When I revealed my breast cancer recurrence to my social media followers, I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and thoughtful gifts. Many individuals reached out via direct message, sharing their own health experiences, which felt truly meaningful. However, I was taken aback by the numerous “hey, girl” and “hey, friend” messages offering supposed “cures” for my cancer from MLM consultants.
I’ve encountered these types of messages before. As someone who manages type 1 diabetes, I often receive unsolicited DMs promoting shake mixes, supplements, and essential oils that claim to be the solutions for my autoimmune condition. While my illness lacks a medical cure, it seems that an MLM company has the answer! All I need to do is try a roll-on oil, a special vitamin derived from an obscure tree bark, or commit to a daily green smoothie, and my health issues would vanish.
Equally frequent are messages from MLM representatives eager to entice me to join their sales team. They promise deep discounts, free products, and the chance to attend uplifting conferences filled with camaraderie and product knowledge. They invite me into their “tribe” (a term that carries its own set of issues) and claim that I can make a difference in others’ lives.
Thanks, but no thanks. I refuse to let anyone exploit my health struggles for their financial gain. It’s disturbing, to say the least. MLM representatives are not qualified medical professionals, yet they assert they can assist patients like me facing serious health challenges. They inundate us with feigned empathy, then promise a quick escape from our ailments. How could we resist something that’s labeled as natural or organic? They’re peddling hope in various forms.
I’m not against proven solutions. I take several supplements every day, all recommended by a registered dietitian—a genuine healthcare professional with extensive training and education who bases her recommendations on solid research. I enjoy a homemade green smoothie or juice daily, which I believe helps boost my energy and hydration. I even own an essential oil diffuser and take Epsom salt baths while carefully reading product labels before using them at home.
That said, I won’t dismiss the extensive medical research that supports effective treatments for my conditions. For instance, if I skip my insulin for even a single day, it could be life-threatening. Deciding to forego chemotherapy for a vitamin blend “suggested” by a random person online would undoubtedly lead to regret.
I plan to continue exercising, meditating, journaling, praying, and taking my vitamins. However, I won’t sacrifice sound medical advice from actual doctors for a capsule of crushed herbs recommended by someone I’ve never met.
I’m weary of MLM representatives (what does that even mean?) trying to profit from my health issues. They don’t genuinely care about me; they see me as a chance to earn money. They aren’t trying to help—they’re trying to use me. I ignore their messages because engaging with their ableist notions drains me further. I need to conserve my energy for my health battles.
While I can see through their tactics, I worry that others may not. Some might actually be swayed by individuals like Essential Oil Edna or Supplement Sarah, ignoring the harsh realities in favor of unproven, overpriced products. It’s comforting to have a woman-to-woman conversation and be offered something seemingly gentler than, say, radiation therapy. But life isn’t a feel-good movie where a miracle occurs, and everyone’s health is restored. A serious diagnosis demands real support—from qualified medical professionals who have dedicated years to their education.
Just because I’m unwell doesn’t mean I need an exercise regimen or life coaching. When I need assistance with medical trauma and anxiety, I consult a licensed therapist. If I want to adjust my exercise routine, I seek advice from physical therapists or fitness experts who have experience with patients like me. I’m not interested in funding someone’s side hustle, especially when their qualifications are minimal or nonexistent.
My father, a former salesman, always reminded me that if something seems too good to be true, it usually is. Anyone claiming they can cure me is lying. Because if they truly had the solution for my autoimmune disease, cancer, or anxiety, they wouldn’t be working for a few dollars a day in a pyramid scheme. They wouldn’t be sliding into my DMs or persistently reaching out to me.
Ultimately, I want these MLM opportunists to understand that I won’t be their experiment, nor will I join their ranks to turn my illness into their profit. I wish they would redirect their energy toward genuine fields that help people manage and heal from their ailments. Until then, unless they are certified medical professionals whom I choose to let into my life, they should keep their distance. I won’t engage with their pseudo-science—I have a fight ahead of me.
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Summary:
In this article, I discuss the unsolicited MLM messages I received after announcing my cancer diagnosis on social media. While I appreciate the support and shared experiences from many, I am frustrated by MLM representatives who attempt to exploit my health struggles for profit. I emphasize the importance of relying on genuine medical advice and professionals instead of unproven products and claims.
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