In 1925 when Rene was nursing in Timmins, Dr J.A. McInnis persuaded her to treat a woman who had cancer of the bowel which was further complicated by a diabetic condition.

The patient agreed to cease taking insulin in order to avoid any kind of complication.

The cancerous tumour first became larger and harder until it almost obstructed the bowel. Strangely enough, the diabetes disappeared completely as injections were continued... The tumour eventually softened and reduced in size until it was all gone.

Essiac was discontinued after six months of weekly injections, yet the patient remained in good health.

In 1926, this case was brought to the attention of Dr Frederick Banting, discoverer of insulin, who examined the records and x-ray pictures taken during the course of the treatments. He concluded, Rene stated, that the remedy must have activated the pancreatic gland into normal functioning, causing the diabetic condition to clear up.