Help David beat Lyme Disease

Anyone who knows David can tell you what a wonderful heart he has. He would give the shirt off his back for a stranger in need. He’s always the first one to offer his help and support to his friends and family. Now, I’m reaching out and asking others to help him during this time. David contracted Lyme disease over 14 years ago. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is transmitted by certain types of ticks, and is typically accompanied by other tick-borne illnesses (called “Co-infections”). It is often debilitating for the people who are suffering from this illness. Many times it becomes chronic.  Once the bacteria gets into the brain, it wreaks havoc on the cognitive and neurological functions. Symptoms are so wide-range that Lyme is often misdiagnosed as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, mental health problems, Alzheimer’s disease, and more. Unfortunately, there is still no dependable cure for chronic Lyme disease. The majority of doctors in the U.S. don’t know enough about Lyme to properly treat a patient with the disease, and insurance will not cover most specialized treatments. David wasn’t diagnosed with Lyme until 6 years after he contracted the disease and started experiencing symptoms. For years he went from one specialist to the next trying to find answers. He was experiencing symptoms in every part of his body and mind so it was hard to find the problem. Finally, after he was diagnosed, he was able to understand why he was dealing with this chronic sickness. In 2013, A SPECT scan revealed that he had cerebral hypoperfusion (caused by the Lyme)- which means that there is a reduction of blood flow to parts of his brain.  This lack of adequate oxygen can cause cellular damage. Cerebral hypoperfusion causes a myriad of different brain/cognitive problems, many of which David has been struggling with for years. This illness has been an ongoing battle for him. For some time David’s physical health was improving with certain treatments, but his brain issues have not gotten much better. In the past year his symptoms started to get much worse and are continually increasing. Specifically, his brain function has been declining. After years of suffering, he is fighting once and for all to beat this disease… and that is why I’m asking for your help. In January, David is going to a Lyme treatment clinic in Mexico. He will be there anywhere between 5 and 8 weeks. Their treatment has helped many people, and I believe that it will help him greatly as well. When he returns he will continue to do treatment in the US at other facilities that specialize in Lyme. With all the medical costs paid over the past years, his funds are dwindling. It is so discouraging to be chronically sick and also have to constantly worry about whether you can pay for treatment. Lyme is a terrible disease - partially because there is such a lack of knowledge in this country and a lack of support from insurance providers. People with Lyme are often chronically sick and also chronically broke. Please show some LOVE to David! Right now, the cost for treatment in Mexico will be about $30,000. Afterwards, David will need to continue his treatment, which could be anywhere from $50,000 to $70,000. Any donation amount is appreciated! Thank you so much!