Rewriting the Narrative: Trevor Nigel Lawrence on Health, Healing, and Community
In April 2024, I received news that would change the trajectory of my life. During a teleconference with my urology oncologist, I was told there was a 40% chance I had prostate cancer. The diagnosis, based solely on my age, family history, and PSA results, was delivered without a biopsy. For many, this news might have been paralyzing, but for me, it was a call to action. I refused to accept this as my fate and took control of my health, embarking on a transformative journey that would not only heal my body but also inspire a movement to empower others.
Taking Control: My Whole Food Plant-Based Journey
My first step was to enroll with a naturopathic doctor, but I didn’t stop there. I immersed myself in a Whole Food Plant-Based Lifestyle curriculum, a decision that would profoundly impact my physical and emotional well-being. Through this journey, I experienced a remarkable transformation. I overcame a lifelong sugar addiction, which had contributed to brain fog, cognitive decline, and emotional lethargy. I describe the shift as akin to a “brain transplant,” with renewed mental clarity, energy, and a sense of purpose replacing the struggles I had faced for years.
This personal awakening was more than just a health transformation—it was a reclaiming of autonomy. I realized that I didn’t have to accept the limitations of traditional healthcare or the statistics that often define Black men’s health outcomes. I had the power to rewrite my story.
The Birth of Healing Journey for Black Men
My transformation inspired me to create Healing Journey for Black Men, a platform dedicated to empowering Black men to take control of their health and well-being. Recognizing the systemic barriers and historical mistrust that many Black men face in the healthcare system, I sought to create a safe space for open dialogue, education, and collective healing.
Through Healing Journey for Black Men, I emphasize the power of a Whole Food Plant-Based Lifestyle to prevent, reverse, or eliminate chronic diseases such as obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, and pre-diabetes. I also challenge the over-reliance on misleading medical tests like the PSA and Gleason scale, which often lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Instead, I advocate for addressing the root causes of health issues through natural, sustainable solutions.
My Mission to Heal and Empower
My mission is clear: to empower Black men to leverage their health as an asset. I believe that by taking control of their health, Black men can not only transform their own lives but also heal their families and communities. Through Healing Journey for Black Men, I foster conversations that educate, inspire, and create cultural competency around health and wellness.
My platform also addresses the historical mistrust many Black men feel toward the healthcare system, offering alternative tools and remedies that prioritize prevention and holistic healing. By sharing my own journey, I hope to inspire others to take the first step toward a healthier, more empowered life.
A Ripple Effect of Healing
My story is a powerful reminder that health is not just about the body—it’s about the mind, the spirit, and the community. Through my personal transformation and the creation of Healing Journey for Black Men, I am creating a ripple effect of wellness and resilience. As I often say, “When we heal ourselves, we heal the world.”
Key Takeaways from My Journey:
Take Control of Your Health: My story shows the power of autonomy and proactive decision-making in health.
The Power of Plant-Based Living: A Whole Food Plant-Based Lifestyle can transform physical and emotional well-being.
Challenge the Status Quo: Question misleading medical tests and seek out root-cause solutions.
Heal Together: By sharing our journeys, we can inspire and empower others to take control of their health.
My journey is a testament to the transformative power of resilience, education, and community. Through Healing Journey for Black Men, I am paving the way for a healthier, more empowered future.
