“I came to Dana’s Health Retreat in 2020 because I had prostate cancer. Dana instructed me and my wife regarding nutrition and what foods to eat and not eat, and the benefits of juicing. She taught us about hydrotherapy and fever treatments. How Exercise, Sunlight and even our thoughts and thinking patterns all contribute to our health. I have often struggled with negative thoughts. Now I continue to be more consciously aware of my thoughts and doing my best to avoid negative thoughts. This was powerful knowledge that I have found very liberating. It was a wonderful experience to be a Sunny Dawn Acres with Dana and Marty. As I am writing, I have now been officially five years cancer-free. That is an important marker and Dana and her program were part of making that a reality and I am praising God for her tender encouragement and support. Dana’s Retreat was worth every penny and I would do again in a heartbeat if needed.”
– R. S.

​​

​

“I begin working with Dana the day after my diagnosis of breast cancer. Her plan was simple and doable and followed it to the best of my ability. The results were amazing. Not only did the cancer go away, I feel so much better and healthier in every way. I wish everyone could go through her program, even if they don’t have cancer.”
– C. A.

​​

​

“Dana’s Start a New YOU!® Program, held at Sunny Dawn Acres in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, is absolutely beautiful and peaceful. I needed that. I so desperately needed someone who could help me meet my goals, be able to walk with me at my pace, accept my fears of change, my fears of relapse, my pain, and my absolute utter depression. She was all that and more. Every step of the way she was supportive, by my side, and leading. Whenever I needed to physically or mentally stop and regroup, she stopped right along with me. She was quiet and unobtrusive, encouraging and honest, at just the right times. I truly appreciated the morning reflections, the juice cleanse, exercise, cooking classes, and the hikes and walks by the river. And I FEEL GREAT! My entire experience with Dana at Sunny Dawn Acres was one that has changed my life in a way that I have always dreamed. I am grateful for her and that she has cooperated with God to make her dreams come true.” 
– T. C.
​

“The environment at Sunny Dawn Acres is peaceful and simplistic in its beauty, allowing one to really concentrate and enjoy the nutritional teachings of Ms. Dana West. The program assists in breaking food addictions, and awakens the pallet to true tastes. Digestive walks along the flowing creek and rolling mountains allows you to get back into nature while aiding digestion. It is a plan that addresses all aspects of care. Myself, a diabetic, went from blood sugar levels consistently in the 300s to normal in just a week. It was truly amazing!” 
– T. F. 
 

“I attended Dana’s Start a New YOU!® Health Retreat upon the recommendation of my doctor, Tamra Cox. In ten days, I was able to get off prednisone by taking supplements for my adrenal system, get my diabetes under control and off my medication through appropriate diet and exercise, cure a reoccurring UTI without antibiotics, get rid of brain fog, and improve my breathing (I am asthmatic). The atmosphere at Sunny Dawn Acres is very relaxing. The accommodations are excellent. I especially appreciated the individual attention each person receives. The class is small, so there are plenty of opportunities to ask questions. I give Sunny Dawn Acres a 5-star review.” 
– W. F.
​

“It was an absolute privilege to join Dana’s Start a New YOU! Program. I suffer from chronic inflammation, obesity, high blood pressure and kidney disease. I am not a cook, but I enjoyed the cooking classes which gave me confidence that I really can cook healthy plant-based meals. I learned the importance of exercise to successfully meet my goals. I learned how to reverse my health challenges and lost weight. I continued to lose weight as I worked with Dana. At the time of this writing, I have worked with Dana for over a year, and have lost over 75 pounds, feel great and am off all medication!”
– J. D.
​

“I suffered from chronic generalized anxiety, shortness of breath, severe eye inflammation, acid reflux, and was a sitting duck for heart attack. I knew I needed to change my lifestyle but felt overwhelmed about where to start. I had heard of Dana West and decided to work with her. 
The difference in my health and attitude is amazing. I have more energy, less brain fog, sleep better, and eat nutritious food that I actually like (I was a notoriously life-long picky eater). Starting a daily exercise program and particularly taking walks outdoors has helped reduce my anxiety and has been beneficial in strengthening my lungs.
My medical practitioners agree with me that Dana has significantly helped me – I am no longer a candidate for a cardiac event; my eye inflammation has dramatically been reduced; and I no longer need medication for acid reflux, and as a bonus, I lost 10 pounds.” 
–  J. M.
​

“I came to Dana’s Retreat drained, depleted and fearful. My labs were terrible and I was fearful of hearing I could never heal from this and move forward. 
“Through a tasteful blend of coursework, hands on cooking classes, real life grocery shopping trip and eating out I learned so much. I relearned that when I cooperate with God and really listen and abide by His plan, my body and soul actually l run better! I learned that a written plan for the spiritual and physical aspects set me up for success.  
“Dana's patient teaching, guidance and 1:1 coaching throughout was insightful and heartfelt.  The follow-up sessions have been vital to the success of my short-term goals. The good news is all my cholesterol labs, A1c and other labs are well within normal range within just a three month span! Amazing! Five stars for Start a New YOU!!” 
–  S. S.

