Hi my name is Kristy Lockhart and I am starting this fundraiser for my best friend Heather King to get her treatment for late stage Lyme disease.

For the past 17 years, Heather has been quietly fighting a brutal, invisible war. What began as Lyme disease has now progressed into late-stage Lyme, leaving her body ravaged by pain, exhaustion, and countless debilitating symptoms. On top of that, she’s battling multiple chronic conditions: Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS), Erythromelalgia, herniated discs in her neck and spine, and spinal stenosis — all of which compound her daily suffering.

But if you met Heather through her art, you might never know any of this.

Heather is an extraordinary wildlife photographer, beloved online as “Thee Owl Queen.” Her breathtaking photos and stunning documentaries have brought people closer to nature, especially the elusive and majestic owls she so dearly loves. Her work doesn’t just capture wildlife — it captures wonder, reverence, and a deep connection to the natural world. She gives so much beauty to others — even while in unimaginable pain behind the scenes.

But now, Heather needs us.

For seven years, Heather was under the care of a Lyme-literate doctor — a Canadian physician who, due to Canada’s restrictions on treating chronic Lyme, had to practice in the U.S. Unfortunately, when COVID struck, that doctor stopped practicing. Since then, Heather’s health has sharply declined. Old symptoms have returned, and terrifying new ones have emerged. I am watching someone I love slowly deteriorate — and it’s terrifying.

Heather is on ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) and has no family to turn to. Her financial situation is dire. But in the midst of this storm, there is a glimmer of hope: She has finally found a Canadian doctor who is willing to treat her — one of the very few who understands late-stage Lyme and is willing to go beyond the system’s current limitations.

But it’s all out-of-pocket. Just the initial consultation is $500 CAD, and the road ahead will require many appointments, treatments, tests, and ongoing care that could cost thousands more.

That’s why I’m starting this fundraiser with a goal of $5,000 — but in truth, the need will far surpass that. This is not a short battle. This is about giving Heather a chance to reclaim her life. To get out of bed without pain. To breathe without fear. To keep doing the work that brings joy to so many. To live.

If you’ve ever been moved by her photography, awed by her footage, inspired by her spirit — please consider donating. Any amount helps. Whether it’s $5 or $500, you are part of something life-changing.

And if you can’t give, you can still help: share her story. Spread the word. Remind others that there is a human behind the lens — one who has dedicated her life to capturing beauty, even as her own world was darkening.

Let’s come together for Heather.

Let’s help Thee Owl Queen rise again.