Aliana

Early in the month of March of 2004 one of my dearest friends walked through my door on a Friday night with a video tape in hand and said 'You have to see this." As she put the tape into my VCR she said 'I like the Modern Primitive, but I think you are going to like the Naturist. You're kind of crunchy like that." I wasn't quite sure what she meant, but I had an idea. After the first run of the tape, I asked if we could watch it again. I wanted to catch more of the subtleties of the program and wanted to hear what Avocado had to say again. As the tape rewound I told my friend 'I understand what you mean. Yes, I am crunchy, but I'm not that crunchy!" She looked at me and replied 'No you're not that crunchy, but I can see you getting there." That was my introduction to Mad Mad House, Mr. David Wolfe and the Raw Food Lifestyle.

I already preferred an organic vegetarian diet, yet in all my twenty years in local whole foods markets and health food stores, I had never heard of such a thing as going raw. By March 21st, after watching Mr. Wolfe on Mad Mad House for a few more episodes and initiating research online in regards to living a raw life, I decided that I was going to work towards a lifestyle of being as raw as I could comfortably get. I also convinced my 'die hard carnivore" friend, as she would describe herself, to join me in this pursuit. Never could we have imagined so much happening in such a short period of time.

All through April and the beginning part of May I watched her grow thinner and she watched me grow younger, yet the most amazing things were happening internally.

At the beginning of January of 1998 I began to suffer extraordinary unrelenting degrees of pain daily. From that time until the end of April of that same year (a total of four months) my life consisted of a battery of NSAIDS and prescription narcotics. I would take as much as 4800 mg of ibuprofen in a day (that's twice as much as the recommended maximum allowable dosage) without thinking about it and without much relief at all simply out of desperation. I also took acetaminophen, naproxen sodium, darvocet, percocet and demarol (the demarol was for two weeks after surgery) while the doctors went about trying to figure out what my problem was. The doctors didn't like giving me the narcotics and I didn't like taking them. The percocet made me nervous because after the third day I would have to begin doubling the dosage each day thereafter to find relief and was concerned about becoming addicted to it. I didn't like the darvocet because it made me nauseous, left me in a stupor and didn't provide the relief the percocet did. It took two darvocet to get enough relief to make it worth taking them, yet the doctors didn't want to prescribe them. There were countless numbers of times that I would sit counting how many pills were left in my bottle in order to calculate how long it would be before I began to suffer the full ramifications of what ailed me. As I counted those pills I would weigh in my mind whether or not to take two or just take one and wash it down with a beer, against the warnings on the bottle, just so I would have one more pill that would help to get me through just a few more hours. I spent my weekends laying down the entire time just so I would be able to give my body a rest from all the drugs I took to get through the workweek. The quantities of NSAIDS I consumed left me concerned for my other healthy organs, such as my liver, but without the narcotics it was the only option I knew. The only time I felt relief was by laying down, but I didn't have the luxury of doing that all the time. I had a child to take care of and a job to go to in order to keep us sheltered and fed. As it was, I missed over 500 hours of work that year. I was diagnosed with endometriosis.

Conventional medicine would have us believe that the only cure for endometriosis is menopause whether it comes on naturally or otherwise. The race was on. I set within myself the determination that I would make it to menopause naturally with all my reproductive organs exactly where Sunfood Nutrition chose to put them! After all, I'm too young to consider a hysterectomy as an option. I would rather suffer and suffer I did. My reality from that point on was one of constantly being on guard against high stress situations (endometriosis is very stress sensitive and causes a great deal of pain if one allows one's stress levels to elevate too much). I even quit my previous job because of the stress involved with it. I regularly carried with me at all times a bottle of ibuprofen as well as valerian, skullcap and passionflower. I soaked in hot baths every night in meditative states to create as much calmness in my life as possible. All of this wasn't an option. It was survival. I wanted to keep things as naturally as possible and felt that the herbs would be kinder to my system than the pharmaceuticals would. In addition to my battle with pain, I had emotional issues to deal with. Endometriosis causes excessive hormonal imbalances. Every month for some odd number of days I became a different person. I became very negative, easily agitated and hostile. I am typically a very optimistic, productive, social individual with a true love of life. I don't just stop and smell the roses. I stop, smell the roses and then take the time to thank the rose bush for sharing its beauty with me. Although the process gave me the ability to empathize with individuals suffering clinical depression, I didn't like the person the endometriosis created in me. I could shield others from it by keeping my mouth shut and by trying to avoid interactions as much as possible, but I couldn't escape my own head. Even though I knew it was the endometriosis and not me, it was difficult to see what it caused me to become. I liked who I was. I didn't want to give her up. I also still had the psychological effect of a potential hysterectomy that I didn't want looming over me as well. I was very concerned about whether or not I could make it the next 20 some odd years like this.

I am not 100% yet. I am still transitioning, slowly but steadily in order to insure my personal success with this. I currently stand in the high ninety percentiles with the intention of someday being 100% raw.

