Donate to Cindy Holt's Healing and Hope

My name is Stephanie Watkins and I set this up for the purpose of helping my sister-in-law, Cindy Holt.

On November 23, 2023, my brother, Mike, and his wife, Cindy's life took a turn that hasn't stopped turning since. Cindy and her daughter, Ashlyn, were having a fun evening making Christmas cookies with two of my grandbabies. What at first seemed like harmless silliness from Cindy soon turned into a living nightmare. Ashlyn noticed Cindy's acting silly wasn't just entertainment for the benefit of the kiddos. Ashlyn noticed unusual behavior and was becoming concerned. A short while later, Mike returned home from work and Ashlyn told him about Cindy seeming to be acting almost intoxicated or drugged in her behavior. She mentioned to him the possibility of a stroke perhaps. I myself had gone over to check on her and she was not making eye contact and was acting very odd, a personality shift if you will. After a while, they were able to get Cindy into the car and began the drive from Loogootee to Jasper.

As they approached Haysville, it became apparent that Cindy had lost her ability to speak and had begun having violent tremors. Upon arriving at Memorial Hospital in Jasper, she underwent every possible test you can imagine in the ER. Her blood pressure was significantly elevated, she was alert but unable to make eye contact or speak, the tremors were very strong, and she had lost the ability to walk. Things were becoming very scary as they alerted the Stroke Team and admitted Cindy to ICU.

Preliminary tests did rule out stroke, so other testing was ordered. They did a lumbar puncture to check her spinal fluid, an EEG for any seizure activity, EKG, CT with and without contrast, labs, and on and on. Neurology from within the hospital and Louisville were involved... to no avail. Test after test came back, all returned negative. Cindy had regained some of her speech although it was with a very prominent stutter. Walking was returning but only with a walker and two people aiding her.

Finally, after several days, the physicians came to the conclusion that Cindy had what they call a Conversion Disorder and after a very vague description was given to them, she was sent home. By this time, she of course was out of income as was Michael and even their daughter, Ashlyn, as she also refused to leave her mom's side.

What is Conversion Disorder? According to The Cleveland Clinic, Conversion Disorder is a condition where a mental health issue disrupts how your brain works. This causes real, physical symptoms that a person can't control. Symptoms can include seizures, weakness or paralysis, or reduced input from one or more senses (sight, sound, etc.). This condition is often treatable through various types of therapy.

Since that time, Cindy has had extreme ups and downs physically and mentally. She has been in and out of the hospital, been on medications that helped for a few days and then those medications caused awful side effects. She attempted to work after all of this but recently came to the conclusion that it was not possible due to the unpredictability of this disorder. She was in therapy, seeing a psychiatrist, and had been through physical therapy and speech therapy, and at times was taking eighteen pills a day!

One day, Mike was listening to his favorite podcast, Unashamed with Phil, Jase, and Al Robertson. They had a guest, Dr. Daniel Amen. As Mike listened, he felt the Holy Spirit stirring his heart. He found that Dr. Amen has helped so many patients with psychiatric conditions that had been misdiagnosed. Dr. Amen and his team have looked at eighty-three THOUSAND brain images! He has helped countless people.

Dr. Amen has several clinics throughout the US, the closest to us is in Chicago. Mike and Cindy have insurance, but it isn't going to cover this type of care. The clinic requires you to be there for 3 to 4 days of rigorous testing. They have had huge successes and this is something worthwhile, I promise you that. When the testing is all completed, they give you an itemized statement to turn in to your insurance in case there is something on there that insurance will cover. The cost of the tests and time is $5000, and they need to have a $500 deposit. They will also need help with travel, food, and lodging.

If you look into some of the causes of Conversion Disorder, trauma is the greatest common factor. Cindy has had a lot of trauma. Childhood trauma and trauma as an adult as well. I can only say that I highly encourage you to look into The Amen Clinics, into Conversion Disorders, and know this: if you have been a victim of physical/sexual abuse as a child or adult or know someone who has, this could be their situation one day, especially if they have never dealt with it or been believed. Our minds can only handle so much before it comes pouring out like infection from a wound. I want to sincerely thank everyone who has taken the time to read this. Please pray for the guidance of The Holy Spirit as you consider giving to Mike and Cindy. If you are not able to give financially and even if you are, please keep them in your prayers. Also, know this, it is my solemn vow that all financial contributions will be used for exactly what has been stated here. It's my firm belief that Cindy will beat this with the help of God and those who God moves to help and that one day she will be standing on a stage in churches and auditoriums not just giving her testimony, but helping others. God bless you all for whatever you're moved to do. Thank you.