10 Years of Healing, A Future of Hope
Help us raise $10,000 to change more lives.
Our story
“Ten years ago, we started with a brochure and a bold idea: that food could heal.” — Dr. Ted Barnett, Founder and President
What began with a spark of compassion and a review of the science became a movement to empower people to take control of their health through whole-food, plant-based nutrition. RLMI has now helped thousands reclaim their health and their lives. And we’re just getting started.
Real Results, Real People
“I feel great - so much more energy.” — Cathy M, Jumpstart participant 2025
Over 2,700 people have completed our signature 15-Day Whole-Food Plant-Based Jumpstart program that is based on Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn’s proven disease reversal protocol. Participants see real, measurable improvements in just two weeks, as shown by these average recorded results:
Our work is evidence-based, medically reviewed, and changing lives. It’s certified by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, used in clinical research, and presented at national medical conferences. The live, facilitated program is now complemented by an On-Demand option—perfect for those who prefer independent learning or are unable to attend live sessions. It also allows us to reach and support even more people on their journey to better health.
Why We Need You Now
Our Goal: $10,000, and your donation will help us:
Make Jumpstart accessible to all - Everyone deserves a chance to take back their health. We keep Jumpstart affordable so no one is left behind—but fees don’t cover the full cost. Your gift helps more people join the program, regardless of income.
Empower healthcare providers to lead change - We offer free and low-cost training in lifestyle medicine to doctors and other professionals, so they can better support their patients—and help shift the healthcare system toward prevention and healing.
Reach people around the world - Chronic disease knows no borders. We’re building more flexible, global-friendly versions of our programs—especially Jumpstart—so we can serve communities everywhere, in every time zone.
Please Donate - Thank You!
Share in the Impact
“I found it truly life-changing!” — Laura B, Jumpstart participant 2025
Every gift helps us say “yes” to the next person who asks: “Can you help me take back my health?”
Be part of the next chapter in creating hope and lasting change. Your donation brings healing, recovery, and renewed health to those who need it most.
Your gift is 100% tax-deductible, processed securely, and followed by a confirmation email with your receipt and future impact updates.
Our story from Dr. Ted Barnett
Ten years ago, my wife Carol and I founded Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute (RLMI) with a powerful idea: that people can take control of their health—safely, effectively, and without relying solely on medication—through the power of whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) nutrition.
It all started with a brochure. Carol read about the suffering of downed dairy cows, and it shifted everything for her. Her compassion grew, and we both began questioning the food on our plates—and the systems behind it.
As an interventional radiologist and lifelong environmentalist, I turned to the medical literature to see what the science said. What I found surprised me: something we were never taught in medical school—that food could not only prevent, but actually stop and even reverse, chronic disease.
Inspired by the groundbreaking work of Drs. Ornish, McDougall, and Esselstyn, we immersed ourselves in this lifestyle and began teaching others. In 2015, we launched RLMI to take that message further.
Our work has helped thousands reclaim their health—often after years of struggle. Through our online programs, our reach now extends across the U.S. and eleven other countries, and countless more stand to benefit.
Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute’s mission is to promote lifestyle change, especially Whole-Food Plant-Based nutrition, as the foundation for human health, a healthy planet, and a sustainable healthcare system.
2025 Donor Wall
A big thank you to the following generous donors! You help us continue our important work.
2025 donations through April 30, 2025
$1000+
James and Barbara Minor Fund
$500+
JoBeth and Noel Nichols
$250+
Julian Simmons
Sandra Sarnoski-Roberts, MD and Thomas S Roberts, MD
$100+
Abraham Seidmann
Carla Weathers
David and Abby Stern
David Drobes
Grounded by Yoga (Canandaigua & Bloomfield)
Jim Berger
Jim Tipton, MD and Susan Tipton
Kathryn Cappella-Hankins
Kim Gorall
Lawrence Gruber
Scott Barry
Susan Friedman, MD and Robert Paine
$50+
Ali Crockett
Earnee J Gilling
Elizabeth Knight
Eric Tomosky
Frazell Thomas
Gail Collard
Kyrras Conrad
Linda Mason
Marilyn Thaler
Mary Finkel
Mary Jo Jepson
Stephen Middleton
Timothy Geen
Tracy Keys
Yanis Cisneros