smaller, birds prey on them. They are a delicacy that are often kept for months by some Pacific Islanders as they are fed before being roasted for their wonderfully sweet meat. Has this guy from Purdue actually been to Micronesia before?Reply(4)
Parker Wynk, joined by his teammates Jake Klosterman (11) and Noah Talmadge (0), leads the Bulldogs through the tunnel and onto the field during Friday night’s homecoming game against Bath. Photo by Paige Sutter/The Daily Standard
A Homecoming Miracle
Parker Wynk returns to walk on Senior Night
By Gary R. Rasberry
CELINA – Fifty days from being taken off the Celina Stadium field on a stretcher with concerns of not being able to walk again, Parker Wynk on Friday walked across the field for Senior Night and Homecoming. The Bulldogs defeated the Wildcats 42-0.
“It’s really nothing short of a miracle,” said Parker’s mother, Sierra Wynk, during a Zoom interview this week with Parker and father Gary Wynk. “We are so, so incredibly grateful to God and everyone for just fervently praying, without ceasing, honestly, for this entire time that we’ve been here (in Columbus).”
The Celina senior’s story of going from initial paralysis to making the walk across the field is one of emotion.
On Aug. 21 in the season opener with St. Henry, Wynk was trying to recover a fumble near the goal line, collided with another player and did not get up.
Coaches, trainers and medical personnel ran onto the field. Parker asked for his parents when he was unable to move.
Paramedics from the Celina Fire Department immobilized Parker to a backboard and stretcher and took him to Mercer Health in Coldwater, then he was transported to Dayton Children’s Hospital and later the Wexner Medical Center on the campus of Ohio State University.
It was discovered that Parker had spinal stenosis, the narrowing of the spinal canal that could lead to spinal damage. A laminoplasty, a procedure to widen the spinal canal on the cervical spine portion of the neck to relieve pressure, was performed.
“Before the surgery, Dr. Xu (who performed the procedure) was really, really happy about it, he was like very confident,” said Sierra.
“And he was really nice to me, and he was like saying that this is going to go super good. The next day after he was like, you’re a super strong kid, I know you’re gonna make a really good recovery,” interjected Parker.
Wynk and his senior teammates walk onto the field for the coin flip. Photo by Paige Sutter/The Daily Standard
“So that was really encouraging to him,” continued Sierra. “But this other doctor that was with them told Parker he’d probably be in a wheelchair for a very long time. And so that was really discouraging to him.”
Slowly, but surely, things began to improve for Parker once he moved from Wexner to the Dodd Rehabilitation Hospital in Columbus.
“Whenever I was able to move my fingers, that’s when I felt like I would (be OK). I was like, really scared,” said Parker. “I wouldn’t be able to move my hands, and whenever I was able to move my fingers and legs it gave me motivation, because I knew everything I wanted to do would be possible, so that helped me definitely.”
Eventually, short steps led to longer walks, with someone holding a special belt to keep Parker from falling. Walks on the floor and climbing flights of stairs became part of his therapy.
“Four to five weeks ago, we didn’t know where we would be and if it would actually be possible,” said Gary. “I mean, we kept on praying to get Parker to the point that he can walk back on the field. Prayers did come true.”
The doctor who initially gave the pessimistic long-term prognosis was very happy.
“He was like, ‘This is awesome. This is what makes us love to work in this field to see this type of progress,’ ” said Parker. “Whenever we were at Wexner, he did my test, and he was like, ‘I feel like you’re gonna be in a wheelchair for a very long time.’ Now he sees me walking in the hallways, and he’s always super impressed and can’t believe it.”
The support for Parker poured in. Family, teammates, classmates and coaches visited whenever possible.
At top left, Celina football players surround their teammate Parker Wynk to pray before walking onto the field Friday night. Photo by Paige Sutter/The Daily Standard
“It helps take your mind off, like if you’re not having a good day, it helps you bring your day up and then makes you happy,” said Parker about the visits from back home. “It makes you ready to go to therapy and get better so you can get back to hanging out with them normally.”
Area schools showed their support. Many football teams wore helmet stickers bearing Wynk’s No. 8. In the pregame before Celina’s Week Two game with Wapakoneta, Redskin players and coaches wore T-shirts with a green No. 8 on the back.
Businesses around Celina had Wynk’s name and number painted on windows, with support for his recovery and return home added to business signs. Numerous businesses ran fundraisers or promotions to help defray the family’s costs of travel and medical bills. T-shirt makers created special designs, restaurants held Parker Wynk days or sold Bulldog Pride drinks, and multiple vendors donated efforts to a special tailgate Aug. 28 that brought the Celina and Wapakoneta communities together to support Parker and his family.
Wynk, his father, Gary Wynk, and former coach Roy Pifer make their way through Bulldog alley greeting fans. Photo by Paige Sutter/The Daily Standard
The visits and notes didn’t just come from local supporters. Lieutenant governor and former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel visited. Current Ohio State coach Ryan Day and Buckeye football players also stopped by as part of the Buckeyes’ tradition of visiting patients the day before games. Cincinnati Bengals Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins sent autographed jerseys, other NFL players sent letters, and colleges sent care packages.
Wynk meets the Ohio State running backs Sept. 26 in Columbus. Photo by Paige Sutter/The Daily Standard
“It’s really cool. The (Ohio State players) visiting me and the schools sending me cards and stuff. It helps motivate me to want to work harder,” said Parker
Former Ohio State football player Tyson Gentry, who suffered a spinal injury during a scrimmage that left him in a wheelchair, also visited. Gentry’s New Perspective Foundation helps families of spinal injury patients with travel expenses. That allowed some of Parker’s relatives from outside Ohio to be able to visit him in Columbus.
