An email I got today:
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Dear Friends, I’m reaching out to share a very special and urgent opportunity to change the life of one of our rescued sanctuary residents—Opal.
 Opal is a 6-7 year-old female tri-color lemur who came to us through a wildlife trafficking case, where she had previously been used as a breeder. When she arrived, she was blind due to cataracts in both eyes. Despite this, she has shown incredible resilience and trust, adapting to her environment in ways that are both inspiring and heartbreaking.
We now have an opportunity that has never been documented before.
A veterinary ophthalmologist at Fetch Specialty & Emergency Veterinary Centers in Brandon, Florida, is willing to perform cataract surgery on Opal. While this procedure is common in humans and some animals, it has not been recorded in a ruffed lemur. If successful, Opal will not only regain her sight—she will make history.
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To move forward, we must raise $11,000, which includes:
This is more than a procedure—it’s a chance to give Opal the ability to see, to navigate her world with confidence, and to experience life in a completely new way.
 As someone who has supported our mission before, you understand the depth of care and commitment that goes into every rescue. Today, we are asking if you would consider being part of this extraordinary moment for Opal.
Any contribution, large or small, brings us closer to making this possible. If you feel moved to help, please reply to this email or donate here: |
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We will be sharing updates throughout her journey and would love for you to be part of her story.
 Thank you for standing with us—for the animals who have nowhere else to go.
In compassion and action for a kinder world,
Michele Fasnacht SolidRockFlorida.org | SolidRockCommunitySchool.org |
The Fire Within: My Battle with Lupus Inflammation
By Cindy Amick
The Fire Within: My Battle with Lupus Inflammation
Six years ago, my life was consumed by an invisible fire. Lupus had taken control of my body, and chronic inflammation was the fuel that kept this destructive blaze burning. I know firsthand what it feels like when your immune system turns against you, creating a cascade of inflammatory responses that affect every aspect of your existence.
Living with lupus inflammation isn’t just about joint pain—though mine felt like molten metal had been poured into my joints. It’s about waking up feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck, even after a full night’s sleep. It’s about watching your face transform with that telltale butterfly rash, Sjogren’s, feeling the burn of mouth ulcers, and struggling through the mental fog that makes simple decisions feel impossible.
What I didn’t understand then was how inflammation was orchestrating this symphony of symptoms. The inflammatory cascade in lupus releases pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6 throughout the body. These molecular messengers create immune complexes that deposit in tissues, activating the complement system and causing widespread cellular damage through oxidative stress.
The Conventional Path: Symptom Management Without Answers
Like most lupus patients, I was prescribed the conventional treatment protocol. I didn’t want to see a specialist or take any of the medicines after learning about their side effects and worry about long-term health consequences. I didn’t believe they would make me better. The frustrating reality was that the conventional treatments were only managing symptoms, not addressing the root cause.
I found a disease reversal doctor who showed me a natural way to cure myself of Lupus through hyper nourishing, and that prompted me to take the plant nutrition certificate that my doctor had taken to learn how nutrition healed me. I was convinced by what had happened to me that nutrition could play a more significant role than most people realized in helping the body heal itself.
The Turning Point: Discovering Edestin
My breakthrough came when I stumbled upon research about edestin, a protein found in hemp seeds. Unlike the incomplete proteins we have all been told to consume, Edestin contains all essential amino acids in ratios that perfectly match human tissue requirements. This wasn’t just another plant protein that fit the category of ‘superfood’: it was a level above other superfoods—Edestin was a complete nutritional building block that would support my body’s repair processes at the cellular level.
What fascinated me about Edestin was its unique molecular structure and similarity to human protein that make it easily digestible and highly bioavailable, meaning my body could actually use it efficiently. But more importantly, early research suggested that edestin might have anti-inflammatory properties that could help modulate my overactive immune response.
The Edestin Protocol: A New Approach to Inflammation Management
After successfully completing the disease reversal protocol, I decided to completely change my protein source to edestin and developed what I now call the Edestin Diet Protocol. This wasn’t just about swapping proteins—it was about creating a comprehensive nutritional approach that would support my body’s natural healing mechanisms.
The protocol focuses on:
High-Quality Protein Foundation: Replacing food that cause inflammation with a plant based version featuring edestin as the main protein to ensure optimal amino acid profiles, nutrient dense food for super nourishing, tissue repair and immune function.
Hemp-Based Nutrition: Edestin may be the perfect protein for humans but I’ve also incorporated hemp leaf juice powder into my protocol. This powerful juice contains CBDA which has been shown in preclinical studies to be up to 1,000 times more potent than CBD at activating the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor — a key player in regulating mood, nausea, and stress response:
- Anti-inflammatory Properties –Research shows CBDA may be more effective than CBD at inhibiting COX-2, an enzyme associated with inflammation and pain.
