Help Christy Berger Fight Lung Disease

My sister Christy Berger has been a volunteer wildlife rehabilitator/educator and animal rescuer for more than 10 years. She recently received a serious medical diagnosis that was likely caused by the very animals that she has devoted years to rescuing and advocating for – birds. Her diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (aka bird fancier's lung) is a rare condition that was most likely caused by the rescued domestic pigeons and doves in her home. 

Per the specialist at UCSF, the #1 treatment for her condition is to avoid exposure to the pigeons and doves, and this includes having her house and belongings professionally deep cleaned to get rid of all bird dander. She also cannot not keep any possessions that cannot be cleaned adequately. Studies have shown that the less dander residue in the home, the better the individual’s survival. Continued exposure to dander in her home will eventually result in Christy needing a lung transplant. We cannot let this happen.

Christy recently depleted her savings and credit on a different urgent family matter, and needs help to afford the deep cleaning, replacing items (especially furniture) that cannot be cleaned adequately, and more. She used the last of her credit to purchase a large medical grade HEPA filter for her home. 

Christy loves birds and this is extremely painful for her. She still plans to be involved with animal rescue, outreach and education, including Sacramento Heron and Egret Rescue (she is the co-founder and coordinator), and serving on the board at Gold Country Wildlife Rescue in Auburn, CA. She will attempt to continue to be the caretaker to the two disabled ambassador crows that she works with. Crows have far less dander than pigeons, so the risk is lower, and after talking with others with her condition, she has a plan. When indoors, the crows will reside in her spare bedroom with a HEPA machine, and she will install a window between her living room and the spare room so that she can see, hear, and "talk" to them as usual. She will also wear an N95 when working closely with them. She needs help to afford the window installation and HEPA filter so that she and the crows can still have some normalcy in their lives.

Christy also needs to rehome her (now fully outdoor) flock of rescued domestic pigeons and doves. Each of these birds has a rescue story – attacked by a predator, hit by a car, found starving and lost or sick. The birds are far less risk to her being outdoors, but the risk remains. She ordered a respirator to help keep her safe when she enters the aviaries to care for the birds, but will need to hire someone to clean the aviaries weekly when friends are unable to help.

Your contribution will help my sister stay healthy and able to keep doing her good work in the community!

Here are some photos of Christy doing what she loves most - rescuing and advocating for animals:

Outreach and education

Assisting with field rescue of baby herons

Outreach with rescued domestic dove Freckles (who has found a great new home!)