When I revealed my breast cancer recurrence to my social media followers, I was overwhelmed with supportive messages and thoughtful gifts. Many women reached out to share their own health experiences, and it felt meaningful to connect over our struggles. However, I was taken aback by the influx of “hey, girl” and “hello, friend” messages from MLM representatives offering me “miracle cures” for my cancer.
As someone with type 1 diabetes, I’m no stranger to these kinds of DMs. I often receive offers for shake mixes, supplements, and essential oils that are “guaranteed” (cue the eye roll) to cure my autoimmune condition. While my illness has no medical cure, apparently an MLM company holds the solution! If only I would try a roll-on oil, a high-dose vitamin crafted from obscure tree bark, or commit to a daily green smoothie, I could be free from my illness.
In addition to treatment offers, I also get messages encouraging me to join their sales teams. They promise discounts, free products, and access to motivational conferences. They say I could become part of their “tribe” (let’s not even get started on how problematic that term is) and positively impact others’ lives.
Thanks, but no thanks. I refuse to let anyone exploit my health struggles for their financial gain. It’s disheartening. MLM representatives aren’t medical professionals, yet they claim they can assist patients like me who are grappling with serious health issues. They bombard us with false empathy, promising a quick escape from our ailments. Who wouldn’t want to try something natural or organic?
I’m not against proven solutions. I take a variety of supplements each morning, all of which have been recommended by a registered dietitian—a real healthcare professional with a degree and extensive training who only suggests products backed by scientific research. I enjoy making my own green smoothies or juices daily, and I genuinely believe that my homemade concoctions help boost my energy and hydration. I even have an essential oil diffuser and soak in Epsom salt baths, always reading product labels before using anything in my home.
However, I won’t disregard the years of medical research that have established effective treatments for my conditions. For instance, if I skip my insulin just once, it could be the end for me. Opting for a vitamin concoction “recommended” by Sarah from Texas instead of chemotherapy would undoubtedly lead to regret.
I’ll continue to exercise, meditate, journal, pray, and take my vitamins, but I won’t sacrifice common sense or the guidance of actual doctors for a capsule of crushed herbs that someone claims will eliminate my cancer cells.
I’m fed up with MLM advocates (what even is that title?) trying to profit from my health challenges. They don’t really care about me; they see me as a means to an end. Their messages drain my energy, which I need to conserve for my health journey. I refuse to engage with them because their ableist messages are exhausting.
I see right through their tactics, but it angers me that others might not. Some individuals may actually heed the advice of Essential Oil Emily or Supplement Samantha, ignoring the harsh realities and jeopardizing their health by purchasing unproven, overpriced, and unregulated products. While it’s comforting to have woman-to-woman discussions, my life is not a Hallmark movie where miracles happen, and health is restored effortlessly. A serious diagnosis requires straightforward support in the form of genuine medical advice from professionals who have dedicated years to their education.
Just because I’m facing health challenges doesn’t mean I need an exercise coach or life mentor. For help with the emotional toll of medical trauma, I consult a licensed therapist. If I want to adjust my exercise routine, I seek advice from physical therapists or exercise specialists experienced in working with patients like me. I’m not looking to fund someone’s side hustle—especially when they have minimal education and experience.
My father, a former salesperson, always reminded me that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Anyone claiming to have a cure for my condition is misleading me. If they truly had the solution for my autoimmune disease, cancer, or anxiety, they would be celebrated worldwide, not working for a few bucks a day for a pyramid scheme. They wouldn’t be sliding into my DMs or persistently reaching out to me.
Ultimately, I want these MLM opportunists to realize that I won’t be their experiment, nor will I join their ranks to boost their income. Instead of trying to exploit my health battles, I wish they would pursue careers that genuinely help people manage and heal their illnesses. Until you are a licensed medical professional whom I choose to let into the intimate aspects of my life, please keep your distance. I won’t be responding to your pseudo-science. I have a real battle to fight.
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Summary:
The author shares her experience of announcing her breast cancer recurrence on social media, highlighting the influx of supportive messages as well as unsolicited MLM offers for “cures.” She emphasizes the importance of relying on qualified medical professionals rather than MLM representatives who exploit health issues for profit. The article advocates for informed choices based on proven medical research and cautions against unregulated products.
Keyphrase: MLM exploitation in health
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