- Nausea & Anxiety Relief – Studies indicate CBDA may be significantly more effective than CBD at activating 5-HT1A serotonin receptors, which help regulate nausea, anxiety, and mood.
- Enhanced Bioavailability – CBDA has shown greater bioavailability than CBD, meaning the body can absorb and utilize it more effectively at lower doses.
- Seizure Prevention – Preliminary research suggests CBDA may have anticonvulsant properties that could help prevent seizures, potentially at lower doses than CBD.
- Cancer Cell Inhibition – Studies have shown CBDA may help inhibit the migration of aggressive breast cancer cells, suggesting potential applications in cancer treatment.
- COVID-19 Prevention – Recent research from Oregon State University found that CBDA may bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, potentially blocking the virus from entering cells.
The Results: My Personal Transformation
The changes didn’t happen overnight, but they were profound. Within 5 months of starting the super nourishing diet approach that I learned from my doctor, I saw all my symptoms disappear. My morning stiffness decreased, the brain fog lifted, and my energy levels started returning to normal.
Most remarkably, my inflammatory markers began normalizing. The butterfly rash faded, joint pain became manageable and then disappeared, and my energy was high all day long. I was no longer bedridden and worried I would die. I felt happier. For the first time in years, I felt like myself again. It wasn’t just symptom relief—it felt like my body was actually healing.
The results were so encouraging that I knew I had to understand the science behind what was happening. This led me to pursue formal education in plant based nutrition at Cornell University, where I dove deep into nutritional immunology and the mechanisms by which specific nutrients can modulate inflammatory pathways.
The Science Behind the Success
Through my studies, I discovered why the Edestin Protocol was so effective. The key lies in understanding how proper nutrition can support the body’s natural inflammatory resolution processes.
Optimal Amino Acid Balance: Edestin provides all essential amino acids in ratios that support the synthesis of anti-inflammatory compounds and tissue repair proteins. This gives the body the building blocks it needs to heal damaged tissues and regulate immune responses.
Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators: The GLA in hemp nutrition helps the body produce specialized compounds that actively resolve inflammation rather than just suppressing it. This is fundamentally different from conventional anti-inflammatory drugs.
Antioxidant Support: The chlorophyll and other phytonutrients in hemp leaves provide powerful antioxidant support, helping to neutralize the free radicals that perpetuate inflammatory damage.
Immune System Balance: Rather than suppressing the immune system, the Edestin Protocol appears to help restore proper immune function, allowing the body to distinguish between threats and healthy tissue.
Why Doctors Don’t Know About This Yet
The most frustrating part of my journey has been realizing that most healthcare providers, even the disease reversal doctor who healed me, aren’t aware of these nutritional approaches. Medical education focuses heavily on pharmaceutical interventions, with limited -or no training- in nutritional immunology or the therapeutic potential of specific proteins like edestin. Doctors are not taught about edestin and hemp nutrition in medical school, so they don’t prescribe this kind of diet as a treatment.
This knowledge gap means that millions of people with lupus and other autoimmune conditions aren’t being offered these potentially transformative nutritional strategies. The research exists, but it’s scattered across various fields and hasn’t yet made its way into mainstream medical practice.
That’s why I’m so passionate about sharing this information. I believe that in the coming years, we’ll see a revolution in how we approach autoimmune diseases—moving from symptom suppression and “managing” to nutritional support for the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
The Edestin Difference: A New Paradigm
What makes the Edestin Protocol different from other nutritional approaches is its focus on providing the body with exactly what it needs to function optimally. Instead of trying to force the immune system into submission, we’re supporting its natural ability to maintain balance.
The results I’ve experienced aren’t unique to me. As more people try this approach, I’m seeing similar improvements in energy, inflammation markers, and overall quality of life. The key is understanding that this isn’t just about taking a supplement—it’s about fundamentally changing how we nourish our bodies.
Looking Forward: Hope for the Future
Six years ago, I couldn’t have imagined writing these words. Lupus had stolen my vitality, my hope, and my sense of control over my own health. Today, I’m not just managing symptoms—I’m thriving.
The Edestin Protocol has given me my life back, and my education in plant nutrition has shown me why it works. This isn’t magic—it’s science. It’s the power of giving our bodies the precise nutrients they need to heal and maintain optimal function.
I know there are thousands of people out there struggling with lupus and other autoimmune conditions, following conventional treatments that only manage symptoms. I want them to know that there may be another way. The research is emerging, the results are encouraging, and the potential for transformation is real.
A Personal Invitation
If you’re living with lupus or chronic inflammation, I encourage you to explore the possibility that your protein choice and overall nutritional approach could be key factors in your healing journey. The Edestin Protocol isn’t just a theory—it’s a lived experience that has transformed my health and my understanding of what’s possible.