Two weeks ago the President of our company, a man I have worked for and with for the past 4 ½ years, told me that for the past couple of months I looked like I was feeling better. He told me that every month he could see when I was having difficult days and that for the past two months he hadn't seen that. I knew I was feeling better, but I didn't know that it was enough for other people to notice. He gave me validation that what I was experiencing on the inside was having a positive effect on the outside. It wasn't just me and my perception of things. Physiological improvement was really happening! I told him it was the food. I could see this concept was outside his belief system, but he had difficulty not believing it as well because he had living proof standing right in front of him. Although the endometriosis is not completely gone, I can feel it healing.

Each and every single day I thank all the powers on every plane of existence both directly and indirectly responsible for brining me to the awareness of Mr. Wolfe and all he has to share. I am so grateful to him for giving me the best most wonderfuly valuable gift anyone possibly could. He gave me back me! He gave me the person I like. He also set me free from another 15 years of oppression. I no longer concern myself with whether or not I'll make it to menopause. I know I'll make it to menopause. The doctors can keep their hysterectomy! Mr. Wolfe has lifted the chains that weighed so heavily upon me and lifted my spirit filling me with love for him and the raw food lifestyle. There are not enough words of gratitude to express all that this means to me. May every blessing the universe has to offer be bestowed upon Mr. Wolfe and all those who help bring the raw food message to people like me!

Update:

Over nine months after posting this testimonial, I still live NSAID free and am still so humbly filled with gratitude for finding Avocado, it brings me to tears. I know that I'm the one who had to do the work, but someone had to show me the way and that someone is Avocado. He is the bright light that pierced the darkness that surounded me.

Ed Craft

Host/Executive Producer, Magick Mind Radio

Having had an opportunity to talk to many individuals in the field of alternative health and nutrition I truely believe that David Wolfe stands out as one of the world's leading authorities on Raw Food Nutrition. He takes the time to not only study this amazing lifestyle, but actually "practices what he preaches." He has achieved amazing results for himself and is sincerely devoted to helping others to re-discover the Natural World and all of its benefits. I personnaly endorse David's work and hope that you tap into the wonders of Raw Food Nutrition by visiting David at his website or attending one of his lectures.

Margaret Cho

Entertainer

Dear David - You are my hero! I would have loved to meet you in person and hang with all the raw talent. Anyway, I am forever grateful to you for being a pioneer in this fantastic lifestyle. I feel younger and better than when I was younger and better. You really saved my life. I can't wait to read your new book and if anything changes with my schedule, you know I will be right there. Thanks so much!

Catherine Zuppero

Colorado

Thank you immensely for your book, for your dedication to your work, for your intelligence and candor, for the bright, sweet, strong manner in which you guide people to perfect health!!

Matt Amsden

Raw-food Chef

Dear David, I am writing to you today to express my immense gratitude for all you have done to help me. I owe my introduction to the live food lifestyle to your tireless promotion of the cause and for that I will be eternally grateful. Since that day in May of 1998, my life has been enhanced in so many ways, positively and permanently. I will always hold a special place for you in my heart because I truly feel that you have saved my life

Matt Warren

professional Health Coach, Columbus, Ohio

David, You are: a healer, a messenger of truth, a health savior, a life changer, a leader whom multitudes follow, a model for congruency, a visionary, love, amazingly gifted in knowledge, the ultimate inspirer and communicator.

Denise Bundy

Hello David, I felt compelled to share the level of ecstasy that I experienced this last week at the Eden Hot Springs raw-food retreat. It was by far the best week of my life and the best birthday ever! I am sure you constantly receive thanks for the inspiration you give and your ability to motivate but it goes beyond all that. You have a gift for trusting the Universe. Your trust allowed my week to be unbelievable and the feeling hasn't left! I am sitting here in Virginia with this energy flowing at my core, tickling my insides and creating a new awareness in my being. Life is beautiful and I am finally opening up to the possibilities!! Thank you for accepting your role and manifesting beauty in all you touch. Your inspiration will continue to be passed onward by all you touch and you will affect the lives of millions. This I truly believe. I will help you. As the weekend progressed and my special day arrived, I found detaching and trusting gave me the greatest of pleasures. I will write about the week and, one day, share all the details with you. I am sure you had an amazing unmatched experience as well.

Ruby

Hawaii

David, It was such a pleasure to meet you and spend some time with you. You have a radiance and attractiveness that is beyond anything I have ever seen or could have imagined (a majesty), and that is the greatest inspiration one can offer their shining example. What you are doing, through your lectures and Sunfood Nutrition, is an invaluable service. You truly are helping the world to become a more beautiful place.

