When I revealed my breast cancer recurrence to my social media followers, I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and thoughtful gifts. Along with heartfelt messages, I received a surge of direct messages from women sharing their own health journeys, which was truly an honor. However, I was taken aback by the influx of “hey, girl” and “hey, friend” messages from MLM consultants eager to offer me their so-called “cures” for breast cancer.
As someone living with type 1 diabetes, I’m no stranger to these types of unsolicited DMs. I often receive offers for shake mixes, supplements, and essential oils—each guaranteed (insert eye roll) to remedy my autoimmune condition. While my illness has no medical cure, there’s always an MLM company ready to sell me a miracle solution! If I just use a roll-on oil, a high-dose vitamin derived from some obscure tree, or commit to a daily green smoothie, I could supposedly be free from illness.
Many messages also encourage me to join their sales teams, promising deep discounts, free products, and the chance to attend motivational conferences. They tell me I can be part of their “tribe” (let’s not even dive into the problematic nature of that term) and make a difference in others’ lives. Thanks, but no thanks. I refuse to let anyone exploit my health struggles for their profit. It’s simply unacceptable.
You should be disturbed too. MLM representatives lack medical expertise, yet they claim they can help individuals like me facing serious health challenges. They bombard us with faux empathy and promise a quick escape from our struggles, offering “natural” or “organic” solutions. They are essentially selling hope in a bottle, packet, or vial.
I’m not dismissing solutions that are backed by science. I take several supplements daily, all recommended by a registered dietitian—a real medical professional who bases recommendations on solid research. I enjoy making my own green smoothies and believe they contribute positively to my health. I even use an essential oil diffuser and take Epsom salt baths. However, I won’t disregard extensive medical research that validates proven treatments for my conditions. For example, if I miss a day without insulin, my life would be at stake. Opting for a vitamin concoction “prescribed” by some random consultant would undoubtedly lead to regret.
I’ll continue my routine of exercising, meditating, journaling, praying, and taking vitamins. But I refuse to abandon common sense and legitimate medical advice from qualified doctors for a capsule of crushed herbs offered by Linda from Ohio.
I’m fed up with MLM promoters trying to profit from my health issues. They don’t genuinely care about me; they see me as a potential payday. I don’t respond to their messages as they drain my energy that I need for my health journey. I can see through their tactics, but it infuriates me to think that others might fall for the enticing pitches of Essential Oil Emma or Supplement Sarah and jeopardize their health with unproven, overpriced, and unregulated products.
It’s comforting to engage in a woman-to-woman discussion and be offered something less invasive than chemotherapy. However, real health challenges require real solutions—not a Hallmark movie ending where a miracle restores everyone’s health. Tough diagnoses call for tough love, delivered through genuine medical advice from professionals who have dedicated years to their education.
Just because I’m unwell doesn’t mean I need an exercise plan or a life coach. For help with medical trauma and anxiety, I consult a licensed therapist. If I want to adjust my exercise routine, I seek assistance from physical therapists or fitness experts with relevant experience. I’m not interested in funding someone’s side hustle, especially if they lack the necessary education and experience.
My dad, a former salesman, always reminded me that if something appears too good to be true, it probably is. Anyone claiming to cure me is misleading. If they truly had the answer to my autoimmune disease, cancer, or anxiety, they wouldn’t be peddling products for a few coins 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 predators to understand that I will not be their guinea pig, nor will I allow them to exploit my health struggles for their gain. Instead of trying to take advantage of me, I wish they would pursue careers that genuinely assist people in managing and healing from diseases. Until you are a qualified medical professional whom I trust with my health, stay far away. I refuse to engage with your pseudoscience. I have a battle to fight.
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Summary:
This article discusses the author’s experience of announcing her cancer diagnosis on social media, which led to a flood of unsolicited messages from MLM representatives promoting unproven health products. The author expresses frustration over the exploitation of vulnerable individuals facing health challenges and emphasizes the importance of relying on qualified medical professionals for legitimate treatment options.