Cathy's ALS/Lyme Recovery Journey
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My ALS/ Chronic Lyme Recovery Journey
My life has been filled with many challenges. I became a single mother of two small children at 35 years old, shortly after losing my mom, making me parent-less. Being on my own allowed me to build my inner strength and understand that anything is possible.
Now my children are grown and I face another challenge. Just over one year ago, I started to experience trouble with my left foot while hiking. Initially thinking it was a sprained ankle, my ability to walk became increasingly difficult, so off to my doctor. My doctor referred me to a top neurologist at Beth Israel Hospital in Manhattan. His diagnoses was ALS. How could this be? Me, a woman who always took care of herself, could have such a dreaded disease? A second opinion by a doctor at Columbia Presbyterian concurred with the first doctor, I have ALS.
While helping me research ALS, my sister-in-law found a correlation between chronic Lyme disease and the symptoms of ALS. Twelve years ago, I had a case of Lyme disease. Could I have Lyme again, but worse? I sent my blood sample to a specialized lab in California called Igenex. To my and my physician’s surprise, my test came positive for Lyme!
Battling Lyme is now my focus. I took a holistic approach for about a year and experienced some remarkable improvements. However, the progress gradually ceased, so it was time to move on to other treatments. I made an appointment with a top Lyme-Literate physician in Mt. Kisco, NY. I am now trying a different approach, following my physician’s treatment of antibiotics. Recently, I have sent another blood sample back to Igenex, a year later to see what it will reveal.
I have had to pay out of pocket for all the treatments and doctors’ visits thus far. Unfortunately, Lyme treatment is not covered by insurance! This has created a financial strain for me, and I am now in a position where I need to ask for financial help. My physical abilities continue to diminish, requiring me to purchase handicap equipment and possibly relocate to a handicap accessible environment. I have learned many life lessons over the past year, one is to ask for help when you need it, beyond the help of friends and family. Asking for help is not an admittance of weakness, it is a sign of strength and respect for myself to know that I am worthy of other’s assistance.
I greatly appreciate your donation; no amount is too small. Although my doctors are not positive if I have ALS and Lyme, or chronic Lyme disease alone, I am a fighter and I will continue to take care of my body and do what is necessary for me to heal. I WILL NOT GIVE UP!
Thank you for your support, I will keep you updated.
With gratitude and love,
Cathy
My life has been filled with many challenges. I became a single mother of two small children at 35 years old, shortly after losing my mom, making me parent-less. Being on my own allowed me to build my inner strength and understand that anything is possible.
Now my children are grown and I face another challenge. Just over one year ago, I started to experience trouble with my left foot while hiking. Initially thinking it was a sprained ankle, my ability to walk became increasingly difficult, so off to my doctor. My doctor referred me to a top neurologist at Beth Israel Hospital in Manhattan. His diagnoses was ALS. How could this be? Me, a woman who always took care of herself, could have such a dreaded disease? A second opinion by a doctor at Columbia Presbyterian concurred with the first doctor, I have ALS.
While helping me research ALS, my sister-in-law found a correlation between chronic Lyme disease and the symptoms of ALS. Twelve years ago, I had a case of Lyme disease. Could I have Lyme again, but worse? I sent my blood sample to a specialized lab in California called Igenex. To my and my physician’s surprise, my test came positive for Lyme!
Battling Lyme is now my focus. I took a holistic approach for about a year and experienced some remarkable improvements. However, the progress gradually ceased, so it was time to move on to other treatments. I made an appointment with a top Lyme-Literate physician in Mt. Kisco, NY. I am now trying a different approach, following my physician’s treatment of antibiotics. Recently, I have sent another blood sample back to Igenex, a year later to see what it will reveal.
I have had to pay out of pocket for all the treatments and doctors’ visits thus far. Unfortunately, Lyme treatment is not covered by insurance! This has created a financial strain for me, and I am now in a position where I need to ask for financial help. My physical abilities continue to diminish, requiring me to purchase handicap equipment and possibly relocate to a handicap accessible environment. I have learned many life lessons over the past year, one is to ask for help when you need it, beyond the help of friends and family. Asking for help is not an admittance of weakness, it is a sign of strength and respect for myself to know that I am worthy of other’s assistance.
I greatly appreciate your donation; no amount is too small. Although my doctors are not positive if I have ALS and Lyme, or chronic Lyme disease alone, I am a fighter and I will continue to take care of my body and do what is necessary for me to heal. I WILL NOT GIVE UP!
Thank you for your support, I will keep you updated.
With gratitude and love,
Cathy
Organizer and beneficiary
Sammy Spindel
Organizer
Brewster, NY
Cathy Mathes
Beneficiary