When Matt Krug looked back on his life, he realized he was living in a way that didn’t serve his well-being. “Fast food was my diet of choice, and exercise was rarely on my schedule,” said Matt. “I neglected my emotional health, ran from my fears, and was plagued with anxiety. I lacked self-esteem, a sense of purpose, and a connection to something greater than myself. Over time, this lifestyle took its toll, leading to obesity, high blood pressure, and prediabetes.”
In early 2022, Matt’s life took an unexpected turn. “I was diagnosed with colon cancer,” said Matt. “I had the right side of my colon removed. It was a wake-up call. Determined to make lasting changes, I transitioned to a whole-food, plant-based diet. My body responded well to the shift, and I began to feel better physically. However, exactly one year after my surgery, the cancer returned. This time, it spread throughout my body, and my prognosis was poor. My oncologist informed me that chemotherapy was an option but clarified that it was purely palliative. If I wanted a chance at healing, I had to become my own advocate. I began researching holistic healing approaches, and that’s when I came across the story of Peg Harvey, a woman diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer that had spread to her lungs. She attended a three-week program at OHI and saw vast improvements in her health. She continued her healing journey as a missionary with OHI, and in just 19 weeks Peg showed no signs of cancer. She later went on to become a Program Director and Facilitator at OHI San Diego. Her story resonated deeply with me, and I knew I had to experience OHI for myself.”
Matt arrived at OHI in January 2024 under their scholarship program. “The scholarship was a gift I will always be grateful for,” said Matt. “Without that support, I wouldn’t have been able to afford the three-week stay, which, in many ways, may have saved my life. As I immersed myself in the OHI program, I noticed a shift almost immediately. The overwhelming fatigue that had consumed me began to lift. I felt a renewed sense of vitality, confirming that I was on the right path. But as my final week approached, anxiety crept in. What would happen when I left this safe, healing environment? Would I be able to sustain my progress on my own? I inquired about the Missionary Program, filled out an application, and by the time I returned home, I had received a phone call confirming my acceptance.
In early March 2024, I arrived in San Diego as an OHI missionary, stepping into the next phase of my healing journey.” Matt found serving as a missionary to be a life-changing experience. “Over the next six months, I witnessed even greater improvements in my health — both physically and emotionally,” said Matt.
“The opportunity to practice what I had learned, support others on their healing journeys, and immerse myself in OHI’s mind-body-spirit philosophy gave me a profound sense of purpose. When my missionary term ended, I returned home, but something felt incomplete. Graciously, OHI offered me another opportunity to serve as a missionary, and in December 2024 I arrived at the Austin campus. OHI has become my second home, and I plan to stay involved for years to come.”
Upon reflection, Matt has learned so much as a missionary working in service to others. “OHI’s program supported my physical healing, but I believe that my most significant transformation has come from the emotional and spiritual work I’ve done here. OHI’s classes in Alpha Meditation, Conscious Breathing, and Emotional Detox have provided a foundation for healing that I carry with me every day. Meditation and breathwork have helped me regulate stress, shift out of a fight-or-flight state, and cultivate a healing mindset. I visualize myself as vibrant and full of life. Each meditation strengthens my belief in my body’s ability to heal. Looking ahead, I’m no longer consumed by how quickly I can rid my body of cancer. Instead, I focus on how I can live my best life — filled with joy, love, and purpose. I’m currently training for a marathon this summer and finishing my doctorate in education. I choose to embrace life rather than fear death.
For anyone considering OHI, my advice is simple: Trust the process. Open yourself up to healing on all levels. Healing isn’t just about what you eat—it’s also about addressing emotional wounds, shifting your mindset, and connecting with something greater than yourself. OHI has given me the tools, the community, and the faith to move forward on my journey, and for that, I will always be grateful. I highly recommend the Missionary Program. Give yourself the gift of time at OHI, and you will transform yourself — body, mind, and spirit.”
Thinking about applying for OHI’s Missionary Program? Call us (800) 588-0809.