While the medical establishment catches up to this research, we don’t have to wait. We can start making informed choices about our nutrition today, supporting our bodies’ natural healing mechanisms and potentially discovering the same transformation I’ve experienced.
The journey from lupus to wellness is possible. It starts with understanding that our bodies want to heal—they just need the right nutritional support to do so.
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My Journey to Veganism
I became vegan on January 15, 1998—not as a trend, but as a spiritual and health-conscious choice. My journey was deeply influenced by the writings of Ellen G. White, especially her guidance on health reform and diet. Through her inspired counsel, I came to understand that food is not just fuel, but medicine—and a sacred responsibility.
The Health Reform Message
Ellen G. White clearly warned of the dangers of consuming flesh foods. She stated, “Flesh was never the best food; but its use is now doubly objectionable, since disease in animals is making meat eating a dangerous matter.” (Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 386)
Her message resonated with me profoundly. It wasn’t just about physical health—it was about moral responsibility, compassion, and aligning my life with principles of divine truth.
How Things Have Changed
- Health: I experienced higher energy levels, fewer illnesses, and better recovery after physical exertion.
- Clarity: Mental focus improved. I could think clearer and sleep better.
- Spiritual Life: Eating a plant-based diet helped me feel more in harmony with nature and with God’s original plan for humanity.
This journey is not about perfection but about conviction. Today, I use my skills in digital marketing, web development, and graphic design to help promote brands and causes that align with this lifestyle—compassionate, ethical, and health-centered.
If you’re considering this lifestyle, I encourage you to explore Ellen G. White’s writings on health, especially Ministry of Healing and Counsels on Diet and Foods. You’ll discover timeless wisdom that speaks not just to the body—but to the soul.
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True Justice 4 All a novel…based on reality…unfortunately.
by Patty Leon & Rich Winograd
Human superiority and dominance, the basis of speciesism, is backfiring on humanity. The lack of moral consideration towards non-human animals by exploiting, abusing and unnecessarily killing them, primarily for food and entertainment, is linked to humanity’s own suffering. From chronic diseases and pandemics to human rights abuses, systematic racism, violence and wars to world hunger to environmental degradation and climate change, it’s ultimately the cognitive dissonance of humanity in relation to animals that is to blame. Only when actions are aligned with values will humanity have a chance.
As the Greek Philosopher Pythagoras said in the 6th Century, “For as long as man continues to be the ruthless destroyer of lower living beings, he will never know health or peace. For as long as men massacre animals, they will kill each other.”
Growing up at her Grandma Jan’s animal sanctuary in Western New York, Eliza is privileged from early childhood to have a unique relationship with animals. Learning from her grandmother, an animal rights and social justice activist, Eliza develops keen insight into the lives of animals rescued from animal agriculture and the destructive realities of the food production system on animals, humans and the planet. Now eighteen and preparing to enter college to study veterinary science, Eliza does her own activism, primarily as a tour guide at the sanctuary. Together with the mentorship of her Grandma Jan, the experience of the sanctuary’s dedicated worker Juan and the knowledge of fellow tour guides and friends Cassie and Michelle, Eliza develops a strong voice for social justice as it relates to animals. Her tours and those of her colleagues not only give visitors a chance to get up close with the animals and learn about their natural behaviors, but they offer insightful and poignant information about animal agriculture and its effect on social justice. The subjects of animal rights, human rights, human health, environmental health and the foundation of morality are all woven in to the story with detail and conviction. Just a mile from the sanctuary is a small, family owned dairy farm. After one of the cows wanders off and is taken in by Eliza’s family, a confrontation takes place between Grandma Jan and the owners of the dairy farm. It is a confrontation that progresses into Eliza’s first significant protest and fight against the abuse of animals farmed for food, specifically dairy cows. After the unexpected death of one of her mentors, Eliza’s role in the fight for the cows at the nearby dairy farm is heightened. Her knowledge, fervor and compassion for justice for all sentient beings lead to a resolution that few could have anticipated. True Justice 4 All is an uplifting novel that shares the joys of loving innocent animals with the challenges of fighting for their freedom amidst the atrocities of a food system that cares neither for their innocence nor for their freedom.
“Animals are individuals. Animals have personalities. Animals have the right to live free of human imposed suffering. Seeing animals for who they are and not as commodities and objects is critical to creating a compassionate, non-violent world. These simple truths come shining through in Patty Leon and Rich Winograd’s novel True Justice 4 All. I hope it will be widely read, especially by young adults, as they seek to change the trajectory of a violent and cruel society that exploits, abuses and kills innocent animals.”Hope Bohanec, Executive Director,
Compassionate Living
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