I have been sick since 2006, possibly longer, and was just diagnosed with Lyme disease in March.  Because I went undiagnosed for too long, my case is late-stage Lyme disease, which allowed the disease to severely suppress my immune system.  In addition to fighting Lyme, I also face the challenge of of finding therapies that will raise my white blood cell count and restore my immune system. Therapies to restore my immune system are expensive, and they are not covered by medical insurance.  We also face travel and accommodation expenses to visit clinics that provide these therapies.