Dani Loewenstein's Road to Recovery
Donation protected
Dani was infected with Covid-19 in March of 2020. What initially presented as a heavy flu turned into over a year of a rollercoaster of debilitating symptoms that have left him with brain, heart, lung and nervous system injuries. Dani is a "First Wave Long-Hauler" which means he has been suffering without much direction due to the lack of knowledge surrounding Covid-19 and its long term implications. The day to day symptoms experienced by Dani and other "Covid Long-haulers" is extensive. His most debilitating symptoms are fatigue, neurological dysfunction, systemic inflammation leading to body and nerve pain, post exertional malaise, shortness of breath, chronic headaches and nausea, visual impairment and extreme sensitivity to light, sound and movement. To put it simply, Dani went from being an active mountain guide and lodge manager to struggling to walk just a few blocks.
Dani is not alone in this experience and has been able to share his journey with others in surrounding communities. After a great deal of research into available treatments and different approaches to treating post viral illness and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a friend and fellow long hauler discovered the Hoffman Centre for Integrative and Functional Medicine in Calgary. Dr. Hoffman and his team have been treating complex medical conditions for decades and feel that the post viral condition that Covid leaves in its wake is treatable. With no other options present and the reality of systemic inflammation causing long term damage, Dani enrolled in the Hoffman Centre.
Extensive testing and diagnostics began on April 19, 2021 and Dani was found to have mast cell activation syndrome, mitochondrial dysfunction, pericarditis, costochondritis, brain inflammation and vagus nerve / nervous system dysfunction. The brain injury has affected his vestibular system and has created a visual and auditory learning disability.
Treatment began immediately and the positive effects were already felt after the first week. Dani's energy levels have started to improve and systemic inflammation has begun to dissipate. He has felt some mental clarity that has not been present for over a year and has been able to help his wife with more parenting, house work and life maintenance once again.
Despite these exciting improvements, Dani has a long way to go to being a functional parent, husband and mountain guide once again. This is not a short term course of treatment and the cost is not covered by BC Healthcare or insurance.
Although he says "It feels great to be mediocre!" Dani and his family are looking at a heavy financial burden to get him healthy and able to work again. To date, they have already spent $35 000 to get him where he is today. They are confident that if there is a chance at full recovery from this disease, the Hoffman Centre is their best option. It is expected that the treatment will total anywhere from $50 000 to $100 000.
Dani is not alone in this experience and has been able to share his journey with others in surrounding communities. After a great deal of research into available treatments and different approaches to treating post viral illness and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a friend and fellow long hauler discovered the Hoffman Centre for Integrative and Functional Medicine in Calgary. Dr. Hoffman and his team have been treating complex medical conditions for decades and feel that the post viral condition that Covid leaves in its wake is treatable. With no other options present and the reality of systemic inflammation causing long term damage, Dani enrolled in the Hoffman Centre.
Extensive testing and diagnostics began on April 19, 2021 and Dani was found to have mast cell activation syndrome, mitochondrial dysfunction, pericarditis, costochondritis, brain inflammation and vagus nerve / nervous system dysfunction. The brain injury has affected his vestibular system and has created a visual and auditory learning disability.
Treatment began immediately and the positive effects were already felt after the first week. Dani's energy levels have started to improve and systemic inflammation has begun to dissipate. He has felt some mental clarity that has not been present for over a year and has been able to help his wife with more parenting, house work and life maintenance once again.
Despite these exciting improvements, Dani has a long way to go to being a functional parent, husband and mountain guide once again. This is not a short term course of treatment and the cost is not covered by BC Healthcare or insurance.
Although he says "It feels great to be mediocre!" Dani and his family are looking at a heavy financial burden to get him healthy and able to work again. To date, they have already spent $35 000 to get him where he is today. They are confident that if there is a chance at full recovery from this disease, the Hoffman Centre is their best option. It is expected that the treatment will total anywhere from $50 000 to $100 000.
Organizer and beneficiary
Kristi Easton
Organizer
Golden, BC
Dani Loewenstein
Beneficiary
