Debbie Heist Lambert
Debbie Heist Lambert is a dedicated patient advocate, stakeholder representative, and founder of Living with Gadolinium, LLC, where she works tirelessly to raise awareness and support for individuals affected by Gadolinium Toxicity. After experiencing a medically-induced injury that left her largely bed- and house-bound for years, Debbie redirected her passion and expertise toward helping others navigate the complex challenges of Gadolinium exposure. Her personal journey has fueled her mission to educate, humanize, and create dialogue around the effects of Gadolinium, advocating for informed consent, transparency, and collaboration with medical professionals, researchers, and manufacturers.
With nearly 40 years of professional experience, Debbie has held leadership roles at major corporations, including Scentsy, Inc. and Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, where she managed global translation and content management programs, implemented enterprise-wide process improvements, and led cross-functional teams to achieve measurable results. Her extensive background in program management, vendor relations, and process optimization facilitates her current advocacy work, enabling her to organize support networks, create educational resources, and advance best practices for patients impacted by rare and under-recognized medical conditions.
Debbie earned a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Organizational Leadership from George Fox University, and she has applied her skills and knowledge to empower patients and communities worldwide. After her injury, she completed coursework to be a Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor.
Her advocacy work has provided an opportunity to meet thousands of Gadolinium-affected individuals. She has become a trusted voice and resource in the field, fostering a supportive environment where patients can share experiences, access critical information, and advocate for change. Despite her personal health challenges, Debbie remains committed to service, striving to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
• Functional Nutrition Counselor - FxNa
• George Fox University - BA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my commitment as a patient advocate for individuals affected by gadolinium exposure and retention, which is an outcome of the contrast agents used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). My personal experience with this issue—having received four gadolinium-based contrast injections during MRIs for pancreatic concerns—led to significant health challenges, including many symptoms - one resembling dementia, and another deep-burning pain throughout my body. This life-changing experience has fueled my purpose and passion to raise awareness about the risks of gadolinium and support those who may be experiencing complications. I am dedicated to sharing my story and providing guidance to anyone affected by these metal toxins.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that I can and will make a difference. This advice has guided me throughout my journey and inspired me to take action---recently by writing and publishing my first book, Gadolinium Deposition and Toxicity: Humanizing A Life-Changing Event, available on Amazon.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is that you can get the support and guidance you need, and if you face challenges, healing and moving forward is possible. I speak from experience—I encourage everyone to be curious, stay adaptable, and be open to new ways of treating and healing ailments. In my own health struggles, I have always strived to embrace the unknown, as life is filled with many lessons and blessings. Rather than asking "why me, I seek ways to serve others." Opportunities to find joy abound even during difficult times; the challenges overcome become the treasures we never imagined.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field right now is ensuring that every individual affected by gadolinium exposure can be reached and supported. Expanding awareness and providing guidance to those impacted is both a critical need and a meaningful opportunity to make a real difference.
Today, there is a large and growing number of people who struggle with adverse events, symptoms, and diseases associated with gadolinium retention, REEs (rare earth elements), biochemicals, and toxicants of our world. Unlimited opportunities exist for individuals working in medicine, biology, chemistry, and toxicology who have a desire to ask questions in different ways, learn, develop, and implement new methods, protocols, modalities, and solutions to help heal patients and our environment (air, soil, water).
When we afford everyone a seat at the table, each bringing their unique gifts, positive changes follow.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me in both my work and personal life are my Faith, advocacy, transparency, and compassion. Sharing my story and providing information, helping and empowering others to navigate similar challenges is at the heart of everything I do.