​​

​

“At the end of 2019 I had an x-ray for finger pain and was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. Medications helped the swelling some but did not completely control it or the fatigue and joint pain that plagued me to the point I was considering a career switch. 
In early 2022 Dr. Mills told me some patients achieved complete remission through diet and lifestyle changes. He referred me to Dana West. The eating plan was drastically different from how I had been eating and the first month was very hard. I drastically cut back on meat consumption and cut out dairy completely. I struggled with cravings for cheese, sugar, and junk food, but about 3 weeks into the plan, my swelling all but disappeared. It just went away. Cravings or no cravings, that was motivating. The hunger and cravings lessened during the second month and now are completely gone. At the end of the second month, I noticed my energy levels were higher than they have been in years. Since starting this plan, I’ve only walked and gardened, but about 50 pounds have fallen off. 
I never dreamed I’d have results like this in a matter of months. The difference is amazing. No swelling, no fatigue, and little to no pain. I have my life back. No pork roast, bowl of queso, or candy bar is worth giving that up. I am incredibly grateful to both Dana and Dr. Mills for all their help and support.” 
– S. H.
​

“I was diagnosed with early diabetes and was more than a bit scared at the prospects of my future. With the help of Dana, I found that this did not have to have a horrible ending like I’d always heard. I was surprised diet and exercise could not only control my blood sugars but could even reverse my diagnosis. Within one month, I saw big improvements in my numbers and not just my blood sugars! Everything had drastically improved! My doctor was shocked at how quickly I had a turn around. Over the next year I lost 50 lbs., reversed diabetes, and feel so much better in every aspect of my life! Without the support and help from Dana, I don’t know if I would have gotten as far as I have!”
– M. F.

​​

​

“I came to the Energize and Thrive Virtual Health Retreat with no symptoms or diagnoses to repair, praise God. What I did have was long standing bad health habits that I was allowing in my life due to stress and busyness. My main weaknesses were caffeine, sugar, and eating too much late in the evening. I had other decent habits, such as regular exercise and drinking lots of water. Yet, overall I was not happy with my habits and I knew those habits would become health problems in time. This was my primary motivation to do the retreat; to seize the opportunity for guidance and structure for a comprehensive health habit reset. 
“The retreat was exactly what I needed. I am now 15 days without my usual indulgences and I do not feel deprived at all. I was surprised by how well I adapted to the menu. The overall impact on my health so far is that I do have more energy than normal and I have lost about 10 pounds. That is a win! I do think about the foods and drinks that I like and that I normally let myself have, but I am determined to not let myself sabotage the progress made. My baby steps toward cooperating with God have been met with His merciful strength to compensate for my weakness. I believe I am on track for real and lasting change. There are so many great recipes from the program that I can use so I do not feel lost about what to eat. I will be ordering Dana's additional resources for even more options. I know they will be wonderful resources for maintaining long-term change.”
– C. S.

​​

​

“Two days before Christmas, my doctor looked at my blood work and exclaimed, “I have to formally tell you, you have diabetes.” My sister had recently visited Dana’s health retreat and I’d seen the difference it made for her. And I knew I needed to work with Dana, too. 
“As each day of the retreat passed, I learned the “what” and the “why” of different things I needed to shift. It’s all about moving in rhythm with God and aligning to His plan. Dana had said very confidently at the beginning something about “cooperating with God and His plan for my life.” Through each presentation, slowly a bigger picture became clear as I’ve leaned into God’s plan for me. 
“I feel lighter and truthfully, I am lighter on the scale! What a bonus! I also saw a remarkable shrinking of a lump on my neck that has been growing for 21 years. I’ve felt life and energy and flexibility return to my body, mind and spirit. This experience has been an absolute gift from God! I look forward to continuing to follow this new plan God has given me. I will stay connected by joining the Start a New YOU! Program and use the opportunities for weekly connection to stay accountable and on track. Most of all, I will keep my eyes on Jesus and remember “in Him I live and move and have my being.” 
– T. P.

​​

​

“I joined Dana’s Start A New YOU! Program previously when I had health issues such as weight gain, fibroids, gluten intolerance, and arthritis, which alleviated these problems. 
“More recently, I sustained a very serious concussion, which has affected my whole body, and I have not been able to continue working the program as I was doing before. Before this Health Retreat, I was suffering with imbalance and needed a stick to prevent falls. I also had a swollen thyroid with a very noticeable lump on my thyroid. I also was diagnosed with fatty liver disease. My arthritis had been restricted just to my foot and ankles before but now was affecting my hands and knees. 
“I can walk without a stick. My gut is working better and the swelling in my thyroid has gone down so much that I cannot feel any lump or anything. I also do not feel any arthritis in my joints and have lost most of the weight that I gained since the incident with the concussion, and I have so much more energy. I plan to keep in touch with Dana in her Abundant Health for Life Coaching Program.”
– M. B.

​