Tiffany's Journey to Health

Health. Something most Americans take for granted. Something I have strongly desired for many years. If you don't know me very well, you might be surprised to hear that. I have spent many years struggling with multiple health challenges; continually searching for ways to get well. Continually trying new things. Continually realizing my body is not responding to treatment as the doctors expect!  I suffer from multiple "invisible" illnesses; illnesses that are not apparent to the observer, but are rather internal. After chasing traditional medical options, I was lead to becoming a nutritional therapist and turning to natural healthcare options. The search continued through many years, including through two pregnancies, when I finally found one cause of my years of struggles during my second pregnancy. That is a genetic mutation known as MTHFR (methyltetrahydrofolate reductase). Having MTHFR and other methylation defects, among other factors, has caused me overwhelming fatigue, anxiety and panic disorder, many digestive discomforts, many food intolerances, pain, and more health struggles not listed here. Not to mention the financial strain seeking treatment has had on our family. If you see me on the street, you might not think there is anything wrong with me. I look healthy. I act healthy. However, I am silently suffering even as we interact.

So why am I setting up a GoFundMe account? MTHFR is a relatively new finding. The tests, treatments, and visits with doctors that are equipped to manage MTHFR are not covered by insurance. Most of these doctors require payment up front. I have located a clinic in Wichita that specializes in chronic illness that I feel would be well-equipped to help me heal and further manage my multiple health challenges, including MTHFR. Their intensive wellness program is incredibly expensive. It includes a two-week initial visit with intense, all-day therapy and treatment. This costs just under $10,000, and is my initial goal just to get started working with these doctors. There will then be follow-up visits that will last for several days each time. And insurance will not cover any of it!

Why now? I have been feeling significantly worse since the birth of my second child in March of 2013. It has been very difficult to function as usual and take care of my new baby. I know I have to do something different. 

Putting myself "out there" is one of the hardest things for me to do. Add sharing my health struggles and asking for financial support on top of that, and I'm so far outside my comfort zone that it scares me! However, I'm so desperate to get well for myself, my husband, and for my children that I am willing to ask for help when I cannot help myself. I desperately desire to be a wife and mother who has the energy, stamina, and ability to conquer each new day. I want to relieve the burden my husband feels to help me where he is unable. I want to feel good while cheering my kids on in their activities. I want to joyfully play with them at the park. I have so many hopes and wishes that involve me in a state of wellness. Including raising awareness for others who suffer from methylation defects, as well as using my education and background in nutritional therapy to help others who struggle with these same issues. 

So why did I start this page? Because I can't do this on my own. I don't have the means to get the treatment I need. I have done a garage sale, sold personal belongings, and saved profits from my baking business to start my fund. I continue to look for more ways to earn money to add to it. Every little bit helps. But it's not enough. If you would be willing to make any donation to my cause, it would touch my heart deeply. I want to be well so badly.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my story and considering what you can do. If you're not in a place to help me financially, I ask for prayers. The Great Physician knows exactly what I need and I feel that he has led me to this clinic and to asking for your help.

With Hope,

Tiffany, Brian, Avalyn, and Roman

http://www.mollysfund.org/2013/04/invisible-illness-but-you-look-so-good/?doing_wp_cron=1405029195.7161710262298583984375

www.mthfr.net