Bonnie Petrovich

Mass

Dear David, Thank you so much for your workshop in Beverly, Mass. at the end of April. I was very inspired. Since then I have: - Attended my first Byron Katie event (she came to Cambridge, Mass. The following week!-- very useful perspective and approach) - Read your book, The Sunfood Diet Success System (So helpful and uplifting) - Increased my raw plant food consumption, 70 - 80% with some 100% raw days (the more I eat, the more I want) - My daughter is also eating more raw veggies and fruit she will now accept me putting dulse, kale, spinach and more in her salads! - My daughter has increased her commitment to not eating meat (she would have it at her dad's house, now he's buying veggie burgers and hot dogs!) - I have just completed Day 8 of not eating any chocolate (a significant change for me, I'm taking it a day at a time, I'm liking how I'm feeling and I don't want to jeopardize it. Also, the lure of chocolate is lessening). - I have tried some cassia (very pleasant, chocolatey tasting and effective). - I volunteered to teach a one-evening (non) cooking class at my Unitarian church. - I have had experiences of strong, clear energy being positive, warm, truthful, articulate, clear-thinking, comfortably making direct eye contact, offering out-of-the-box ideas, etc. these times feel so completely enjoyable and I notice how people respond to me all-the-more positively. I feel that my Light is shining brighter! I am so grateful to be receiving the information you have extended. I am putting it to use and it is already making a profound difference in my and my daughter's life (and, I suspect, others whose lives ours touch).

David C. Frankel

Public Interest Lawyer, Hawaii

I first met David Wolfe at a 1999 raw food retreat in Maui I decided to step up to the next level with that retreat so I did a 10-day juice fast leading up to that retreat. It was a transcendental experience. David Wolfe was so impressive in his enthusiasm, his vibrancy and knowledge that I took copious notes of his lecture and applied his principles immediately. I purchased The Sunfood Diet Success System and an extra copy to give away to a friend. I have since consulted the Sunfood Diet regularly whenever I needed special guidance. At that retreat I pledged on the May '99 Full Moon that I would stay all raw until the next Full Moon. I have been "all raw" since 1999 and many moons have passed with only a few relapses into the cooked food world. No guilt, only progress. My fondest memory of that retreat is the morning after it was over when David, another retreat participant, Eric, and myself arose at 4 AM to ride to Haleakala Crater for sunrise. I awoke and tried to find the 3-4 others who expressed interest the night before but were still in deep REM mode. I went to David's room and gave a low whistle to which I immediately heard his reply "I'm Ready!, Let's Go!" Of course, our raw food high energy guru would be ready to go! I give thanks to all my teachers, but I feel especially indebted to David for his good works, his writing, his networking and his public service, and I give thanks to the Divine that he was inspired not to join the ranks of the workaday lawyers but to strike out on his path of service. I am physically strong, mentally clear, emotionally balanced and spiritually connected and doing the good work.

Radha

London

Attending David's lecture changed my life and I'd like to express my thanks and gratitude. I am a practitioner or reflexology, Reiki, and Indian head massage, and I recommend the diet, as does my partner; several people have gone raw after hearing what he has to say about raw food.

Maurice Osondu

Dear Mr. Wolfe,
I bought your book - The Sunfood Diet Success System. Even as I'm reading or flipping from page to page in a non-linear way, I must confess that I appreciate your work. I specially thank God for your timeless efforts in bringing this truth to mankind. He endowed you with this knowledge and gave you the ability to impart or bring it even to the ignorant and gullible mind. So many a people have known this truth before now, or before you, yet not all could be able to reveal it in a clear and better understanding to others. May I say I thank God for everything. My heartfelt thanks goes to all other lovers of truth. Thank you!

J.W.

David-
Thanks for the incredible amount of inspiration. You saved my life! Your words are eloquent and holy. You embody true compassion and spiritual power that the world has been anticipating for two thousand years! The fact that you are able to extend yourself in so many directions to support the growing movement is monumental- just the kind of momentum that we need! Thanks for pioneering the new age of innovation. My heart and soul is with you!

Elaine Love

Pure Joy Living Foods

David,

Thank you so much for sending the angstrom minerals up to Harbin for me. I've got to tell you, they are amazing. I find myself being hungry but for nothing because my body is not craving anything in particular. I feel great, and have no desire to eat a lot of the time. I think these minerals are going to be a breakthrough for me nutritionally.

Thank you so much for finding them and making them available!

Katie and Ken Gomez

Asheville, North Carolina

David, we saw you last night (March 25, 2003) in Asheville, North Carolina and want to thank you so much for coming. We are so grateful for you paving the way for us and for all the wonderful information you have. We have never seen anyone as healthy, with so much clarity, love and LIFE in them before! You are a shining example of what is possible for us all. We've been 99% raw for almost a year now and have been hanging on to 'our cooked food world' afraid to let go of what we've known for over 40 years. Thanks to seeing you we are now going 100% and looking forward to getting younger, healthier, and happier. Thank you for sharing who you are and what you know. You are very much appreciated. Keep up the awesome work you do...it really does make a difference. 'Today is really the BEST day ever.' That is our new mantra!! Thanks David and the crew,we enjoyed all of you...and love the music!

Lana

Tiki Island, Texas

Thank you for all you did to create such a wonderful evening with David Wolfe. It truly was an inspiration....on a day when I needed one. I know my life will be better just because of this one evening. I had heard David speak two years ago, but he is shining even more now. I learned a lot, and lots to think about, and certainly lots to accomplish. I can't thank you enough.