Then there are the family, friends and neighbors that have done the little things to make sure Gary and Sierra could focus on Parker’s recovery.
“Old friends of mine from school, Sean and Karen Steinbrunner, live about a half-hour away,” said Gary. “They’ve always opened their house to us if we need showers. They’ve brought meals to us about 56 times already.”
“Our friends, family and neighbors have just supported us in taking our kids (Gianna, who plays soccer for the Bulldogs, sister Channing and brother Hudson) places, letting our dog out,” continued Sierra. “Our neighbors walked our dog, mowed our grass and did our garbage.”
“Pastor Craig (Flack) and Pastor Brad (Seeger, from Celina First Church of God) came several times to see us. Our church community has been amazing,” added Gary.
“It’s been nothing short of amazing,” said Sierra. “We’re so, so thankful to everyone.”
When the Wynks were able to bring Parker home for a day visit in late September. Students from Tri-Star Career Compact built a wheelchair ramp to allow Parker to enter the house easily.
Tri-Star Career Compact students build a ramp at the Wynk residence. Photo by Paige Sutter/The Daily Standard
Then on Thursday, the day before Senior Night and Homecoming, Parker came home to stay. He will travel to Dublin three days a week to continue his rehabilitation therapy.
Parker, who needed just one credit to graduate, has been able to keep up with school work with an online English course.
The Wynks plan on meeting with the school to see about the rest of the school year. The hope is that by the third quarter, Parker will be able to attend classes between his continued therapy sessions. Parker also plans on walking to receive his diploma come graduation next spring.
When asked what he would offer to others who have gone through what he has gone through, Parker didn’t hesitate. “I would definitely tell them don’t lose hope and never stop fighting and attack every day’s therapy like it’s your last,” said Parker.
“I feel like today, I was walking even better than I was yesterday. So just feel the more, the harder you work, I feel like, the easier everything gets, and I’ll definitely tell them if they believe in God, pray, and He’ll give you peace and strength to get through this.”
Lindsey Vonn Shows Off Scar Update During Intense Workout: ‘Keep Getting Better and Stronger’
As my eyes fill with tears (not ideal while doing intervals on the bike ), I can’t quite put into words what this means to me. @TIME was always one of my mom’s favorite magazines. I can still see her in bed in Minnesota, reading each issue intently—ice cream in hand. I know she would be proud.
I never could have imagined, even in my wildest dreams, that my life would lead me here. I’m just a girl from Minnesota who wanted to ski fast. But this cover means I’ve done a lot more in my life than just ski fast. People might not know what I’ve done on the mountain, but they know that no matter how many times I fall, I will always pick myself back up, and I hope it inspires others to do the same!
At 41, Lindsey Vonn is still chasing dreams, still pushing limits, still believing in what’s possible.
My hope is that anyone reading this remembers: never give up on yourself.
No matter what happens next, I’ve already won—because I’ve followed my heart, my passion, and my purpose. Never stop dreaming.
Lindsey Vonn hasn’t said what’s next for her professionally, but she’s continuing to work her way back into shape after suffering a devastating injury at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Vonn shared a video of her rehab via Instagram on Sunday, September 13, in which she was hard at work in the gym, lifting weights and getting her cardio in.
“Feel like I’ve been running around all over the place lately… but I always try to keep a good balance of work and living my [life] to the fullest,” she wrote in the caption. “One thing I won’t skip on is my training though. Worked very hard to get here and will keep working hard to keep getting better and stronger. #onestepatatime.”
Vonn sported a noticeable scar running down the lower half of her left leg, one of the remnants from the complex tibia fracture she suffered in Italy and the subsequent complications that nearly led to her losing her left leg.
“I still have another surgery, so I’m trying to get as strong as possible,” she said. “And once I get my ACL, then I’ll have another long road ahead of me. But for now, I feel great, and I’m very thankful for that.”
She continued, “I’m hoping that I can have the [ACL] surgery in November, but it’ll be in the winter sometime, and then it’ll be another nine months until I’m fully recovered from that, so I can’t really look beyond that. I don’t really know what the future holds, but like I said, I’m just thankful for where I am right now.”
Vonn was up and walking at the US Open after using a wheelchair and crutches in the early stages of her rehab.
In April, she opened up to The Athletic about her rigorous rehab schedule.
“It’s a lot of rehab. Wake up at 7:30, breakfast at 8, 9 to 11 is rehab at my house,” she said. “I have a little break, eat some food. Go to a hyperbaric chamber. Do about two hours with decompression in the hyperbaric, and then I come back and have a little break. And then usually work out from, like, 5 to 6:30, little break, shower, dinner.”
Lindsey Vonn Shares Defiant Recovery Photo
Lindsey Vonn has released a powerful new photo on social media, declaring her unwavering resolve to return from the devastating injuries she suffered at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Posted on Monday evening, March 30, 2026, the footage shows the skiing icon intensely focused on her rehabilitation as she battles back from a complex leg fracture that nearly resulted in amputation.
Despite the grueling physical toll of five surgeries and a long recovery ahead, Vonn’s message to her followers was one of pure grit, stating that no matter how hard she gets knocked down, she will always find a way to get back up. The video has quickly gone viral, serving as a testament to the legendary “Speed Queen’s” legendary resilience and her refusal to let a heartbreaking Olympic finish be the final chapter of her storied career.
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