Hello! We’re the Andersons!
Two years ago, our world changed and not necessarily for the better. Ali went from climbing mountains to bedbound, having passed out in the shower and sustaining a head injury. She was hospitalized twice for weeks with no answers and no improvements. After months and months of countless tests, scans, procedures, and specialists, God led Ali to an amazing provider who diagnosed Ali with Lyme disease and co-infections. Ali experiences a plethora of symptoms including neurological, cardiac, and more which makes daily life extremely difficult. She was also diagnosed with arrhythmia, dysautonomia, POTS, and a load of other issues.
As we’re sure many of you understand, times are extremely difficult right now. All of the testing, procedures, hospitalization, and specialists have drained us emotionally, physically, mentally, and financially. We are in a boatload of medical debt from all of this. WE NEED YOUR HELP! Ali’s treatment for dysautonomia alone was $8,000 and treatment has only just begun. Lyme and co-infections must be treated in order to help resolve or mitigate symptom burden. Treating these diagnoses will help Ali get her life back as a mom, wife, small business owner, and human being. Please consider supporting Ali and the Anderson family through this difficult journey.
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme Disease is an illness caused by Borellia, a bacteria. If treated within an appropriate time frame, symptoms can resolve or be “cured.” However, if Lyme disease goes untreated and undiagnosed (like in Ali’s case), the illness becomes chronic and cannot be completely eliminated or cured.
You may think, “Well you can live with Lyme disease, right?” As a household affected by chronic illness, we can truthfully say, it isn’t much of a life. It affects the patient and the whole family every day.
What are co-infections?
Co-infections occur when a tick is carrying multiple diseases and infects an individual at the same time as Lyme disease.
What is dysautonomia?
Dysautonomia is the dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. It can cause a plethora of symptoms ranging in severity. The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary body functions such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, etc.
What to do if you’ve been bit by a tick?
A good guide is here on the Mayo Clinic website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-tick-bites/basics/art-20056671
Importantly, save the tick as recommended, monitor for any symptoms, and it Is a good idea to reach out to a doctor even if you are symptom free.
Other ways you can support:
-prayers
-checking in
-if you're a Lyme warrior, tips and ways that helped improve your quality of life
-meals (if you're local)
-supporting Lyme disease and co-infections and dysautonomia research
-educate yourself and others
Have questions? Please feel free to reach out and we’ll do our best to answer them!