Bob Ellal

This is how the Hollywood version of my story goes: I was diagnosed with terminal lymphoma in 1991; I practiced Chinese qigong internal energy exercises for a few weeks and was forever cured; I went to the convenience store, bought a lottery ticket and won Powerball; and a few days later Hugh Hefner invited me to live at the Playboy Mansion.

But I have to tell you—it didn’t work out that way.

It took me four tries to beat bone lymphoma, even though I used the mind/body connection to help my immune system beat the cancer—right from the start. With every relapse I went deeper into this mind/body connection and eventually discovered that the Chinese had been utilizing this vital connection for thousands of years. They called this art “qigong” which means “energy work.”

Miracles happen: spontaneous healings. I certainly believe in them and these occurrences have been documented. Science can’t explain them; they rather fall into the realm of faith.

And even though it took me four tries to beat cancer, my oncologist told me it was a miracle I survived. A miracle that took nerve, will and determination—and a bit of muscle. And a lot of qigong practice.

The mind/body connection is not magic, but it’s a vital tool in anyone’s fight against cancer. This I realized in my seven-year struggle.

And you know, I never won Powerball—but then again, I don’t buy lottery tickets. I am still waiting for that call from Hugh Hefner.