From uncomfortable skirmishes to full-on battles for their life, this group of 40 and 50-something women had each fought the system that is supposed to heal yet found themselves scarred in some way—either physically or financially.  Instead of giving up or feeling ill-equipped to battle the healthcare giant, these women have chosen to fight back by focusing on wellness instead.

“My friends and I don’t talk about what not eat…we talk about what things we should be eating,” said one woman.  “We are much more about preventative measures.”  “I teach water aerobics to seniors several days a week—as much to help myself as them,” said a women suffering from a degenerative disease that even Mayo doctors admitted they couldn’t help her fight.

Holistic medicine.  Alternative forms of treatment.  Exercise.  Healthy eating.  Rest.  Relaxation.  Information.  Advice.  These are their weapons of choice.    Of course, laughter, wine and a girlfriend getaway every now and then don’t hurt either.

For these women, a sliver of trust still exists between them and their doctors. They generally believe their diagnosis and treatment recommendations, but they are left to wonder if other options exist.  They also wish that insurance companies would cover those alternatives.  In the end, they all agree they have to be their own advocates and to seek out and follow the path that seems right to them.  Given their level of energy and confidence, I’d say they were on the right road.