October 10, 2023

Hello everyone,

Usually Dawn writes these but I’m doing it this time just to give you guys an update on where I’m at and where we are going. I hope this is informative and gives you a better understanding of what I’m battling with. Since the end of 2019 at the beginning of my treatment it has been a serious roller coaster ride. I have good days and bad but I am currently seeing my motor functions slowly decline as well as the beginning stages of neuropathy in my vocal cords. I no longer have a gag reflex so, many times I wake up and have to cough up saliva that has drained down into my lungs. I have constant pain along with chronic fatigue and have had several seizures over the past 6 months. I live in a constant state of anxiety and depression. So, with all of that said, I’ve plateaued and have just been surviving each day hoping that one day God would answer all of your prayers as well as mine for healing to come.

Most of you understand that I have Lyme disease but the reality is that I have Lyme as well as Bartonella and babesia. It’s the trinity of suffering. Anyway, I have changed doctors and am now seeing a doctor in Cleveland, TN. So no more flying to Washington D.C. The bad news is that I need several new medications that are really expensive and several of them have to be compounded at a special pharmacy and shipped to me. The supplements are expensive as well, especially since the doctors have me on so many. I really believe however that God has led me to this new doctor and I believe that I will start making progress this year. The new treatment is going to start out at 6 months of solid treatment days. This means I may get worse again before I get better. I am not looking forward to this part. I have a deep faith That God and the Holy Spirit are leading me down this path. The problem however is that we are broke after taking care of our normal everyday bills. So, I am asking for your help. If you can give, that would really help to buy my prescription medications. If all you can do is pray, just know that you are spending your most valuable asset on me. You can’t make more time and the time you spend in prayer on my behalf means more and is by far more sacrificial than any money or supplements you could buy. I am grateful beyond words and love you all.

May our God who is filled with grace and peace keep you and lavish you with His love and blessings. In Him till the end, Joel